BMW R1200R R1150R/T F800 K1200R R1100R/T R1250R RnineT Message Board

I bought an R1150R about 4 years ago but had to change it because I was suffering from a lack of leg room. I loved the bike, however. Went to an 1150 GS instead. I've now sold that because I'm getting old and found it was just too unwieldly and seemed to be getting heavier as I got weaker! Saw a 2007 R1200R in my local dealer last week and thought what a stunning looking bike! I'm organising a test ride soon. I'm naturally concerned about the leg room after my last experience but the dealer told me you can get a higher seat. I'm not that tall (about 6'1"), but my height's in my legs. Any other tallish owners out there with old knees who have the high seat and find it OK? Is it higher than the R1150R's in the highest position? I can't try the high seat as I'd have to buy the bike and then he'd order it separately. Any comments would be much appreciated.

I am 6'-1" tall with 34" inseam.
I have the "high" seat, and so far, I seem to be very comfortable.

Michael

Hi,

First of all - IF you test ride the bike, you WILL buy one. Thats a fact

As for comfort:
I am also about 6'1" with long legs.
My first ride was around 600km AND i had the flu.
I was REALLY comfortable and so was my (shot) right knee.
The high seat is perfect for 6 footers and my extremely unpadded bum has yet to complain.
The S/O had no complaints either (though recently i lowered her footpegs and bought her a sheepskin...)

I could not ride my 2007 RT for more than 150km without squirming in my seat and my knee screaming for mercy.
Trust me, i am not complimenting the R12R just because i own one. It is a truly comfortable bike and excels in every area.
Adding stuff like Ohlins, *bar risers, etc only makes this great bike even better.

* I highly recommend the bar risers for someone your height. It really helps with shoulder/neck strain

Here is a pic of my 6'+ frame sitting comfortably on the R12R (before the HIGH seat & bar riser):

I'm 6'4" with a 35/36 inch inseam. I have the mid seat and I like it well enough that I'm not racing to upgrade, height or custom butt pan, yet. I may get a custom saddle and "IF" I do I'll look at raising it. For now it's fine, but then I've never messed with a high seat so maybe I don't know what I'm missing

I am 6 ft tall with also my height in my legs (36" inseam).
I didn't like the mid seat, my legs where to much folded to be comfortable.
But I had to wait 2000 kilometers before I could change the mid seat for the high seat.
I only got it last weekend. I have tried it for 300 kilometers. And I love it!!!
I was afraid it would be too high to be able to reach the ground stable enough, but it is no probleme at all, and my sitting position is much better .
Even the seat itself is much more comfortable to sit on, less soft I suppose (the mid sized is a bit too soft)

Still with the mid sized seat:



The only thing is that I suffer more from wind turbulation, because the screen is relatively lower now

Thank you all very much. I appreciate your comments. They have made me anticipate the test ride with even more great expectations! Hopefully, I'll be able to join you on a more regular basis. The BM dealer has an unsurpassed reputation in SE England and he is looking for a second hand one for me to try. The one I saw in the showroom had been sold. I guess they don't hang around long if they're as good as you lot say they are!

I went with a peg-lowering kit and bar risers. They helped my overall position and comfort, but I can't say they made a dramatic difference on the knees.

'Then I added a custom saddle that raised the seat a fair amount (don't know how it compares with the BMW high seat). That helped more.

I'm 6'1" with a 33" inseam and was quite comfortable on every ride except long stretches on the Interstates.

For that I added a pair of highway pegs bolted on to tubular engine guards. These allow me to stretch out so the lower leg / thigh angle is 90 degrees and I'm riding with a big smile.

Peg pic here:

http://tinyurl.com/5xwuwt

I am not certain what seat height I have (how do I find out?), but I probably sit an inch or so higher because I use an AirHawk pad.
I am 6 ft with 32 inch inside leg,and have a history of knee problems and injuries.

The only problem I had with my knees was day two of a 2 day 1300 mile ride, but that was probably due to spending too long in the saddle and not stopping and stretching as often as I should have. I am not sure I could comfortably complete a 1000 mile day because of the peg/knee position.....but its possible

Another 6' 1" with 34" inseam here. I found the tall seat fine for the leg room, but the seat was too narrow and crowned for my posterior. I had a custom seat made and, although I have not tried it yet, I believe I could ride all day.

I notice that Milla Jovovich seems to have no problem flat footiing her K1200R in Rexident Evil : Extinction.
Mark

celticus wrote:I notice that Milla Jovovich seems to have no problem flat footiing her K1200R in Rexident Evil : Extinction.
Mark

I dig her.

Also nice to see that when the apocalypse comes the BMW's will still be running strong.

I was hoping the apocalypse would have more to do with Nordic women and good hoppy beer.
Mark

6' with 32" inseam. Yesterday I went for a four hour ride using my Air Hawk seat pad for the first time. The pad raises me about an inch above the stock seat. I could have used another inch. Also, I have BMW's "tall" screen and get hit about chest high with the air stream, but there is no buffeting and I feel perfectly comfortable at 70 MPH.

My next purchases will be the adjustable rider pegs and highway pegs.

Pete - one tiny comment. If the Airhawk is lifting you up a full inch it's inflated too much. It should just keep your butt-bones off the seat when inflated correctly. More than that isn't better, and in my experience gives a floating/drifting feeling to my butt that I found really disconcerting.

Just a FWIW.. I think if you check the directions they may mention this.

deilenberger wrote:Pete - one tiny comment. If the Airhawk is lifting you up a full inch it's inflated too much. It should just keep your butt-bones off the seat when inflated correctly. More than that isn't better, and in my experience gives a floating/drifting feeling to my butt that I found really disconcerting.

Just a FWIW.. I think if you check the directions they may mention this.

Ah, that's probably why I was feeling a little wobbly.

famousperson wrote:Ah, that's probably why I was feeling a little wobbly.

That's what I get with a good single malt.

I dunno what the Airhawk directions say, but I work in the medical field where I have experience with the pressure-relief cushions used in wheelchairs.

There the proper procedure is to inflate the cushion all the way, and sitting in your usual position (e.g. your riding position), insert the fingers of one hand between the seat and the cushion. Be sure not to lean to one side or the other.Then with your other hand (or that of an assistant) SLOWLY release the air out of the cushion until you just feel you "sit bone" (ischial tuberosity) with your inserted hand. That way you get maximum sinking into the cushion for the most pressure relief, while not bottoming out on the more firm motorcycle seat.

Just like your tires, you'll need to check this amount of inflation periodically.

http://tinyurl.com/674924

Thanks to you all for your helpful responses. The rain has stopped, the fog has lifted, it's a beautiful spring day... and in 3 hours I'm going to be trying out the 1200R. Can't wait!

Timo wrote:Thanks to you all for your helpful responses. The rain has stopped, the fog has lifted, it's a beautiful spring day... and in 3 hours I'm going to be trying out the 1200R. Can't wait!

Oh boy you better check the balance in your checkbook before you do!

I simply didn't believe it could be as good as you lot said it was. And you were all wrong... IT'S EVEN BETTER! I've owned Jap sports bikes, giant Triallies (including 1150GSs) and everything in between over the course of the last few decades. I have never ridden anything like that. I don't need to tell you - you know. Three things blew me away: 1) acceleration; 2) handling; 3) brakes. The brakes are so powerful after my V-Strom (which I do really like, honestly) that the first time I put them on to the same degree as I would with the Strom to brush off a bit of speed before a hump-backed bridge, I nearly pulled a stoppie.. I haven't ridden a sports bike for a long time and I have no doubt that such as Fireblades, R1s etc are exceptional these days, but the 1200R surprised me. You just don't expect such performance from a bike that looks like that.. I certainly will need the high seat. The dealer's looking for a late model second hand one for me and then I'll be able to join you lot. Thanks for all your encouragement.

Shiny side up wrote: "I went with a peg-lowering kit and bar risers. They helped my overall position and comfort, but I can't say they made a dramatic difference on the knees.

'Then I added a custom saddle that raised the seat a fair amount (don't know how it compares with the BMW high seat). That helped more."

Shiny side up - I would be most interested to know from where you got your peg-lowering kit - I can't seem to find any specific to the 1200R on the web. And which custom saddle did you buy?

Most grateful.