accessories » Low seat review (or, I have discovered that I'm a short-arse)

When I tested an RS1250 it came, said the dealer, with a standard seat. It was fine, so my 2022 1250 has a standard seat.

I have ridden over 5,000 miles, including a trip to Norway. It didn't feel quite right: I could get my feet down, the balls of my feet, but it was a bit tentative. I was tense whenever the camber in the parking area wasn't quite right, and cautious at stops.

I have just bought a 'low seat' on e-bay (BMW original). When I took the current seat off, I saw that the code ends in 8. True, this is the standard seat - but it used to be called the high seat, at 820mm. I looked it up. The standard seat I tested was, I think, 790mm - which was the standard seat before the 820mm seat. I think the standard seat has grown, by 30mm.

The code on the low seat ends in 7 - which is 760mm. 60mm less than the standard seat, which is somewhere over 2 inches.

It has made a big difference. Yes, to my confidence in close manoeuvres. Also, I have the Wunderlich wider bars, and they are now miraculously 60mm taller. The screen is similarly taller, and I notice the difference. It's better. And the COG of the bike is lower with me on it. And that's better too.

As for comfort - yes, the 60mm saving is on foam, but so far it's fine. I haven't been for any 5 hour rides yet though, so we'll see.

Of course, this only works because of my size. I am 5ft 8'' or so - which I now know to be 'below standard'. I never knew. I thought I was about average. Some will say that if you have the right skills, none of this will matter. Well, probably, possibly - but it's better for me, for sure. And I love this bike.

Beerman

So long as you are comfortable is all that matters. Especially if it aids your confidence. Mine came with a low seat, so I had to get a higher one.

I have had 3 factory lowered GS' for the same reasons you have the lowered seat on your RS. Let us know how you get on generally comfort wise and how the reduced seat height effects your leg comfort in particular

There are 4 different rider seat heights available:
840 mm - the so called “Sport seat”
820mm - the standard RS seat
790 mm - the standard R seat (which also fits the RS)
760mm - the extra low seat
If you search this forum you’ll find part numbers.
At 5’7”, the 790mm allows me to flat foot (just). Don’t know what my inseam is, but it must be around 30”. The 790 gives me a decent compromise between comfort and confidence.

We all have different comfort levels.

I’m “only” 5’8” in my boots, but quickly moved to the highest Sport seat plus lowered pegs.

Mainly to give my knees an easier ride.

Can still get my feet down. Probably due to my custom suspension.