BMW launches lowered suspension on new models
Good news for shorter riders as BMW offers factory option on F800S, F800ST, R1200R, R1200RT, F650GS and top-selling R1200GS
BMW has become the first motorcycle manufacturer to launch a range of models that can be ordered with lowered suspension – to provide customers with lower seat height options.
Feedback from female, novice and shorter riders confirmed that controlling a machine can be difficult at slow speeds, especially when riding motorcycles with a higher seat height. BMW Motorrad already offers a lower seat as a factory-fit option for most of its models (at no extra charge), but some riders require their seat to be lower still. Motorcyclists feel more secure when they are able to place their feet firmly on the ground, especially under stop-start conditions. BMW’s new lower suspension bikes will ensure that more riders are able to do this - naturally, comfortably and safely.
As an example, the lowered suspension option currently available on the F 800 S and ST bikes, reduces the seat height from the standard 840mm to 760mm. This option was launched in 2007 and a staggering 45% of BMW customers have since taken advantage of this opportunity when ordering their new machine.
The six models that can be ordered with lowered suspension are: the sporty F 800 S, its sports touring derivative the F 800 ST, the ‘naked’ R 1200 R roadster, the top selling R 1200 RT touring machine and the new F 650 GS and R 1200 GS enduros.
All of the BMW factory-engineered lowered suspension bikes come with a low seat, but the actual lowering modification from the standard machine varies from model to model. Bikes such as the F 800 ST come with a shorter rear shock absorber and front forks which have been lowered through the yokes. Boxer engined models, such as the R 1200 RT and R 1200 GS, achieve the lower positioning by adding a shorter strut to the front and rear shock absorbers. The Telelever settings have been changed.
For further information on seat height reduction, or the range of BMW Motorrad motorcycles that will feature this option, please visit www.bmw-motorrad.co.uk, or visit your local BMW Motorrad dealership.
Discuss this story
With a population in the UK that seems to be getting taller, this seems an odd way to go. When are manufacturers going to "cater" for taller riders to increase the seat height? The BMW move is part of an ever increasing trend in shrinking bikes for shorter folk. Even Honda are at it making the previously quite tall Transalp shorter. But I guess riders like me are a minority of a minority Jules 6'4"
Posted: 08/08/2008 19:40
The BMW move is part of an ever increasing trend in shrinking bikes for shorter folk.
But BMW aren't shrinking bikes. They're just offering shorter kits for existing normal sized models. They're pretty good with that sort of thing anyway, a lot of their models already come with adjustable seats. (Not that I've ever managed to get the seat to latch properly on it's high setting on the GS, but that's by the by.)
Can't speak for Honda though. 
Posted: 08/08/2008 19:49
With a population in the UK that seems to be getting taller, this seems an odd way to go. When are manufacturers going to "cater" for taller riders to increase the seat height? The BMW move is part of an ever increasing trend in shrinking bikes for shorter folk. Even Honda are at it making the previously quite tall Transalp shorter. But I guess riders like me are a minority of a minority Jules 6'4"
Most BMWs are on the tall side as standard - at 6'4" you're pretty much "average" height for the GS or GSA. BMW are addressing a demand that has been there for years.
Posted: 08/08/2008 22:08
Most BMWs are on the tall side as standard - at 6'4" you're pretty much "average" height for the GS or GSA.  BMW are addressing a demand that has been there for years. TBH I find GSes quite cramped for leg room, and as you know I am not tall. Most tall people tend to fit lower pegs and aftermarket seats on them as the seat to peg distance is tiny, especially when you consider how tall the bleeding things are. Good move from BM IMO tho. There's some bikes for tall people out there, but sod all for shorties. My missus can literally fit on ONE bike without modifying it, and there aren't many good NC3s left.
Posted: 09/08/2008 00:48
Thanks BMW. In the United States, the current average height of an adult man is 5 feet, 9 inches, and for an adult woman, it is 5 feet, 3 inches, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
In the Netherlands, though, men average 6 feet tall while the average woman is 5 feet, 7 inches, according to the Leiden University Medical Centre in the Netherlands.
Posted: 09/08/2008 03:50
In the Netherlands, though, men average 6 feet tall while the average woman is 5 feet, 7 inches, according to the Leiden University Medical Centre in the Netherlands.
Yes, the Dutch can be bloody tall. I'm 6'4", and some of them make me feel short. 
Posted: 09/08/2008 22:58
The Dutch are among the most miserable sods I've ever worked with and yet seem quite cheerful in their own country. . . . . . Oh.
Posted: 09/08/2008 23:38
Even the cheapest cars come with adjustable seats and steering columns. Low seat options are indeed needed but so are handlebar and footrest adjusters. Bike manufacturers do not cater for their riders comfort at all,you need to look at aftermarket suppiers for anything remotely connected with rider comfort . The K1200R is the first BMW Ive ever had that I can reach the floor with both feet and Ive always had the low seat option in the past
Posted: 12/08/2008 18:26
Seat height has always been an issue for me, I'm 5' 8" and the problem comes from being short in the leg and wide in the thigh, anything with a wide seat will push my legs out to the side. I can ride anything just fine, but like to be able to put at least one foot down when I come to a halt (without sliding off the seat) I love sports bikes but it's hard to find one that fits, one of my early bikes was an Honda VFR400 NC30, which was quite comfortable for me. Currently I ride a Yamaha YZF750R '97 which has about the shortest seat height on a sports bike from that era. A few centimetres makes all the difference, most of the 600's are set at around 820mm, my bike is about 795mm. So it's either get a shorter bike or wear platforms, which are not back in fashion just yet!
Posted: 12/08/2008 19:02
I just got a 2008, R1200RT, factory lowered. I think they got a lot of the lowering by taking the padding out of the seat. I'm going to try to find an aftermarket seat that's more comfortable without adding too much to the height. Good luck!
Posted: 02/09/2008 23:05
Has anyone bought the RT with lowered suspension? I've got a F800st in lowered kit. Apart from not having a centre stand it's a great bike; so I've bought a centre paddock stand from BMWmotorbits. I Can put both feet down and feel safer for it. makes moving into neutral from 2nd and coming to a stop safer as there's no shuffling etc. I'd love an RT . I'm a 5'5.5" short arse, Long body short legs.
Posted: 04/08/2009 21:26
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