RE: Sportier R1200RS - 2

Ray,
The Stock front wheel size on the RS is 3.5" That is the same width as any other modern sport bike. I installed the stock size on the front 120/70/17
The stock rear is a tad narrower than modern setups, probably because BMW choose to set the bike up with a narrower more touring orientated rear tire which are generally narrower than the HP versions.
Yes, I am also a bicycle nut, mostly MTB these days, riding a Yeti SB150 at the moment, also do some racing but not to serious.

Mark,
Its only .5" But to optimize the slightly bigger tire the 6" is needed, looks cooler also !!
The RS is listed as a sport bike on BMW's website.

Zitat von Markj im Beitrag #17

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The RS is listed as a sport bike on BMW's website.

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Hi..!! I'm New al this forum, but I think that it's amazing your modification of the bike.

When did you change the rear Rim l, had you made a adittional modification for the entry in the chasis..??

Did you set in rim the OEM presión sensor.??

I want change the rear wheel for K1300 RT but I continious whith 180 tire, is it posible.??

IF I only down 1" front suspensión ang don't down rear suspensión, I Will gain agility..??

Thank You very much..!!!!!

Hi Ivan,
My setup ended up with a 1" lower front ride height and a .05" lower rear ride height. The rear would have ended up at a 3/4" drop except the larger rear tire (190-50-17) is .05" taller than stock. I ended up using the rear wheel from a K1300S, direct bolt on and yes I kept the original TPMS sensor from the RS rear wheel. The rear suspension link my friend was making never came to fruition, I ended up shortening the swingarms ride height control rod (don't know the correct name) 3/4" This does not effect suspension travel only ride height. I noticed on some BMW models this rod is adjustable for rear ride height. (see photo of where I cut and re-welded)
I've spent about a year on the setup now, everything from a trackday to fully laden sport touring with bags (no two up) The Bike is better everywhere, less buffeting at higher speeds (over 80mph) and even easier and more confidence inspiring in the twisty sections. I have yet to touch a peg with this setup. Its also much easier to get on and off :-)
The only downside is the stock kickstand length, I'm still using the stock kickstand length, it works even with the bike loaded with both paniers and camping gear for a week. You do have to plan where you park though and take advantage of any nearby inclines that are to your advantage, hasn't been as inconvenient as I thought it might.

Zitat von Markj im Beitrag #20

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The rear suspension link my friend was making never came to fruition, I ended up shortening the swingarms ride height control rod (don't know the correct name) 3/4" This does not effect suspension travel only ride height. I noticed on some BMW models this rod is adjustable for rear ride height. (see photo of where I cut and re-welded)

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Zitat von Paul911 im Beitrag #21

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Zitat von Markj im Beitrag #20

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The rear suspension link my friend was making never came to fruition, I ended up shortening the swingarms ride height control rod (don't know the correct name) 3/4" This does not effect suspension travel only ride height. I noticed on some BMW models this rod is adjustable for rear ride height. (see photo of where I cut and re-welded)

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I believe they call it a "moment strut".

I have to say, I wouldn't be comfortable welding an important aluminum forging like that.

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Paul,
Thank you, Moment strut it is :-)

Andy,
Your halfway there!!

Cool! It reminds me of my 1999 Yamaha R1.
What about the handle bars? Do they feel like "ape hangers" now?
Will you do something to them to make them sportier or do they work?

I have always been happy with the cockpit on the RS both for touring and sportier riding. Fits me better than any M/C I've owned and I have had quite few. Handlebars to seat dimensions did not change with my mods, just ride height, still retains stock suspension travel also. The bike feels easier to ride at any speed with the lower C.O.G.

Hi Markj,

I would also like to lower my 2016 R1200RS. My reason for doing so is that I am short (5'7"), and with the standard seat I am not quite able to flat-foot. The low seat option is a possibility, but would upset the ergo's slightly, which i want to avoid. I'm quite happy with the standard seat while on the move, it's just that I would like to get both feet flat at a standstill. I'm so close to that with the ride height set to solo rider with no luggage, but not quite there.

Just looking at how you've cut and welded your "control rod". It's refereed to as a "para lever brace" in the parts diagram BTW. I can see that it would drop the rear by changing the angle at the pivot, but I'd be concerned that it would also upset the critical geometry of the para lever setup, which is basically a parallelogram if you analyse it. It's designed to prevent "jacking" and "settling" at the rear under acceleration/deceleration as I understand. That setup has surely been very carefully designed by the factory engineers, and I myself would not try to second guess them. I respect your decision to do so however, don't get me wrong.

Just wondering if you or anyone else has considered changing the length of the push rod that activates the ride level sensor, to see if it has any effect on rear ride height. I think it's unlikely to be a magic quick fix though. Probably some computer calculation going on in response to the sensor position. Just a thought. Any opinions anyone?

Cheers.

Hey Steady,
The mod changes ride height only, no suspension geometry is changed. The bike feels no different under braking or acceleration at any level with this mod. What gave me the idea for this is BMW uses this adjustment so they can use the same swing arm on a wide variety of their bikes, all using slightly different ride heights: example would be the GS has a longer rod than the RS.

Zitat von Markj im Beitrag #28

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Hey Steady,
The mod changes ride height only, no suspension geometry is changed. The bike feels no different under braking or acceleration at any level with this mod. What gave me the idea for this is BMW uses this adjustment so they can use the same swing arm on a wide variety of their bikes, all using slightly different ride heights: example would be the GS has a longer rod than the RS.

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Glad you found a better set-up Steady !!

Mark