Taller Rider Position

[ThomasJ]

I'm still trying to figure out which bike to acquire and which may be more comfy for one (me) who is 6'4" with a tired lower back. I know that this may be more of personal preference but in general...

Is there one particular riding position that would be better in the long run?

Cruiser style (R1200C / Montauk)

A bit more upright (R11/12RT)

A bit more forward (GT)

Or bit more forward yet?

 

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Tom

 

[Francois_Dumas]

Hi, I am not as tall as you are (only 6.1) but have back problems too.

A cruiser, i.e. 'hanging back' riding style just kills me. Staying forward on a crotch rocket plays havoc on my wrists now.

 

I most like the RT and the GS position (GS is a little more forward, but not much) and moving your hips forward.

 

I can go 1200 miles like that, and a lot less in any other kind of position. There are other bikes with similar positions (Honda Pan European, Yamaha FJR and some of the other all-roaders like the VStrom and such).

 

In the end it comes down to the individual .... your back isn't mine, nor anybody else's, so you may feel comfortable with something else.

 

Best advice you're likely to get here: TRY IT OUT for yourself. Nothing beats that :-)

 

Francois

[tallman]

W/lower back issues also, I prefer the slight forward lean.

This takes pressure off the tail/sit bones and reduces impact to spine.

The cruiser or sit up and beg positions don't work for me.

Nor the too far forward position as it is uncomfortable for long rides.

The GT works well for this, but I have added peg lowering and keep seat in high position.

Best wishes.

[russell_bynum]

here is the answer you seek.

[stubble!]

At 6'4", also with a problematic lower back, I prefer a somewhat aggressive lean and employ MYRP. I find this most comfortable and can do it all day without issue. (K1200S). Not sure I could do an RT or GT for any length of time.

[stubblejumper]

I am only 6',but I find the forward lean of the r1200st very comfortable even for long rides.

[BabyCow]

Tom.I am the same height as you 34" inseam and also like the K1200S in stock standard config in regards to handlebars and footpegs. I do have an aftermarket seat. I found the R1150RT less comfortable than the K1200S

[Matts_12GS]

I'm 6'4, have a 34" inseam and I 37" sleeve and I am very comfortable on the RTs. I have ridden R11S, and RS and those work well for me upper body, but my knees don't like the bend the S/RS impose.

 

I find that if I can keep my back relatively straight I'm comfy for the duration.

[Sp8er8er]

Tom,

I'm 6'3".Ride a '99 RT. Haven't seen it mentioned here but I rest my toes on the passenger pegs and this puts my knees on the knee pads. I had Corbin fit me to their seat and have a backrest but don't rely on it much. Keeping the seat narrow lets me use my upper legs for balance. This position keeps me from straining my construction industry abused lower back and I rarely use the back brake anyway. (That's just there to keep the back wheel behind you isn't it? ) Works for me- your mileage may vary.

 

[ThomasJ]

Thanks for the great input...

Babycow...am wondering how you found the R1150RT less comfortable than the K1200S.

The R11/12ST and K12ST/GT all appear as though they would have greater wrist pressure than the RT's...

Then there is the passenger comfort to take into account, and the near year round riding I'm hoping for.....too confusing...I think Francois said it best that I need to try a few out...a trip to my local BMW dealer for a couple rentals or test rides are in order, though they may not have the older models. Thanks again for the very helpful comments. Thanks too for the forum.

[iMike]

I'm 6'4, have a 34" inseam and I 37" sleeve

 

I'm about this guy's height, but with a little longer legs. I'm fine on the K1200RS.

 

To emphasize points made earlier, it's all about the posture. Rotate your pelvis forward, support the weight of your upper body with your abdominal muscles, and maintain good weight on the pegs.

 

For comparison's sake, I found myself less comfortable on my R1200C, mostly due to the upright riding position and the slumping posture that invited.

 

YMMV.

 

PS. I have no info on passenger comfort, since my wife won't ride with me.

[ERdok]

I am 6' tall, 34" inseam and I too have a "sensitive" back.

 

I find the mostly upright/slightly forward position of the RT to be the most comfortable long-haul riding position of any of the bikes I've owned including many cruisers, a couple of GoldWings and a Honda VFR800.

[BabyCow]

Tom. I found the KS position for me put less pressure on my knees. For some reason (wind pressure) the KS puts no pressure on my wrists at all. However, carpal tunnel syndrome is another matter.