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**jqd05a** · #1 4 Aug 2013

Hi Folks,

Just bought a 2008 f650gs that's been lowered ,was wondering does anyone ride one these with a pillion as the max recommended load is 150kg and the wife and I take most of that up. Just wondered what the handling would be like being close to the max load .

Thanks for any advice

Neil

**Walkabout** · #2 4 Aug 2013

That will be the twin cyl version of the F650GS??
(I think the single stopped selling around 2007).

There was a 2005 F650GS single cyl with factory lowered suspension in my garage until about a year ago - do you mean that bike perhaps?

**jqd05a** · #3 4 Aug 2013

Hi

It's the f650gs twin 800cc model ,factory lowered and lower seat.

Cheers

Neil

**Walkabout** · #4 4 Aug 2013

Yep, we had the lowered seat also, come to think of it.

As far as the single cyl is concerned, I can't recommend riding two up for any great distance as being a great experience - it felt overloaded with a pillion on board so I only ever rode that bike with either a passenger or luggage, but never both.
Two up for "day out" type riding and with luggage for longer rides.

With a pillion on board I could, and did, easily scrape the side stand on left hand bends. I didn't need to put my knee down to make some sparks fly.

AFAIK and remember the factory lowered suspension cannot be reversed (except at stupidly high expense I guess) and it includes a shorter shock absorber so there is less overall travel available.

I hope this helps in your own decisions.

**pheonix** · #5 5 Aug 2013

Quote:

Originally Posted by jqd05a

It's the f650gs twin 800cc model ,factory lowered and lower seat.

Hi Neil
I have the twin model but it's not lowered & I only ride solo. It has standard BMW suspension and I keep it on (almost) the lowest setting.
But when loaded with 2 aluminium panniers and lightweight camping gear, my bike drops about an inch (making it the ideal height for me) so I would imagine 2-up would make a big difference unless you jacked up the suspension quite a bit.
Have you tried experimenting riding 2 up with and without luggage?
Also try different suspension settings.

If you find it's bottoming out on a bumpy road or wallowing in corners then you may have to consider buying a different suspension unit to the standard BMW one. There's quite a few to choose from on the market but ensure you get proper informed advice rather than just talk from a salesman

Oh, & post this question on the UKGSer forum - you'll receive lots of advice there!

**jqd05a** · #6 6 Aug 2013

Thanks very much for the advice folks , I think you're right Elaine I'll just have to wait and see how it performs .

Cheers

Neil

**Walkabout** · #7 6 Aug 2013

Quote:

Originally Posted by pheonix

I have the twin model but it's not lowered & I only ride solo. It has standard BMW suspension and I keep it on (almost) the lowest setting.

I used to have the pre-load turned right up as hard as it would go when riding two up (and it still grounded out the side stand on the left) but I don't recall there being any other adjustment on the single cyl suspension.
Perhaps the twin has more to fiddle with?