Why do BMW bikes have such tall seat height? i had lust over the new BMWR1250RT but when i threw my leg over the seat my 29inch inseam legs were too short. why cant the Germans realize were not all as tall or good looking as they are? I was up on ballerina tippy toes on that bike. oh well guess my money stays with me
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Why so tall?
- Thread starter m1aspring
- Start date
BMW builds bikes for the majority of its customer base. I believe the 1250RT has an adjustable seat. There are other seat options and suspension lowering kits for those who find the bikes too tall. There are also options for those who find the bikes too short. Sorry, I can't comment on the "good looking" part. 
Here's a lower seat option for you...... https://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle...d-rider-seat-r1200rt-2013-2018?sku_id=1481376
Here's a lower seat option for you...... https://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle...d-rider-seat-r1200rt-2013-2018?sku_id=1481376
crna59
Active member
Yeah, just tell your dealer you want one of the "lowered chassis" models.
One size fits all?
In my case as a long legged 6'5" guy my first venture back into motorcycling was simply looking at BMW's for nostalgic reasons as I put a lot of miles on an R75 back in the day. I then bought a fairing for it and had to saw the corners off and fiberglass over them so my Knees would fit LOL. Finding the right fit is a personal journey. I searched "best motorcycle for tall riders and the GS1250's were top of the list. My used R1100S is fine but a GS would probably be better for comfort if I wanted to spend 20k plus. You will find what you are looking for.
In my case as a long legged 6'5" guy my first venture back into motorcycling was simply looking at BMW's for nostalgic reasons as I put a lot of miles on an R75 back in the day. I then bought a fairing for it and had to saw the corners off and fiberglass over them so my Knees would fit LOL. Finding the right fit is a personal journey. I searched "best motorcycle for tall riders and the GS1250's were top of the list. My used R1100S is fine but a GS would probably be better for comfort if I wanted to spend 20k plus. You will find what you are looking for.
skibum69
slave to gravity
You find and RT tall? My 640 Adventure has a 37" seat height which can be a challenge with my 30" inseam. I quickly got used to only 2 toes on the ground on one side. No big deal. Riding 2up on it still. only gets the tippy toes down but no problem. But like the previous folks said super easy to lower an RT.
brownie0486
Well-known member
I read too many times that lowering these Beemers changes their suspension dynamics enough that people don't want them after they've bought them
davidsanders
Member
The low seat can be adjusted to a height of 29.9". Just move you butt a little to one side when you're not moving. Go back to the dealer and ask to try the bike with the low seat option. I'm surprised they didn't suggest it.
My '98 R1100RT has a Russell saddle and lowered foot pegs. I can flat foot it with the seat at its' lowest position. However with my 29" inseam, I prefer the seat in the middle position allowing the balls of my feet on the ground. When touring I alternate between the mid position and the highest setting (toes touching the road). Yes it did take a bit of time to get used to the higher seat settings but it gives my legs the most comfort. This has worked for the last twelve years and and almost eighty thousand miles. Having said that, I could only ride a new GS if it was lowered; too tall for me. ��
I felt sorry for my 6'2" riding buddy a few years ago while on tour. Despite having the same model, he always look cramped sitting on his R1100RT.
I felt sorry for my 6'2" riding buddy a few years ago while on tour. Despite having the same model, he always look cramped sitting on his R1100RT.
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rangerreece
RangerReece
brownie0486
Well-known member
One has to be as athletic as that young lady to be capable of doing what she's doing. The will may be there, but the years that have rolled by say otherwise. LOL
rangerreece
RangerReece
One has to be as athletic as that young lady to be capable of doing what she's doing. The will may be there, but the years that have rolled by say otherwise. LOL
I resemble that remark.
slowpokepete
Member
at 2:05 how does she get the bike moving with her left foot still on the ground (not able to operate the shifter).
Already in first gear when she started the motor while holding in the clutch?
Some "modern" bike thing I don't know anything about?
(lol my bike is the most modern I've ever ridden, an '84 R80ST)
SPP
Obviously had it in gear. If you notice her right hand never leaves the handlebar.
There is a video clip of a very vertically challenged, a "little person", he is riding a sport bike, comes to a stop and just hops off the left side. When he needs to go again he steps on with his left foot and tosses his right leg over and goes. The video is in poor taste as the person filming makes fun of the rider. I thought he was pretty darned talented. How many of us can hop off a motorcycle without putting the side stand down, and then hop back on and go in one smooth movement?
There is a video clip of a very vertically challenged, a "little person", he is riding a sport bike, comes to a stop and just hops off the left side. When he needs to go again he steps on with his left foot and tosses his right leg over and goes. The video is in poor taste as the person filming makes fun of the rider. I thought he was pretty darned talented. How many of us can hop off a motorcycle without putting the side stand down, and then hop back on and go in one smooth movement?
I agree completely. I have a 2016 R1200RT and started with the torture devise they call a "Low" seat. Which is really the same seat just with a lot less foam in all the important places. However it does allow fairly decent ground reach, it is still too wide which greater limits reach though, just baffles me they didn't narrow it which is the main issue. I sent the factory seats off to Russell and had them build "sport" style day longs which added about 3/4" to the low seat but worth the loss. With a 29" inseam depending on boots I can almost flat foot but find I just one foot instead 90% of the time.
I don't think it will be too long before these and many other models copy Harley and offer system that lowers the bike when coming to a full stop via the electron suspension. I will be one of the 1st in line. I would have thought one of the aftermarket companies would have come up with that option by now.
pappy35
Member
No longer offered on the RT.
One has to be as athletic as that young lady to be capable of doing what she's doing. The will may be there, but the years that have rolled by say otherwise. LOL
That young lady is 50 years old. She started riding a BMW GS about five years ago. 5'1-1/2" tall, and she can ride!
Look her up! I thought it was interesting to read up on her. The first dealer she went into to buy a GS wouldn't sell it too her. Seems like the dealer has and issue with women riders. I would be embarrassed to be him and not selling her a bike seeing what she can do with it.
brownie0486
Well-known member
jnrugg
Member
I test rode a 1250GS @ Lebanon.
I told them I didn't want to ride a lowered model, I wanted to see what a regular height would be like.
When I went to the bike the BMW guy pushed a button and changed the pre-load and lowered the chassis.
I was able to flat foot it, my inseam is 30-31.
Everyone talking about lowered seats, they have electronically controlled suspension.
The ride was great, if I had the money to spend I would have spent it on the spot.
I told them I didn't want to ride a lowered model, I wanted to see what a regular height would be like.
When I went to the bike the BMW guy pushed a button and changed the pre-load and lowered the chassis.
I was able to flat foot it, my inseam is 30-31.
Everyone talking about lowered seats, they have electronically controlled suspension.
The ride was great, if I had the money to spend I would have spent it on the spot.
