HELP NEEDED for a BIG, BIG MAN on a K1200LT

[steviewonder]

I have a friend who is 6'8"+ and weighs 350+ lbs ... a BIG, BIG man by anybody's standards.

He has a new K1200S which loves but isn't suited to two up riding for longer distances (his wife is also big, but not nearly as large as he is). He bought a Triumph Rocket and loves the bike but couldn't get comfortable with the two of them for any distance riding. He just bought a 2006 K1200LT and went out with it over the weekend with his bride on the back. He has bruises over his chins where the fairings beat him up. He can't move back because of her and can't get his legs tucked in either. He has ordered the 1.5" lowering kit for the foot pegs but is not at all convinced that this will really do much to solve the issue. At this point he's considering a GoldWing or maybe even a Harley IF they can BOTH fit comfortably on the bike together.

Anybody out there have some ideas for REALLY big people that want to ride 2-up on a K1200LT?

It's a helluva dilemma for them ... they LOVE to ride, they WANT to ride, but they can't really seem to find anything that will allow them to comfortably ride for 400-500 miles a day.

 

[steviewonder]

BTW, he's considered the J-Pegs, but they won't help much in lousy weather so that's really a bandaid and not a solution.

 

[EDDIE]

Check to see if he has the trunk slid all the way back.They can be moved fore and aft.

 

[steviewonder]

OK ... I'll do that. I didn't know it was movable. Thanks.

 

[steviewonder]

OK ... more information.

The trunk can be moved back, but the problem is the 2-tier seat really won't let you move back away from the fairings. It's essentially a legroom issue ... more space is needed between the rider's legs and the fiberglass fairings. Moving the foot pegs will help some ... but ???

 

[rojam]

I'm 6'4" but only 31" legs. Wife is 5'8"+. I wear size 14 boot & she a 10. I 300lb and she is 145. We load an LT.

I had Franz of Wilbers make me a custom set of shocks. WHAT A DIFFERENCE!!! We are able to take corners with ease- more than my skill will allow.

For the Knees- The LT has two trunk positions. Make sure it's in the furtherest back position. Also, as a last resort, some of the LT guys have removed the trunk and installed a flat aluminum plate so they can carry more sleeping bags and etc. Not sure who makes it- do search on LT site.

Also, have Rocky Meyer make him a seat. Rocky pulls some of the foam out of the back of the seat and it allows the driver to sit further back.

Make sure the tires are pumped up!!!!! Most LT people ride with 48 / 42 PSI rear/front. Any less will cup the tires quick- especially with weight on board.

Sorry to say, most bike fatories don't take us full grown people into consideration....this included clothes. Try finding a 54-56 jacket in a TALL and 14-15 boots. Not fun when most dealers only carry size 30-42 jackets and 8-12 boots.


hope this helps some. We really enjoy the LT. Once you get used to it and get the Wilbur shocks- she'll really handle. We often rub the tires out to the "chicken" Strips.

 

[RedHawK12GT]

I have a friend who is 6'8"+ and weighs 350+ lbs ... a BIG, BIG man by anybody's standards.

Hey Stevie......I own a 2004 K12GT. I am 6'2", (ahem) 400 lbs. (oops, 380, lost 20) and my bike with seat adjusted in high mode is pretty comfortable.
I have been riding lately with a 120 lb. woman, and let me tell you, this bike rocks. Of any bike I have ever owned (Jap wrist rockets, Honda ST1100, etc....) this is the finest. Especially if it's a little cold out.

 

[steviewonder]

I guess the issue is mostly about leg length. The woman behind him is a 6'2" and weighs 200+. The rear seat on his new 1200S and his old 1200RS is kinda like butt floss on longer rides and that's the sole purpose of buying this bike. He's looking as some custom seat makers to build a seat that moves him back from the tank bodywork. If that doesn't do it or simply isn't available, then he'll have to look at another brand.

BTW, the RS and the S are both fine for him ... he's comfortable, but he's alone.

 

[mikeinpittsburgh]

Please check out the LT group on line lots of info and help there
http://www.bmwlt.com
Good luck