Too short for a BMW K100?

[sebas2357]

Hello Everyone,

I'm interested in purchasing a 1985 BMW K100, but am worried my inseam (29-30inch) would be too short. I have previously ridden a low seat K75 without an issue, but am told that K100's have a seat height of 31.9 inches. Would I be able to tip toe the bike comfortable? I would really appreciate someone's insight on this! Thank you!

Seb

[volador]

Down Under Martin solved= Heel lifts

[beemuker]

Hello Everyone,

I'm interested in purchasing a 1985 BMW K100, but am worried my inseam (29-30inch) would be too short. I have previously ridden a low seat K75 without an issue, but am told that K100's have a seat height of 31.9 inches. Would I be able to tip toe the bike comfortable? I would really appreciate someone's insight on this! Thank you!

Seb

The only way to be 100% sure would be to sit on one. There may be someone among the millions of people in S FL that would let you sit on theirs .

[Chaos]

I've got the same inseam as you, it can be a bit of an issue but only when trying to paddle it out of a parking space or sometimes balancing it when 2 up, but never dumped it.  Easy fixes are shorter shock and lowering the fork tubes, thicker soles.

[sebas2357]

I've got the same inseam as you, it can be a bit of an issue but only when trying to paddle it out of a parking space or sometimes balancing it when 2 up, but never dumped it.  Easy fixes are shorter shock and lowering the fork tubes, thicker soles.

In terms of only riding one-up, would you say that you feel confident sustaining the bike at a red light for example? I've heard that inclines and backing out of space is a bit on the strenuous side, but I wouldn't mind pulling the bike out being off of it. I would love to sit on one and really get a feel for the seat height, but not many get listed locally near me. If I were to test one, it would be quite a distance from me. Without being a bother, could you give your thoughts on these questions?

1. Do you balance the bike one your toes/balls of your feet, or one foot it?
2. Based on 1, how confident do you feel handling the bike?
3. Is the weight on the K100 "comfortably" manageable? The heaviest motorcycle I've ridden is a 2013 Honda Shadow Phantom (550 lbs), and while it felt heavy, I didn't feel uncomfortable or scared of dumping it at all.

Thanks for your feedback, I value it immensely!

Seb

[Laitch]

How well you'll get along with the moto depends upon your physical conditioning and agility. A stock R1200GS has a seat height of approximately 33". Watch how this rider gets along with it.

[The Mighty Gryphon]

Yeah, at 72 I'm gonna jump on and off every 10 feet in stop and go traffic. 

I wonder if the rider in your video is that short chick that BMW hired to shame short guys into buying their ridiculous GS models.  "Geez, she made it look so easy.   I dropped my new GS 14 times bringing it home from the BMW dealer."

BMW, official adventure bike of the NBA.

[Laitch]

I wonder if the rider in your video is that short chick that BMW hired to shame short guys into buying their ridiculous GS models.

Beware the green-eyed monster.   

The Shadow is a low moto. Low motos tend to be easier to handle than tall motos no matter who you are. I suggest that asking about others' confidence has no bearing on your own confidence. All body types, strength levels and b.s. skills are liable to respond. You need self-confidence to believe that you'll overcome obstacles when motorcycling. You definitely need to try on one of these in person and I advise against buying one until you do, despite the difficulty finding one to try on.

You can't go by what others say when it comes to an issue like this. Just because a 72-year-old doddering codger complains about handling a moto doesn't mean you will have trouble. 

[The Mighty Gryphon]

Now get off my damn lawn!!!

[sebas2357]

I really appreciate everyone's input and feedback. I think the best measure would be to find one for sell locally and see how it feels to ride it. I've found a dealer in Miami that seems promising. Thanks again to everyone, I greatly value everyone's time!

Seb

[Laitch]

¡Buena suerte!

[Chaos]

I came off an R65 before getting my first K.  It felt MUCH more top heavy, and the wide seat splaying out my legs didn't help. I adapted pretty quickly, but I was in my 30s back then.  Judging by all the used K bikes with blinkers and mirrors broken off or road rash on the fairing I'd say others find them top heavy as well. 

[Laitch]

Now get off my damn lawn!!!

At least person agrees with me. 

[sebas2357]

I came off an R65 before getting my first K.  It felt MUCH more top heavy, and the wide seat splaying out my legs didn't help. I adapted pretty quickly, but I was in my 30s back then.  Judging by all the used K bikes with blinkers and mirrors broken off or road rash on the fairing I'd say others find them top heavy as well.

I used to own a 1982 BMW R65 that I sold last year, so I think I have a better understanding of what you mean. I was very comfortable with the seatment of the R65, I could waddle the bike with the balls of my feet pretty easily. I'm in my 20s atm, and would consider myself decently fit. Im very happy that you provided your feedback because it almost seems like we have the same timeline, (R65 to K100). Thanks a million for the input, it truly has been of great benefit to me.

Seb

[frankenduck]

You can low seat a K100. For 85 and earlier it requires swapping in an 86+ tail cowl.




Another option is to do some seat foam shaving to make it easier to flatfoot.

[Martin]

Shortness can be overcome on the Brick. I've had mine over 20 years and initially it wasn't a problem. However mine has been modified gradually over the years to lower the bike or raise the rider. The first mod involved dropping the forks 13mm through the trees I didn't encounter any adverse effects. Next mod was to have the nose of the seat shaved by a local seat restorer. Next mod was to buy boots with thicker soles and add shoe lifts. Buy the lifts first and take them with you to try in the boots. Next mod was lowering the seat padding. Next mod was a 1" shorter rear shock which does require swapping and modifying the centre stand. I looked at shortening the OEM curved leg stand but ended up shortening a later straight legged stand which was easier. I also had to shave the rubber bumper to allow the side stand to retract further. I had fitted a spacer to the side stand foot but this was found to grind on corners so it was removed. The side stand still had a tendency to grind so the corner the was hitting was removed and the rubber bumper was ground down a bit further. The next mod will be to increase the size of the foot back to a bit larger than OEM.
Regards Martin.

[frankenduck]

For Y-spoke wheels, another thing to do (which you should do even if you have a 36" inseam) is run Continental Road Attack 3 RADIAL tires - 110/80-18 front, 130/80-17 rear.  In addition to making handling much better, this lowers the front about 0.1" and lowers the rear about 0.5" vs. the stock size bias ply tires - 100/90-18 front, 130/90-17.