Lowering an '07 GS 1200 [Archive]

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superstamper

05-01-2008, 10:38 AM

I'm thinking of lowering my 1200 GS, I'm 6' tall with a 30" inseam and I can not quite flat foot at stop signs. I love the bike except for the slight nervousness when pulling up at stop signs. I use my bike for daily commuting so I'm doing a lot of stop and go driving. Other than the shame of being a wussy and lowering the bike I am concerned that I'll spend considerable amounts of money and not be happy with the results. Have those that have lowered their bikes been happy with the results? What pittfalls should I expect? How hard is the installation of new shocks? I appreciate any feedback.

deilenberger

05-01-2008, 11:03 AM

I do know people who have lowered their oilhead GS's - by using RT suspension. I believe they liked the end result. If you're not planning on off-roading the GS, I don't see a lot of downside to it.

There may be some issues with the sidestand being too long and the lean on the bike being less than optimal, and there may be an issue with the centerstand being too tall and getting it on it becoming difficult, but I'm sure these could be addressed..

deilenberger

05-01-2008, 11:43 AM

BobFV1

05-01-2008, 12:19 PM

Superstamper - The GS is a tall beast, isn't it? I have spoken to people who have had very good luck on the GS by going to a low seat, either the factory low or the Wunderlich. You may want to ride by a dealership and see if they'll let you put a low seat on your bike and see how much it helps you.

With regard to changing out the shocks, it's a pretty simple job, best accomplished on a Saturday afternoon with a bike jack and a buddy. In addition to the new shocks, you will need to buy a new snap nut for the top bolt in the rear shock.

I lowered my GS ADV by going to aftermarket low Ohlins. On that bike, I did not have to modify the side or center stands, but that is certainly a consideration on most jobs involving lower shocks. As it turned out, the low Ohlins were just slightly shorter than the stock GS ADV shock on my 06 12 GS ADV!

Good luck - I would be interested to know if the low seat suggestion is of any value.

cjack

05-13-2008, 08:09 PM

One additional thing - just got a newsletter from Max's BMW.. which reminded me - BMW is now offering from the factory - a GS for normal people.. with the low seat 2-3" lower than the "standard" suspension. Since they did the shortening, I'd assume they also have modified the sidestand and centerstand to match...

If you haven't bought the GS - that's an option. If you have - the sidestand and centerstand are likely available as replacement parts..

We started to go the Hyperpro shocks and lower GS center and side stand, even got all this stuff in stock at the dealer, but my wife wanted to order the lowered GS instead. It came in today and is really neat. Looks like a smaller bike as well. I am about 5-11 and flat foot it with my knees bent. I would say that it is about the same as a K12S with the low seat on it. She normally rides one of those, so this should be fine for her too. Plus she can drop it and not scratch a bunch of painted side panels...heh.

charleshickman

05-14-2008, 07:34 AM

I put a set of 1" lower Wilbers shocks and the BMW low seat on my '06 GS. With just me, no luggage or passenger, I still cannot flat foot it, but it's no longer a tippy tip toe situation. I'm 5'9" with a 29" inseam.

As noted above, it was a good Saturday afternoon worth of effort to change the shocks. The Wilbers are great.

I'm using the stock center stand and side stand. The centerstand requires more effort, and I can forget about it if I have a week's worth of luggage, or the ground slopes down towards the front of the bike. The sidestand is fine, again unless the ground is higer on that side of the bike.

Best of luck with whatever you decide. The GS is a very good motorcycle.