1200RT Low Seat

[112124]

I've come to realize that my inseam is such that I can't straddle my RT and have my feet flat on the ground. As I lean the bike ever so slightly when I'm stopped my back doesn't like it. I've been told that the optional lowest seat for the 1200RT would be at least an inch lower. I also understand that it's lower because padding has been removed. OK...who has one and do you find the thinner seat still comfortable to sit on?

[fastdogs2]

I have the low seat and it does lower the seat to about 30.7 inches. I think there is less padding than the higher seat. I added an Alaska Leather sheepskin pad and it does make it more tolerable.

I wish BMW made a Comfort Seat for the R1200RT. I had one on my R1200C and it was extremely comfortable.

[joelaw]

I have an '05 R1200RT with heated factory low seat. I am 66" tall, weight about 145 lbs. with a 30 in. inseam. Last Summer I rode the RT from So. CA to Ohio and back, putting on 6000 miles during the trip (yes, I did not ride the most direct route). I found the seat to be comfortable; riding from three to four hours at at time between fuel, food or other rest stops, while putting in 10 - 11 hour days. Even the lower seat does not allow me to have both feet flat on the gound at the same time, but by the same token I am not on my tip toes, more on the balls of my feet. I was comfortable making stops and putting one foot down, with just a very minor shift on the saddle to allow the foot to be flat.

Your dealer (mine did) may let you test ride a low saddle for a few hours or day. This way you will know before you invest $$.

Hope this help with your decision.

By the way, the RT is a real fuel sipper. My overall fuel consumption was 51 mpg, riding between 65 and 75 mph.

[wezul]

Fascinating. I bought an '07 with the standard seat. I am 6'1/2" with a 31ish inseam. So far (I've only logged a little over 300 miles before I had to garage the bike) it's been ok. Had a slip in the driveway that was interesting but that had little to do with the inseam. I will certainly be watching this thread to see how you get along.

Peace.

Wez

[BradfordBenn]

I made a switch on my 02RT to a Sargent seat and it is more comfortable and lower.

[wezul]

I made a switch on my 02RT to a Sargent seat and it is more comfortable and lower.

Yeah? Heated seat Brad?

[kcallstate]

I picked up a barely used 12RT in the fall and the original owner had the low seat installed when I flew in to pick it up. While it certainly made for more stability at stop lights and the like, the lack of padding was tough for me to deal with on the ride home from Kansas to Rhode Island. The owner shipped me the regular height seat which I promptly had customized by Rick Mayer transforming it into an exceptional seat. However, I must note that while the Rick Mayer seat is a must for my long distance jaunts, it does make traffic stops precarious sometimes and for riding around town, I actually see myself using the low seat for the confidence it inspires.

[BradfordBenn]

Yeah? Heated seat Brad?

Nope, but I got heat lots of other places. Gerbing jacket and socks, heated grips. Plus I figure that with winter pants on, the heat would not get through...