Lower seat?

[beemer]

Can you lower the seat slightly on a R65LS?my wife want to ride it.

[montmil]

You really can't lower the seat so why not lengthen her legs?

Lowering seat height on the R65 would require getting rid of some seat foam and a re-upholstery job. Perhaps a pricey aftermarket custom seat?

A quick peek at the seat hinge system and the seat pan's proximity to the frame may convince you.

'alf a mo... the new BMW adventure bikes offer a choice of seats for the vertically challenged! Simply buy her a new scooter and leave your R65 alone. Gosh, I love it when a plan comes together. [smiley=thumbsup.gif]

Monte

[beemer]

You really can't lower the seat so why not lengthen her legs?

Lowering seat height on the R65 would require getting rid of some seat foam and a re-upholstery job. Perhaps a pricey aftermarket custom seat?

A quick peek at the seat hinge system and the seat pan's proximity to the frame may convince you.

'alf a mo... the new BMW adventure bikes offer a choice of seats for the vertically challenged! Simply buy her a new scooter and leave your R65 alone. Gosh, I love it when a plan comes together. [smiley=thumbsup.gif]

Monte

Iv'e just told her to buy some 60's style platform boots with a 4" sole!!!i now have a rather large lump on my head!!!

[montmil]

I have felt your pain, Beemer. However, your foot wear idea is very "Rocker". Sort of an Ace Cafe flashback.   Monte

[MrRiden]

Cafe seat http://www.airtech-streamlining.com/vintage/vintageseats_box.htm
Shorter shocks, I think Melena did this
http://www.davequinnmotorcycles.com/
or the previously mentioned.
rich

[Justin B.]

Other than re-sculpting the seat you can put just a tad shorter rear shock on the rear and then slide the fork tubes a corresponding amount up...

[msbuck]

+1 on all the above.  I carved out my own seat, put on shorter shocks and I USED to run lower profile tires...somehow those don't seem to be available anymore (or I just can't find any...)

Depends on how much extra you need for her, if just a couple of inches, I think the tall heels would be the way to go.  No, really!  I would do that in a heartbeat, but I need more inches that a boot can fix.    Ask sue about her Munster boots...  8-)

[Altritter]

From montmil: <<Lowering seat height on the R65 would require getting rid of some seat foam and a re-upholstery job. Perhaps a pricey aftermarket custom seat? >>

Monte, you talk wisdom even when you're talking trash!  
 
Seriously, query me to revisit this issue tomorrow, or later, when the effects of multiple Blonde Bocks (not goats (auf Deutsch) or women, but potent beers) have worn off.

I'm looking to lower my bike, but I agree with your take on messing with the seat. Mine is comfortable, and the thought of "lowering" it produces images of a ride resembling some old prints of the Inquisition, or alternatively, the peculiarly American custom in previous centuries of "tarring, feathering, and riding on a rail." (FWIW, the "tarring" part of this caused burns that were sometimes fatal (because of infection)l, according to some accounts I've read.) So, I've sought other means of reducing the saddle height of Der Rittmeister.

A recent "dreaded tires" thread that was moved to the "rants" forum intrigued me. It taked about tire profile being a factor that could increase wheel radius nearly 3/4" or greater. This is in the realm of the amount that "short shocks" can lower the R65.

I have taken Melena's information on short shocks to heart. (I've posted on this before.) It's on my agenda to contact Dave Quinn about Hagon shocks. Problem is, I have to find time to pull one of the Konis on my R65 and measure it, plus the tires on my bike. ( I know I'll need the size and make make  of tires, but it's too late to wake the household by going out to check. Suffice that both are Metzelers, and the rear is 120x90x18). Stay tuned, friends.

[suecanada]

My "Herman Munster" boots have raised me about 2.5 -3 inches!! I have only added a Vibram sole and a 1/2 inch spacer to the sole of my boots (shoemaker) BUT inside the boot is where it all happens! The boots are Alpinestar Tech 4s and they have enough height in the heel for "Mickey Rooney" heel lifts. Foam pad, my old Honda Civic brake and clutch pedal covers and an old pair of orthotic supports completes the Up-grade!!! All piled up inside the heels. I was watching an old Mickey Rooney film where he played Moss Hart and Mickey passed a shoemaking shop, saw the heel lifts advertised and went in and got a pair. Out he strutted as only he can do being several inches taller!!!! Great idea I said to myself and voila..it works if your boots can handle the goodies inside. very comfortable and hidden!

I like the Tech 4s despite being clunky as they are very safe. Hardly a mark on 'em after my swan dive!

[Landlubber]

To make a new seat base, simply remove the old seat, lay a layer of Glad wrap over the frame and mess, and then fibreglass over what you have. The seat base will fit the bike perfectly, reupholstered, the seat can be a lot lower overall, yet still retain the same amount of padding as the metal based seat does not actually fit very well in any case.

I am a boat builder, have done this mod many times over the years for friends, and they are short Pommies usually, funny little legs!

[beemer]

To make a new seat base, simply remove the old seat, lay a layer of Glad wrap over the frame and mess, and then fibreglass over what you have. The seat base will fit the bike perfectly, reupholstered, the seat can be a lot lower overall, yet still retain the same amount of padding as the metal based seat does not actually fit very well in any case.

I am a boat builder, have done this mod many times over the years for friends, and they are short Pommies usually, funny little legs!

Hey!nuff of the pommies stuff!!!

[beemer]

How about these?

Good colour too! 8-)

[Darwin_R65]

I'm 6'3 and I can never understand why anyone would want the seat lowered.  

[Justin B.]

Interesting slant on making a seat-pan.

Oh, you two (y'all know who you are) play nice or I'll have to give you timeout in the corner...  [smiley=chairshot.gif]

[Landlubber]

Hey Beemer, does the colour of those shoes really suit you?