Lowered Suspension

[DTM]

Hi,new here and looking at a 2010 r1200rt with the factory lowered suspension. Current bike is an 07 f650gs. 5'10",30" inseam, been riding for about 40 yrs. I want heated seat but dealer not sure they can get it on lowered bikes. I rode a std height with the low seat today with the wife on the back. Not too bad but would like to be lower for better "flat foot" at stops and trying to back up the bike. Any comments would be apprecieated. BTW had a 1200c Montana ( the cruiser wanabe) and we both loved it. great seat height.

 

thanks

DTM

[Bullett]

I haven't tried the factory lowered RT, but I lowered my 07 RT by one inch.

 

When I was shopping for my F658GS, I learned that one disadvantage with the factory lowered F658GS is reduced load carrying ability. I don't know if there is a similar issue with the lowered RT, but suggest you check the specs.

 

Since you are talking about some two up riding and, I assume, touring, your carrying capacity could be an issue. Be sure to check to see that you will be able to carry what you plan to carry on a lowered bike.

 

Welcome to the board! Hopefully someone that knows something about the factory lowered RT will chime in shortly.

[hopz]

Welcome on board... you have discovered the best BMW board.

 

It will be good if you update your profile and at least let us know where you live.

 

Regarding your questions...I do not think heated seats are available on the factory Low bikes.

 

I am shorter than you, and probably have shorter legs too. For that matter- Bullett (who is shorter than I am) and (who also lives here in SLC)- rode a standard RT before she did the lowering. I never saw her have a great problem with it.

 

I too wanted shorter so I has a local seat builder modify my seat. I now have... real low, and real heat... no problem.

 

I ride two-up most of the time. I have adapted fairly well.

 

Bob

[upflying]

DTM, do you make a flat foot or a flat feet stop? Proper riding procedure at a stop is always one foot down. Drop the foot that keeps it out of the oily area in the center of the lane.

For backing, I always use gravity. I always plan my parking so gravity reverses the bike. You should never struggle by trying to paddle the bike in reverse.

[DTM]

Thanks for the inputs. Bob I do the one foot down but when I can't find that "gravity" parking spot I still need to paddle it back. I can reach the ground but sitting on the lowered suspension is sure a lot easier. After reading some of the comments my research has just begun now, I am concerned about the possible load reduction with any lowered suspension. Factory or short shock. The dealers are ready to sell you anything to get your $$ but most of the time they do not have the facts straight.

 

I like the 2010 because the valve adjustmnet is not required as much so less service $$. Got to have the heated seat for the wife. Starting to look like stock susp., lowered seat and lowered pegs, with floor boards for the wife. Got to get the f650gs on Craigs list tonight after I get some pics.

 

Dennis

[upflying]

I know very little about the new valve train on the '10 RT. I heard they use shims to adjust the valves..a bit more complicated and more expensive when you need a valve adjustment but I could be wrong too.

[Twisties]

I think the factory lowered bikes also may lack some other features. Not sure on each model year. Just check carefully. I am Bullett's husband... she isn't saying load IS reduced, she is just saying to check on that.

 

That said, lowering a standard bike is not too big a deal, and preserves all the features (even ESA if you want). The major expense is aftermarket shocks. Many folk on this board recommend to get aftermarket shocks anyway. Some do it immediately after purchase. Others, like Bullett and I waited 20k miles and then when the oem shocks began to show signs of wear, went ahead.

 

When you get aftermarket shocks you just specify the amount you want them lowered, and all the other parameters. The only other thing you have to do is adjust the side stand and center stand. Any welding shop can do that, and frankly, for up to 1" of lowering those adjustments are optional.

 

Another thing to consider, depending how aggressively you like to ride, is that you have less available lean angle with any lowered bike, especially two-up with luggage (fully loaded).

[Bullett]

But then again, here's Whip (not a short guy at all ) riding my lowered RT on Fish Lake Loop near Torrey.

 

 

There is some lean angle left. . .

[DTM]

Thanks Bullett & Twisties. I understood the load comments that you were refering to and will hound the dealer on Monday. I got my f650gs on Craigs List so now I have to get serious incase it sells . I don't think I will ever get it over like Whip did on your bike, I am a lot more laid back these days. I am going to play around at the dealer with the different seats and see if I can get by with the std. suspension. I hate to buy a 20 + grand bike and have to put different suspension on it just to make it usable right out of the box.

 

dennis

[jbryant53]

I have a 06 RT that I lowered with aftermarket Hyper-pro shocks. I live in Tn and ride the dragon and similar roads almost on a daily basis, I have not noticed any loss of lean angle. I have looked at but not bought a factory lowered RT, however the one I looked at as a 2010 model had all the bells and whistles and included a heated seat. I have a Russell-day long seat that has put me back up almost to stock. The lowered RT with low comfort seat might just be the ticket for someone needing a lower bike.

 

I love my lower RT....can't you tell?

 

I have not experienced any loss of carrying ability with my lower shocks. I had them set up for me and my wife to travel. It is a little harsh one-up but liveable.

[jrhSeattle]

The new BMW "comfort seat" is supposed to get you almost as close to the ground as the "low seat" on a standard suspension RT. It is a one piece seat and is heated for rider and passenger, as well as compatible with ESA (the lowered suspension RT does not have heated seats and is not available with ESA....unless that changed in 2010). There are some threads here and on the Luxury Touring site about the "comfort seat".

 

To install it you lose the adjustable height feature which is available on the "low" and "standard" height seats. It is expensive (almost $900), but maybe the dealer will make you a deal. It is also very new, neither of the two dealers I talked to about a month ago had heard of it.....but both found it when they on the computer.

[Twisties]

I have a 06 RT that I lowered with aftermarket Hyper-pro shocks. I live in Tn and ride the dragon and similar roads almost on a daily basis, I have not noticed any loss of lean angle.

 

Never the less, lowering the bike does in fact reduce available lean angle. It's simple and irrefutable geometry. The jugs are closer to the ground. You are probably just a good rider and don't use all of your available lean angle. That is commendable.

 

I have not experienced any loss of carrying ability with my lower shocks. I had them set up for me and my wife to travel.

 

The question of reduced load rating is for OEM lowered bikes only. The aftermarket people make the shocks to your specs.