R 100 RT Faring question ; NO ROOM

[grumpyone]

Our new R 100 RT with the lower faring on it gives me MR BIG FEET no room for the shifter. The brake side is not as bad but could be better but the shifting is way to tight on space. ANY mods for the faring lower that is common or been done would love to see some examples other than just totally removing the lowers. They look cool so we want to keep them on.
Thanks for any help
Jim and Esther

[nealart]

What year is your bike?

Have you tried moving any of the adjustments?

Are you wearing Frankenstein boots?:laugh

[sumran]

Is your problem on upshifts or downshifts? What type of shifter do you have? What type of linkage? Got a picture you could post? I'm not trying to interrogate you, but all of that plays into possible solutions.

[535is]

Our new R 100 RT with the lower faring on it gives me MR BIG FEET no room for the shifter. The brake side is not as bad but could be better but the shifting is way to tight on space. ANY mods for the faring lower that is common or been done would love to see some examples other than just totally removing the lowers. They look cool so we want to keep them on.

Well, they do look cool, but they are, in fact, hot. I think the RS is still quite a cool-looking bike when I have the lowers off (like today, still sorting ignition problems). I will want them back on for cooler weather, but for now, the bike looks fine. I would try to pick up a cheap spare set on ebay or somewhere and then start cutting off parts until you get what you want. For more shopping options, RS lowers are identical to RT lowers and I think all airhead years are the same. Also, you do not need the front since yours should fit any lower sides you find.

[grumpyone]

OK ; There is supposed to be a couple of pics included. The shifter set up alone and my Frank something foot on the peg. The ratchet black bracket is all the way down.
I guess to better explain what the problem is is not when I m on top or under the shifter its getting around and under it or around an on top of it with the faring on the side . Gets in the way of the 13 clod hoppers:doh
The bike is a 1994 R 100 RT
The lowers might have to be adapted???
Thanks for any help
Jim and Esther

[tagman787]

Hey Jim, I wear a 13, Had the same problem. I had to stop wearing my lace up engineer style boot and I went to a Redwing cowboy style boot. Problem solved. Still tight with a rider (her toes hit the backs of my boots). I'll be crusin the canyon today, Probably talk to you later, John

[lkchris]

The average European of the late 60s--when Airheads were designed--was a significantly smaller individual than the average American. This is why Airheads are for smaller people IMHO. Certainly not for two-up riding. I'm only 6'3" but that's too tall to see the instruments with the standard RS fairing windshield. BMW cars of the era all had not enough headroom, either.

[88bmwJeff]

Jim, I have an 88 R100 RT, and I have the same problem I'm 6'1" with long legs, and with my arches collapsing, I'm now up to a size 12. I had trouble for a while getting underneath the shift lever for up shifting. I extended the adjustable rod to its longest possible length, but still had trouble. One thing that helped a little was adjusting the foot peg so the leading end is a little lower than the trailing edge. Choice in foot wear also had a big difference. When I was wearing the BMW Transition boot, shifting was difficult. I've replaced them with a different model, and it made shifting easier. I've noticed if I wear normal boots (as opposed to motorcycle boots), there's a bit of improvement as well. I think you may have to do a trial and error with a number of things.

I do admit it's easier to shift with the lowers off. The first year I had the bike, I took the lowers off and rode that way. After a few years, I became more familiar with the bike and with the above adjustments, I ride with the lowers on year round.

Edit: you could purchase some rear sets, and relocate the shifter. I haven't done this, nor have I seen it done on an RT, but I'm sure it could be done. On the downside, the bike would loose the pegs for the passenger. Hence, making the bike a solo ride bike.

[grumpyone]

Cant do that :laugh It is actually Esthers bike I just get to ride her around on it :blush She is the one that really gets into her scooters, I could be doing about anything I even like working on them when I cant ride but she wants to RIDE !
Got the closet full of shoes now so not buying shoes to fix the problem. When I ride I get onwith whatever is on at the time. All my shoes are boot style and good for safe riding but BIG. I think we can adapt or adjust enough.
Thanks for the help
Jim and Esther