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BMW Tech BMW Tech Forum - For Questions specific and of interest to BMW riders only. Questions comparing which bike is best etc go in the "Which Bike" forum.

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  #1  
Old 22 May 2008
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Smile BMW R1200 GS Lowering suspension

I have been riding my 1200GS for 2 years and have at last decided i love it.
I would like to lower the suspension to suit my 29in inside leg.
I have tried the low seat but find it less confortable on long days in the saddle. Can anyone sugest a company who would do this fo me, and what sort of money I would have to pay. Have you done this ? does it affect the handling much? Thanks
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  #2  
Old 23 May 2008
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Hagon Shocks will sort you out.
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Old 23 May 2008
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 91micklyons View Post
I have been riding my 1200GS for 2 years and have at last decided i love it.
I would like to lower the suspension to suit my 29in inside leg.
I have tried the low seat but find it less confortable on long days in the saddle. Can anyone sugest a company who would do this fo me, and what sort of money I would have to pay. Have you done this ? does it affect the handling much? Thanks

Maybe consider the low seat with an airhawk fitted? - the latter adds only about 1/4-1/2 inch.
Much cheaper than changing a perfectly good shock.
On the other hand, if you don't like the standard shock .............
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Old 24 May 2008
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thanks. Think may be as well to leave it alone.
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Old 31 May 2008
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Low-rider GS

I have a 2008 GS Adv and found it too tall for me (31 inseam) as well, so I got rid of the perfectly good OEM shocks and went with the low Ohlins. While I did this to lower the bike, I found that the ride was superior to the shocks that came standard. A nice bonus. Unfortunately, this didn't quite sort out the problem. I could place one foot squarley on the ground, but couldn't plant the other one other than a toe if the surface was just right. Not a comfortable "safe" feeling for me. I then opted to get the Touratec Extra-low seat and that has allowed me to place both feet firmly on the ground.
That is the good...now for the bad. The cost for the shocks was a "shock"... $1800 was a hard pill to swallow, but they are an upgrade and provide a very nice ride over rough terrain. The seat is comfortable...to a point. The sitting position doesn't allow you to easily lean forward and out of the saddle when you are off road like the original seat does. It is also about as comfortable as...well, it can take some getting used to. There is nothing wrong with the original seat and if I could have the comfort, the height (ironic, huh?) and the coolness in the sun (my seat was grey), I wouldn't have changed it to be lower to the ground.
Another thing to consider when getting a lower seat is your leg positions will become limited. That long easy riding position now feels cramped, but at 6'1" I am tucked a little lower behind the wind screen, which is a nice treat over long distances.
I am still struggling with the choice of comfort...do I want the better control of having my feet on the ground or do I go with the comfort of a better made saddle?
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Old 2 Jun 2008
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Thanks

Yes very expensive. Thanks for your comments. Am now riding on a Corbin seat which I got through a friend. Could never justify the full price! The bike is so much more comfortable I will put up with height problem. Think its not a great problem more in the mind !!
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