BMW Motorcycles Reach Out to the Vertically Challenged
Friday August 8, 2008
Engine displacement and dry weight aren't the only factors that differentiate beginner and advanced beginner motorcycles; a crucial part of the equation is seat height, and BMW just made an announcement that will attract more riders to their Bavarian brand of bikes.
According to the Bimmer website, R 1200 GT, R 1200 R, R 1200 RT, and F 800 ST models will be available with a $175 package that drop seat height to as low as 29.5 inches. For those born without Teutonic gigantism, the lower seat height should open up a whole new set of choices for sporty, touring, and adventure-oriented riding.
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Comments
Seat height . was one of the reasons I never looked at the BMW. Now it they actually make them affordable, that would be a plus….
I really don’t consider 29.5 height all that low! My wife could never ride anything taller than 27 inches! BTW what does that do for ground clearance? The last thing I would want to do is drag the hard stuff on the pavement!!!
It was about time this happened for us short people, especially women. BMW bikes are fast, lighter in weight, sporty looking, on/off road capable and ride nicely. Get a test ride at a BMW Motorrad Dealer and you will see what I mean. As a women driving bikes for the past 40 years, I recommend the 2009 F650GS (800cc & 31″)& R1200R (1200cc & 29″) Models for short women and men.
I think Carrie is correct, and it should read, “Pocket Book” challenged.
Carrie and Peter…
Consider that most BMW cost less than a Harley and are light years ahead in terms of technology and ride… no comparison.
I am 5′7 and the low frame is still too high. I am on my tiptoes. I might be able to get some boots with a high sole and heal. I would really like to own the R 1200RT, but even with it’s light weight, I still am not comfortable not being flat footed on stop and rollout.
My wife would love to ride a BMW bike, but at 5′1″ in height, she has needed to ride a Honda Shadow 600 VLX with a seat height of 25.6″ for the past 6 years. Now, if BMW would scale things down a bit more to make a 26″ or even a 26.5″ seat height instead of charging an additional $175.00 for a bike to be lowered to 29.5″, then they would have a whole new market open up to them. Till then, Harley Davidson and the Japanese Bike companies have the market all to themselves.
Roy
1991 BMW K100LT-abs
I own a 1987 K100RS. I’m 5′ 9″, and at a stop, I cannot put both feet flat on the ground.This is a bit unnerving, which, I have never got over. I’ve seen alot of shorter guys riding Milwaukee machines, with both feet planted on the ground!
I am 5′2″ short and ride a yamaha 1700 roadstar. I am looking for a new bike. But at 29.5″ - what are they thinking - could they not measure a short person and do the math? It really irks me. I need a hardy and fast bike that can be out a month of 10 hour rides. It looks like nobody at BMW wants my cash.
I walked into a dealer ready to buy this past weekend. Not a single bike would fit me - what BMW considers “lowered” is not safe for my 5′1″ frame. How can you back a bike up when you can’t put your feet on the ground? Bimmer, you’re losing a huge market and a lot of money from us short folks! I’m buying a jap bike that fits me like a glove.