Dietrich Posted January 3, 2006 Share Posted January 3, 2006 After 4 years of riding RTs I am still struggling with the machine being too tall.(29 inseam) I have read about various brands of shocks and springs to lower the bike. I need about 1 inch or 1 1/2 lower seat position. Don't like the low seats for some reason. What effect do the lower springs have on handling and comfort. Will they bottom out with extra load? Any input or recommendations on this subject would be greatly appreciated. Link to comment
jeffemac Posted January 6, 2006 Share Posted January 6, 2006 I have Works Performance lowered (1 inch) shocks on my '96RT with 65K on them. Just had them rebuilt this winter and they're good as new. Ohlins are another brand that is very popular with BMW riders, although a bit more expensive than Works. Call the dealers and talk to them before you buy. You'll give them your weight, riding style, info regarding carrying passenger or additional gear, etc., and they'll design the shocks to your needs. You'll love the handling characteristics of these after-market shocks...at least I did. Since you are a little closer to the ground you might have a tendency to drag a little easier, but I suspect that your old suspension is shot and you're dragging anyway. You may also have to shorten the length of your side stand and center stand. I can still muscle the bike onto the centerstand and I'm fairly small (5'5'', 28 inch inseam) Good luck... Link to comment
Haynes Posted January 6, 2006 Share Posted January 6, 2006 As jeffemac has described, lowering the bike solves one problem but introduces a few others like the center-stand and sidestand lengths. Your best solution is to have the suspension modified by a person who is a specialist in this area. Lowered springs and matching shock absorber settings are the only way to go to properly lower the bike without compromising handling and safety. Beyond suspension, your only other option is lowering the seat in which you have already expressed no favour. Smaller wheels is an extreme measure and an illogical solution and will change the handling characteristics of the bike so significantly and cost so much as to rule the idea out completely. I've also seen thicker soles on shoes as an extreme measure to bring the ground closer to the rider. Apart from changing bikes, your only two logical options remain suspension shortening and seat lowering. Link to comment
Ghostdad Posted January 6, 2006 Share Posted January 6, 2006 I have Works Performance lowered (1 inch) shocks on my '96RT with 65K on them. Just had them rebuilt this winter and they're good as new. Ohlins are another brand that is very popular with BMW riders, although a bit more expensive than Works. Call the dealers and talk to them before you buy. You'll give them your weight, riding style, info regarding carrying passenger or additional gear, etc., and they'll design the shocks to your needs. You'll love the handling characteristics of these after-market shocks...at least I did. Since you are a little closer to the ground you might have a tendency to drag a little easier, but I suspect that your old suspension is shot and you're dragging anyway. You may also have to shorten the length of your side stand and center stand. I can still muscle the bike onto the centerstand and I'm fairly small (5'5'', 28 inch inseam) Good luck... My K75 RT is lowered and it handles great. As far as shortening the center stand. Instead I roll the back tire up on a piece of wood (2x6), and it's easy to put on center stand. The side stand you would probably want to shorten as mentioned. I wouldn't worry about handling to much, as long as the front and back are lowered evenly, it shouldn't upsett the balance of the bike or handling characteristics... just my.02cents... Dave Link to comment
Dietrich Posted January 7, 2006 Author Share Posted January 7, 2006 Thanks for the tips guys. Bit more involved, not only from the price point, than I thought. The other option of course is to have my wife join me more often on the bike, with the added weight the height seems just right. Of course one of my BMW friends questioned why I would want to ruin the only peaceful time I have. Fortunately my wife does not read this forum. Dietrich Link to comment
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