lowering the R1200RT

[nwilcox]

Hi,
I am new to this forum, but certainly not to the beemer world. I would like to hear from anyone else who has lowered their R12RT or R1150RT in order to have more secure footing when two up and loaded "for bear" touring. I am considering a 1.5" or 2" reduction in shock length by using a custom Ohlins rear shock. My questions are: does this affect handling adversely?, does this really equate to a similar lowering of the seat height (bearing in mind that the shock is mounted in a diagonal direction), and does this make placement on the center stand a tough chore? Thanks for your kind replies.
Neil Wilcox (2005 R1200RT)

[BklynPete]

Hi,
I am new to this forum, but certainly not to the beemer world. I would like to hear from anyone else who has lowered their R12RT or R1150RT in order to have more secure footing when two up and loaded "for bear" touring. I am considering a 1.5" or 2" reduction in shock length by using a custom Ohlins rear shock. My questions are: does this affect handling adversely?, does this really equate to a similar lowering of the seat height (bearing in mind that the shock is mounted in a diagonal direction), and does this make placement on the center stand a tough chore? Thanks for your kind replies.
Neil Wilcox (2005 R1200RT)


i just bought a r1200rt also and unfortunately they gave me a model with the electronic suspension even though i didn't order it. the issue isthe shocks on that model have no sag adjustment. i had a r1100rt that i got works performance shocks and i set the sag a bit lower, this lowered the bike without having to mess with side or center stands. it also allowed me to ride without anything grounding. i also had a rick mayer saddle that was cut down to get me closer to the ground. by the way i am 5'6" and i have a 27" inseam. i am waiting for a rick mayer seat for my 1200rt, rick called me yesterday to let me know he is sending out the seat. he is having problems with people who have ordered seats and have not returned the stock seats so he has a shortage of seat pans. (so if anyone is out there with a seat that they are planning on sending back to rick, please send it to him asap.) hope this helps you out.

[cruisin]

I have lowered my R1100RT about as low as one can be; I suspect these methods might also work on an 1150 but not sure about the 1200. The first thing I did was to shorten the rear support spools and posts and remove the fron ones. Next I took a very big risk by cutting into the seat foam on my own. After several attempts with an electric knife and various types of foam, I was made aware of a type of foam that might work. Several versions were tried before I landed on the style I now use. I also made some mods to the seat adjustment mechanism (cut away the top notch) and a couple of areas of the tupperware on the sides under the back one third of the seat. The seat is not only lower but narrower too, allowing you a little more reach to the ground when standing.

My second step in solving the vertical challenge was to purchase some Justin Ropers and have 3/4" build-up put in the sole at a local boot shop for $55. (should have gone one inch though)

Third and most expensive was to add the Ohlins shocks. I got a lucky break and found a used set for sale on the BMW Sport Touring web site for $900. Regular price ranges from $1300 to $1800 depending on what kind of deal you can make. If you contact Ohlins directly they will tell you that their shocks are not made to be lowered, but several on this web site and BMW Sport Touring have done so.

Fourth, I changed from the 18" rear rim to a 17" from a K1200RS, but that was mostly to have the use of the Metzler ME880 tires front and rear. It did gain me about another 3/8" in lowering. If you get an '02 or newer you will already have the 17" rim. If you don't and want to change it is not that costly. I purchased my used (17") rim from A&S Cycles for $300.00 and two weeks later sold the 18" for $250.00 to an individual answering an ad on IBMWR.com. I now probably have the RT down to about a 28" seat height. That is including all of the mods as follows (approximations) seat 1.25"; shocks 1.25" rear wheel 3/8" add in the built-up boots and I can almost flat foot the RT with my 27" inseam. Does this take away from ground clearance, yes but I am not the type to push to the limit anymore. In fact if I push to the limit of the lowered version (that is very rare now-a-days) I get a scolding from the SO or a punch in the kidneys or both. :D

As for the side and center stands; it does necessitate shortening at least the side stand. It also makes it very difficult to get on the center stand if left standard length. I added a short piece of 1" square tubing to the lever part of the center stand but still have to use wooden wedges under each tire to help me get the bike up on the center stand. In my younger days I porbably would have just muscled it up but not any more.

The way I have it set up now and the way I drive it; it might be more accurate if mine were designated a "R1100LT"

Good luck and if you want any more details or pictures, I can provide those via private E-mail instead of taking up so much space here.