Wanna be

[bobminor]

Hi everybody,

I am a long term BMW rider (starting with airheads in '79) and just recently sold my '96 RS. I still have an F650ST, which is a hoot to ride, but is scheduled to go away if I can find a bike that will do the duty of both the RS and ST.

I like the concept of an "RT light" and seem to be zeroing in on a 2004 non-ABS Roadster with bags, top case, windshield or Areoflow Scout. And red, of course. It seems that this would make for a "do everything" machine; a bike that's as fun going to the grocery store as it is riding to Colorado. The 2004 seems to be the best motor with the twin spark and I prefer the simplicity of the non-servo brakes. My RS had the ABS system crap out and the price of those components are enough to shock even Warren Buffet.

I do have some questions though.

One concern is the leg position on a Roadster. I'd like to sit on one and check it out but I don't see any available in my area (I'm expecting to have to buy one out of state). Can anyone comment on the differences in leg position between a late model Roadster and an RS? With the RS your knees are bent not quite like on a 600 crotch rocket, but more severly than I'm willing to tolerate.

The other concern is seat height, I will probably need the low seat or one that is custom made. I doubt the low seat is all that comfortable so I'm prepared to have one made. Are the pans on the low and regular seats
the same?

Anyway, I love the enthusiasm the people on this forum have towards their bikes. Seems like a great bunch and I look forward to being a part of the Roadster community.

[DSKYZD]

I can't comment on the bend at the knees. But, the RS is slightly more leaned over than the R. In other words, the bend at the waist is greater. If the pegs were in the same position on both bikes, the R might feel more open due to the more upright posture.

Lots of guys use peg lowering kits on the R. I'm 6'1, use the low/standard seat, and have not changed the peg position. I like my legs tucked just a little. All subjective.

To clarify the seat thing. The low seat came standard on the R, comfort seat was standard on the Rockster. There is a third seat called "Tall". The numbers (from memory) are 780mm, 800mm, and 820mm respectively. I suspect the pan is the same for all 3 with differnt padding applied. Don't take my word as gospel.

Welcome aboard.


DSKYZD

[challey]

I'm 5'7" with a 29" inseam and find the riding position to be quite comfortable. Not as comfy as my old MG V7 but light years ahead of my Darmah. The seat is tolerable but the furthest I've ridden in a day is only about 400 miles; by day's end, I was glad to get out of the saddle. The stock seat is just a little too high though and I can't quite flat-foot the bike as a result. I plan to make a few mods to the seat (bought a used spare from someone on the IBMWR) - mostly trimming the width - but haven't done that yet

[bobminor]

Although I'm even shorter (as in almost 5'6"), I'm not too concerned about seat height. The low seat is at least as low as my RS's low position so it won't be any worse. After all, I only dropped the RS occassionally. On the RS though, the limiting factor on my time in the saddle was always the bend in the knees. Any one on the list that's converted from an RS to a R?

[wncbmw]

The knee position comfort level has some variables. AT 5'6" you probably will be OK with the standard seat and pegs. I am about 3" taller and find my knees kill me more than my butt after a while. But I have throughly abused my knees over the years and basically have bone on bone now; you probably don't have that issue. All problems have a solution anyway, just a matter of $$.

As for the bar ergos, I had an older RS and you will probably feel like you are riding ape-hangers for a while! But the position is probably pretty neutral actually. Many on the board add bar-backs to sit up more. Me, I long for a set of bars to mimic the old R90S position, with a little more forward lean.

Edited to add: Get the bike and stick around! Great bike and forum!

[johnt650]

I started with the R and ended up on the RT; I believe that the ST would be a great do it all bike. If I was trading tomorrow it would get a very hard look.

[Sit]

bobminor,
I am local to you and have an 04 R that if you wanted to just sit on one, I would be more than happy to let you have a sit to check out knees etc. When you do find one to buy, I may be interested in your 650 for my wife, what year, color etc?

I actually will be in Portland this weekend with my bike most likely and can let you know where I will be if you would like to stop by and sit on it.

[Just-Beeming]

Good Idea!

I too am a local. I am 5'5. But long inseam of 30-31. I have the low seat but had it custom fitted. My knees get tight sometimes but I think it is just age. I stretch out on elf pegs or the heads every 30 miles or so and that helps.

My bike is currently over at Portland Motorcycle getting some new tires.
Seems the old ones wore out somehow?
If you want to PM me we could possibly meet up....

I think I will pick it up on Sunday. Dang work and family obligations... keeping me so busy....


'Beeming

[leno]

The seat is the same, high, low and average it make no differance. It's the mounting of it that's changed. You can however buy even lower seats from non BMW sorces.

[sweatmark]

Bob,

Give us a shout if you're in Salem... we've got his & hers R1150Rs, with several seat options you can try. The Mrs. is currently using a Corbin on her Roadster with good comfort; the Corbin and OE Low/stock seat offer easy reach to the ground (she's 5'6"ish). I'm using a Sargent seat on my Rockster... just about perfect for my 6' self with short legs for my height.

Mark
Oregon

*Send me a PM for contact info.

[bobminor]

What a great list, a few questions about Roadsters and just like that I have three offers to check out personal bikes. My wife and I are leaving on vacation next week so I'll connect with people when we return. And if things go well I hope to get a peek and sit on the the new F800 as we're going to Scotland (they have been available in Europe for a few months now). That's a bike I've also been considering but I think I've really convinced myself that I'm a R bike guy. I've had three different boxers, each better than the last. I'm really looking forward to a 2004 and the twin spark motor.

Again, thanks for all the great replies.

Bob Minor