TowJam Posted July 9, 2008 Posted July 9, 2008 Has anyone picked up an '08 GS with the factory low option? Neither of the dealers in my area have one in the showroom and I'm wondering if someone with a 29.5" (30" on a good day) inseam would be able to flat foot it.
awagnon Posted July 9, 2008 Posted July 9, 2008 Our dealer had a factory lowered GS at one of our recent club events. (BMW of Salt Lake City) It's really low. Some significantly vertically challenged individuals sat on the bike and had no problems. I'm pretty sure you would do fine with it, but should try one for sure.
TowJam Posted July 9, 2008 Author Posted July 9, 2008 Our dealer had a factory lowered GS at one of our recent club events. (BMW of Salt Lake City) It's really low. Some significantly vertically challenged individuals sat on the bike and had no problems. I'm pretty sure you would do fine with it, but should try one for sure. Thanks - this is encouraging. When it comes to the GS, 5'6" is significantly vertically challenged. That said, I've owned two GSs previously - both with the factory low seat and although they were manageable, I much prefer to be able to get both feet down without having to resort to the one-cheek-sneak. If I pull the trigger on the '09, I'm pretty much going to have to go into it sight unseen. The potential loss of off-road functionality doesn't bother me - I'm strictly a pavement prince anyway.
Tippy Posted July 11, 2008 Posted July 11, 2008 Does anyone know the seat height measurement on the factory lowered GS?
Wheels Rollin' Posted July 11, 2008 Posted July 11, 2008 I'm pretty sure you would do fine with it, but should try one for sure. +1, TowJam... Since it appears you're not 'in the market' this year, you should be able to find one to sit on | test ride 'tween now and your possible purchase date... Hit one of the Cycle World shows this Fall | next Spring... BMW will likely have something on their stand... By the way -- in a conversation with a dealer recently, I was told BMW will be placing a big marketing emphasis on the GS in the near future... Extended test rides -- up to 100 miles -- will be offered, though under what circumstances, I do not know... Should that be the case, finding a model suiting your needs should not be all that difficult to locate -- and you should be able to do more than just sit on it <>... ~ Bill
TowJam Posted July 11, 2008 Author Posted July 11, 2008 I'm pretty sure you would do fine with it, but should try one for sure. +1, TowJam... Since it appears you're not 'in the market' this year, you should be able to find one to sit on | test ride 'tween now and your possible purchase date... Hit one of the Cycle World shows this Fall | next Spring... BMW will likely have something on their stand... By the way -- in a conversation with a dealer recently, I was told BMW will be placing a big marketing emphasis on the GS in the near future... Extended test rides -- up to 100 miles -- will be offered, though under what circumstances, I do not know... Should that be the case, finding a model suiting your needs should not be all that difficult to locate -- and you should be able to do more than just sit on it <>... The next IMS for this area (Dallas) will be in mid-November. Unfortunately, patience is not one of my virtues. :-S I'll be interested to see how BMW handles this expanded test ride program. It's my understanding that the factory-sponsored demo program was shelved a couple of years ago. I can't see my dealer buying into a program where they would have to fund a demo bike out of pocket. In fact, I just learned that they may be eliminating their service loaner program.
Wheels Rollin' Posted July 11, 2008 Posted July 11, 2008 Unfortunately, patience is not one of my virtues. :-S Well then, TwoJam, I'd say technology may be just the thing to come to your rescue... How? Jump on the Internet, click through a list of BMW dealers within 'road trip' range having a 'low rider' you can see | ride (firm up an arrangement before you go, obviously), then get on the road and go! If its suits your fancy after your test ride and all the financial details line up, make your purchase there... Otherwise, get back to your 'local' dealer and, if you can get comfy with the financial arrangements they offer, 'pull the trigger' by having them order one for ya'... ~ Bill P.S. You have my sympathies regarding your patience comments... It's easy to speak about it, but much more difficult to live... <> Good luck!
baggerchris Posted July 11, 2008 Posted July 11, 2008 It must be considered that the lowered 800 GS will be I think about 2 inches higher than the lowered 650 GS twin.
BSAtoBMW Posted July 11, 2008 Posted July 11, 2008 Fresno BMW had two on the floor yesterday. I have a 29 inch inseam and had no problem getting both feet firmly on the ground.
TowJam Posted July 11, 2008 Author Posted July 11, 2008 It must be considered that the lowered 800 GS will be I think about 2 inches higher than the lowered 650 GS twin. I may be in the minority but count me as one of those who aren't interested in a chain driven/water-cooled BMW. To me, the siren song of the beemer is the boxer and shaft. (Although my first BMW was an '04 K1200RS.) Signed, Old school and proud of it! (You kids get off my lawn!!!!)
Selden Posted July 11, 2008 Posted July 11, 2008 Has anyone picked up an '08 GS with the factory low option? Neither of the dealers in my area have one in the showroom and I'm wondering if someone with a 29.5" (30" on a good day) inseam would be able to flat foot it. This my exact inseam. I saw a lowered GS at the Georgia Mountain Rally this spring, sat on it, and could flat foot it on both sides.
Bullett Posted July 12, 2008 Posted July 12, 2008 I sat on one at our SLC Beemerfest in May. I assume it had the low seat, low position. It felt about the same as my 07 RT with the low seat. I could tip toe it. It was lighter than the RT though.
TowJam Posted July 29, 2008 Author Posted July 29, 2008 My blue '09 GS with low suspension, ABS, Equipment Package 1 is now showing a status of "155" which I believe means that it's now in production. My dealer is telling me however that until they've produced enough to fulfill all initial dealer orders, it could sit in the New Jersey warehouse. So who knows when I'll end up seeing it.... I told you patience wasn't one of my virtues.
Paul Mihalka Posted July 29, 2008 Posted July 29, 2008 I don't think the hold will apply to any R1200GS. BMW does that with brand new models, like the coming F800GS and F650GS, so every dealer can have at least one all at the same time.
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