View Full Version : 6 ft 1 on a 1200 RT
GSSteve
04-10-2009, 05:02 PM
Is it just me or do others find the RT a bit uncomfortable for the knees after driving for 4 hours or more. It is my wife's bike, but when I take it out for the day and set the seat at the higher level, I still get achy knees. Now I ride an 1150 GS ADV that feels as though it was ergonomically built to my body, but I had considered getting an RT should I ever decide to stay on the pavement, but now I am not sure. I am not that tall (6 ft 1) but do taller riders typically have to modify foot peg height on an RT or look at other seating options to increase the knee flexion angle or am I just built weird? I just seem to have to stop much more often than when I am on my GS to exercise my knees.
glennhendricks
04-10-2009, 10:47 PM
I've test ridden GSs before and they felt 'tippy toe' to me, too high off the ground and the ergonomics were just not what I'm used to.
I'm 6'4" and ride an RT. I had to lower the pegs with a kit to make it more comfortable (and to get my toe under the shifter)
BlueStreak
04-11-2009, 08:11 AM
I'm 6-0 with 33 inseam and can ride my RT for a tankful. Every now and then during a long ride I stretch one leg at a time for a minute or so. I too have the seat at the highest position. Have you experimented with your overall riding position to possibly take some of the pressure off your knees?
justabmw
04-11-2009, 09:30 AM
On long trips I have sat back on the front of the passenger's seat. Helps stretch the back and the legs.
kgadley01
04-11-2009, 09:58 AM
I'm the same height as you. I ride a RT. instead of lowering the pegs, I installed floorboards that puts my feet 1 3/4" lower than stock pegs. it also lets me move my feet around on a long trip. I really like the floorboards and think their the best bang for the buck.
Manfred
04-11-2009, 11:56 AM
I'm 6-2 with a 34in inseam. My R80RT is the first bike I've not needed to move my feet around on (highway legs, etc.). It is a bit tight around the feet and knees, but this is not a problem while riding - only when stopping and starting, as I'm still training my dumb lower extremities how to get off and onto the pegs without smashing my knee on the fairing.
PAGoldsby
04-11-2009, 12:01 PM
I'm 6'-5", 37" inseam, 225#, have two shot knees and ride an '04 RT. I can ride it all day and into the night. When riding solo, I hook my heels on the pax pegs, lean on the tank bag and watch the miles click away. I've yet to find my comfort limit.
You might need a different seat or handlebar orientation.
GSSteve
04-11-2009, 03:30 PM
Thanks folks for the good ideas. I am particularly intrigued with the floorboard idea. The RT really is an awesome ride, but I just feel scrunched a bit and maybe it is due to what I am accustomed to with the many miles I have put on my GS. The bike does have a set of fold out pegs attached to the valve head covers. They are OK for a bit of stretching but they sure put you in the leg spread position. Anyway, I won't shy away from the RT. I cant remember encountering anyone unhappy with the RT, but it still seems that a lot of folks have felt the need to come up with some form of adaptation related to the foot peg position. All I have ridden is the tall GS that seems to fit me like a glove when I am moving, but maybe some minor tweaking for personal comfort is typically necessary for most bikes.
Thanks again
kgadley01
04-11-2009, 07:44 PM
Steve, my floorboards are made by Ilium Works. www.ilumworks.com or call 1-888-431-6669 their not cheap, but I'll never go back to pegs. good luck. Kenny...
pjamesb80
04-13-2009, 08:16 AM
I'm 6'3" and I find the 'RT a little cramped. I also installed the fold out pegs on the valve covers and they help for a quick stretch but are not comfortable for any extended period of time. The Corbin seat was a huge improvement.
At some point I'll probably start looking into a peg lowering kit.
I've ridden my brothers 'GS and I also find it very comfortable. But I haven't ridden it on a long trip.
All in all the 'RT is a fairly comfortable tourer but in my case I need to stop and stretch at around 150 miles. It is my belief, that for me this would be the case on any bike. And I'm okay with that.
maxscycle
04-13-2009, 09:34 AM
[QUOTE] I ride an 1150 GS ADV that feels as though it was ergonomically built to my body, but I had considered getting an RT should I ever decide to stay on the pavement. [QUOTE]
Why not just put pure street tires on the 1150ga and enjoy? I have Metzeler ME880's on my 12gs and have had a blast. They also last much longer than the tourance's.
max
SIBUD
04-13-2009, 07:22 PM
I'm 6'2". Have foot peg lowers and it really helped my old knees. Much, much better.
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