Lowering an R1100S

cruisin · 04-11-2013, 06:32 PM

Greetings from the far side all,

I tried put this in the Off Topic area, because I kept getting kicked back to the title page without an option to start a new topic. So, I finally found my way here with a question about possibilities for lowering a BMW R1100S (specifically a 2000 model.) I'll go back and delete theOff Topic thread as soon as I'm done here.

I currently own a R1200C which I have custom seats on and an R1100RT with custom seat, shorter Ohlins shocks and a modified seat adjutment bar to lower it. I am comfortable with just the balls of my feet on the ground with the RT so if I can get to that level with an S, I will certainly be in the market for a low mileage used one. The most relevant measurement here is my inseam at 27".

thanks in advance.

wswartzwel · 04-11-2013, 09:27 PM

welcome to the board.

Flattbutt lowered his successfully, perhaps he will find this thread and offer some advice.

twitchy · twitchy's Garage

Cruisin,
I have a 2004 R1100s that has been lowered 1in. I bought it used that way. I bought it from a dealer in Colorado and when I bought it I questioned him about it, he suggested I ride it back home to New Jersey and for a while after that and then make a decision as to whether or not I wanted to put it back to the stock ride height. He didn't think I would want to change it back. My main concern was losing the travel and hitting the cylinders when cornering. I am 5ft. 8in. with a 32in. inseam. I would have been fine with it an inch higher, but it is nice to be able to touch the ground flat footed. I have Works Performance shocks on it. I like them. I think they ride very well and I love the way it handles. I have Michelin Pilot Road 3's on the bike now.
I have put 16,000 miles on it now and wouldn't change it back. I hope this helps.

cruisin · 04-12-2013, 01:33 PM

Are the Works shocks how you lowered it? That is one of the multiple ways I have made the RT tolerable for my short inseam. I lucked out on a pair of Ohlins for the first RT at about half price from an individual. They are now seeing duty on my second RT (the 2000). I first had them on a '98 that I ran to pretty high mileage then parted out.

twitchy · twitchy's Garage

That is how it was lowered 1in. Call Works Performance and talk to them. You will get answers to your questions first hand. I also have a Sargent seat on it. That may make a difference as well.

cruisin · 04-13-2013, 08:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by twitchy

That is how it was lowered 1in. Call Works Performance and talk to them. You will get answers to your questions first hand. I also have a Sargent seat on it. That may make a difference as well.

cool, how much lower did they build the seat? were they able to help any by making it narrower too?

flatbutt · 04-13-2013, 04:47 PM

cruisin, I have a 28" inseam. At first I ordered a set of Works shocks with a shortened spring. It brought the bike down an inch. Be advised that you lose out on cornering if you do this. Since then I bought an Ohlins rear shock with an adjustable ride height. I still have a shortened Works in the front.

cruisin · 04-14-2013, 05:05 AM

hey, guys, I appreciate the feedback.

flatbutt, what was it about the Works shock you did not like? Do you still have that laying around?

As far as limiting lean angle, I am pretty familiar with that part of the equation. I have driven the two RTs in my history with the limitation for a combined mileage of ~120K miles. I still feel pretty certain my sedate style as I age will not make that a factor in my enjoyment of my first true sport bike.

see y'all on the road sometime

hopz · 04-14-2013, 06:06 AM

FWIW... I know you do not really want to hear this... but anyway...

I am 69 years old. I have a 29/30 inseam. I ride an RT and my '99 S. Both are stock height.

IF you want an S bike... get one and give it a try. It is not difficult to handle at starts/stops etc. just learn how.

My feet never touch the ground when riding.

cruisin · 04-14-2013, 07:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hopz

FWIW... I know you do not really want to hear this... but anyway...

I am 69 years old. I have a 29/30 inseam. I ride an RT and my '99 S. Both are stock height.

IF you want an S bike... get one and give it a try. It is not difficult to handle at starts/stops etc. just learn how.

My feet never touch the ground when riding.

OK, FWIW. I started riding in 1968 and now have ~385K miles behind me on bikes. 285K of that in the past 13 years. In fact, I first tried a stock height RT in 2001; it simply did not work for me and my 27" inseam despite having over 130K miles of experience at the time. In short, "been there done that" with stock height bikes. That, and a 2" shorter inseam than yours makes a HUGE difference when you can only get the very tips of your toes down as opposed to having the balls of your feet on the ground. I am very profcient at being careful where I park and handling bikes at low as well as highway speeds. However, I choose not to take the risks (to the bike or myself and my spouse) associated with tippy-toeing a bike.

TX_Biker_Scum · 04-14-2013, 08:27 AM

I lowered my R1100S an inch with new, shorter shocks and I wouldn't have the bike any other way. Shortening the sidestand was also important. I would advise against using a Corbin seat. Either the height or width make for a longer stretch to the ground. The stock seat and a sargent seat are better options.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/bmw-r1100s-r1200s-tech-forum/405504-lowering-99-s.html

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/bmw-r1100s-r1200s-tech-forum/624056-side-stand-length.html#post6207177

cruisin · 04-14-2013, 09:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TX_Biker_Scum

I lowered my R1100S an inch with new, shorter shocks and I wouldn't have the bike any other way. Shortening the sidestand was also important. I would advise against using a Corbin seat. Either the height or width make for a longer stretch to the ground. The stock seat and a sargent seat are better options.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/bmw-r1100s-r1200s-tech-forum/405504-lowering-99-s.html

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/bmw-r1100s-r1200s-tech-forum/624056-side-stand-length.html#post6207177

I can see that. I had to shorten the side stand on my RT and all of the Corbin seats I have seen are taller than stock. I have built my own seats on the RT and cruiser by reducing height and width using a much denser foam than most other seats I have sat on over the years and miles.

flatbutt · 04-14-2013, 02:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cruisin

hey, guys, I appreciate the feedback.

flatbutt, what was it about the Works shock you did not like? Do you still have that laying around?

As far as limiting lean angle, I am pretty familiar with that part of the equation. I have driven the two RTs in my history with the limitation for a combined mileage of ~120K miles. I still feel pretty certain my sedate style as I age will not make that a factor in my enjoyment of my first true sport bike.

see y'all on the road sometime

It was a decent shock but at the time it was limited in variability..So when it came time to rebuild I saw the adjustable Ohlie and went for it.

ckcarr · ckcarr's Garage

Different "S" bikes are different heights even though the brochures say they are the same.

A "Stock" bike is a little bit lower seat height than a "Sport" or Boxer Prep or Boxercup. Then there is the 2005 version, that was different too, and even higher.

First thing I'd do (and did) is find a Wunderlich "low" seat. I'd do this before mechanically lowering the bike. See how the ride is.

cruisin · 04-15-2013, 01:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ckcarr

Different "S" bikes are different heights even though the brochures say they are the same.

A "Stock" bike is a little bit lower seat height than a "Sport" or Boxer Prep or Boxercup. Then there is the 2005 version, that was different too, and even higher.

First thing I'd do (and did) is find a Wunderlich "low" seat. I'd do this before mechanically lowering the bike. See how the ride is.

All good thoughts. I certainly did not realize the varying heights in different models and years. I appreciate that useful bit of information.

I am sticking with a 2000 model (I have my reasons) and will likely start with the seat as you suggested. However, instead of buying a seat, I will make my own just as I have done on my R12C and R11RT. After that, I'll begin exploring other options in depth.

cruisin · 01:38 PM

Ah. Just thought of this; seeing as how our nearest dealer is over 250 miles away, if any of you are anywhere near Amarillo Tx. (either traveling through or living near there), I would sure like to at least sit on an S of any height to check it out for height in person. I'm not asking to ride your bike/s; just want to get an idea of height at a stand-still as that is the only time I really need the help in not slippping around and loosing footing.

thanks

MakarskiJA · MakarskiJA's Garage

I'll be passing through there on a trip the last weekend of June/first of July

Organic Mechani · Organic Mechani's Garage

What about a longer paralever arm I am looking for a shorter(365mm cntr to cntr) to raise mine if yours is a 365 i would trade for my 385.

cruisin · 04-25-2013, 01:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Organic Mechani

What about a longer paralever arm I am looking for a shorter(365mm cntr to cntr) to raise mine if yours is a 365 i would trade for my 385.

Well, seeing as how I have not yet purchased an S, that might be a bit of a difficult trade.

cruisin · 04-25-2013, 01:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MakarskiJA

I'll be passing through there on a trip the last weekend of June/first of July

That's great, keep me posted on approximate day and time you might be here. I have some flexibility at work in case you pass through on a weekday. We can work out the fine details a few days prior to your trip.

Thanks a bunch, there are not many beemers around here in the middle of hard-core Harley country and I personally don't know of any S models for me to have a test "sit" on.