BMW R1200R R1150R/T F800 K1200R R1100R/T R1250R RnineT Message Board

Help, just bought a 1998 R1100R. I'm 5'7" with a 29" inseam.
The bike has a lowered Corbin seat but I need another 1" or 25 to 30mm
to make it right. I s is possible to put shorter shocks or springs to make this happen?
I love this machine but don't feel confortable.
please help!

If you already have a lowered seat your only option are shorter shocks. These are available from some aftermarket producers like Wilbers, Oehlins, Performance Works and alike. You could also check with your dealer.

Brgds
Oliver

Don't be in a rush to lower it. Is your seat in the lowest of the 3 positions? My inseam is 28" and I felt like I was driving a semi when I first got my R1100R. After a few weeks I was very comfortable with it, in fact I now have the stock seat in the middle position to clear a fuse block and have no problems.

What railbender said!

Check the position of the seat, there are three height settings for the forward rubber thingies, make sure you are using the lowest setting.

BTW, from experience with a Corbin seat on a Suzie, they are very comfy, but quite wide.

The extra width translates just like extra height.

If you are already using the lowest seat setting, getting a standard seat is a better option than stuffing about with the suspension.

regards,CrazyCam

The seat is in the lowest position. I think I may need to lower the shocks.
I can't seem to find any info on changing the suspension.

bhamrider wrote:The seat is in the lowest position. I think I may need to lower the shocks.
I can't seem to find any info on changing the suspension.

Something is very odd here. My bike has the stock seat (not lowered). I'm 5'-8" tall with a 30" inseam and I prefer my seat on the highest position. Why do you want to lower it exactly? Have you thought of buying a nice motorcycle boot with thick soles? This is what I wear on long trips: http://www.redwingshoes.com/red-wing-sh ... eman-black. Around town I just wear regular low heal cowboy boots and never have a problem. Even with my tennis shoes on the bike doesn't seem too low for me.

If were as tall as you I wouldn't have a problem. I just need 1 more inch. (No pun intended)
I think the info about the Corbin seat being wider is a factor. The preload may be maxed out and I'm still waiting on a spanner wrench to try that adjustment.
My goal is to get off my tiptoes when I stop. There are hills and slopes everywhere I go and a little more shoe tread on the ground would make me feel a lot safer.
Thank you guys for all the good tips. I want to try everything I can before investing $1500 bucks on shorter shocks.

Definitely try, if you can, a standard seat.

Have you got panniers for your bike?

If so, you can try putting some rocks, or other weights in the panniers.

Don't laugh, I knew a very petite lady who rode a big BM thusly set up.

regards,CrazyCam

I think you would do fine with a standard seat. As I said before I'm only an inch taller than you, and I keep my seat on the highest setting. If you drop the standard seat to the bottom setting you should gain at least an inch.

or you could trade for a Harley Hugger?

OK, I told you guys I was a newbie. No rocks in my panniers or trade for a Hardley.
I noticed that the seat is 30-40% wider that my other bike. I'll try to get it reshaped.
Thanks,

Where are you located? Perhaps another inmate nearby can let you try a factory seat.

I live in Birmingham, Al
A real test would be nice. I've looked at photos and and there is a huge width difference.
The Corbin seat is not lowered. It just appears that way because it dosn't curve up to meet the tank.

bhamrider wrote:I live in Birmingham, Al
A real test would be nice. I've looked at photos and and there is a huge width difference.
The Corbin seat is not lowered. It just appears that way because it dosn't curve up to meet the tank.

.,

Yup. Typical Corbin..... wide...comfy, but wide.

BTW, it wasn't a joke about rocks in the panniers, it really does work.


regards,CrazyCam

I'm sure someone out there would trade you a stock seat for the Corbin. I'm fairly happy with my stock seat, but I might be interested. Maybe post some pictures of the seat on here?

I would love to trade it. I'll post some pics when I get home.

Here are the photos of the Corbin seat.
http://s1206.photobucket.com/albums/bb4 ... Z1QQtppZZ5

Thanks for the pictures. After looking at them I think I'll stick with my stock seat. It looks too low and hard for long trips. I am afraid my butt would hurt and the low height would be hard on my knees. Hopefully someone else may want to trade.

Almost all preload out. Seat on lowest settting shaved the rear seat post blocks and put washers under front mount to get crotch out of tank pad. Installed handlebar risers. Bike pretty comfortable and tons of fun now. My inseam is about 30 but I can flat foot with room to spare. Will have wife try as she is about 29. Think the stock seat could be shaved a little if needed. Also read somewhere the corbin is wide for shorter riders.

I'm just under 5'8" and have my seat on it's highest settting. My feet are almost flat on the ground with the stock seat. Some seats, like Corbin, are wider which pushes your legs out and makes it more difficult to put your feet down comfortably. You can still order the stock seat through BMW dealers (check online through Bob's BMW or A&S).

I know this is an older post, but I am just north of Daytona Beach, Florida, and looking for a wider seat. I would be willing trade my stock seat, for Heck maybe we could meet in the middle somewhere.