Hey tall R65 riders!

[dziadzu42]

I would like to know how comfortable you are riding the R65, say a stock bike of 1979 vintage.  (I put this question in the tech forum because I know it receives a lot of attention) Thanks.

[wilcom]

bike of 1979 vintage.

Being 6" 0" and/liked to be 200 lbs with 32" inseam. I've got about 20-30 Kmiles on r65's.

My legs get a little cramped. I use the front and back pegs at once like  floor boards and it seems to help. Using the front pegs only I get squirmy after about an hour.

I'm 73 so take that into condiferation. Stuff bothers me now that 40 years ago I didn't even knew they existed.

[Barry]

R65's (particularly the early 79 model which is listed as having a lower seat height) can feel a bit cramped for a tall rider. I run the rear shock pre-load in the middle position which helps a little. I also do a "Rossi leg dangle"  to stretch my legs on a ride.

[Tony Smith]

I am 6'1" and totallly comfortable on my 1984 R65, however I have always felt cramped on the wife's 1979 edition. I recall that this was not a problem 30 or so years ago so I assume that in addition to being a bit heavier I am not as flexible as I once was.

The cause is not seat height - the 79 now has a later seat on it. I think it is to do with the unique to the 79 foot pegs which simply cannot be set a low as the later models  (I have them as low as they go on the 1984).

I can ride the 79, but am in no hurry to do more than around the block for tuning/diagnostic purposes.

[skippyc]

I'm 73 so take that into condiferation. Stuff bothers me now that 40 years ago I didn't even knew they existed

If only that was not true. I'm no long distance rider anymore.

[badgertom]

I find the stock seat uncomfortable on rides over 1 hour. So, I removed the seat, purchased a solo seat and made a frame to support the new seat and installed it on the bike. The frame supporting the seat is removable so that I can install the original seat if I decide to sell the Bike.

[Tony Smith]

If only that was not true. I'm no long distance rider anymore.

It is a question of the bike. If you had told me in October last year that between Christmas and New Year I would ride nearly 4,000km including two days of more than 1,000km, I would have laughed in your face and asked for some of what you had been smoking.

That I was able to do that at 60y.o with a few "problems" resulting from youthful misdeeds is an absolute tribute to the R1150GSA, the most comfortable eater of miles I have ever owned.

So Skippy, never say never!


P.S. I rode the R65 from Cairns to Townsville (400km odd) and whilst it isn't too bad as I've invested time and money into decent suspension and a decent seat I was about as knackered after that as i was on my longest day on the GSA (1200km).

[georgesgiralt]

Hello,
I'm 1,85 m high. (can't translate this at this time of day before coffee...)
I own from new an 1982 R65 initially fitted with an RT fairing.
With this fairing came the RT special high handlebar.
I still use it. It is a very good back saver. The bike and I have more than 200 000 km together. Commuting and also trips in Europe for vacation (mostly camping ! )

[steven m]

I'm 6'3", 175 lbs.  My 83 has 90S bars and is very comfortable for longer rides.  I think the standard US bars, which result in a more upright seating position, put more pressure on the tailbone.  I also tend to ride on the balls of my feet, a la Cal Rayborn...