Floating Newbie Intro

[motomarinero]

My name is Michael Louise, sailor, chef, motero, husband, father, grandfather, etc.   I've been riding for over 35 years and don't know what it would if I couldn't ride.  I'm currently deployed, AGAIN, and can't wait to get back to my 1979 R65 & 1995 K1100LT so I can start to fully appreciate SoCal and Mexico.  I'm especially interested in gaining two things from this group:  wrenching knowledge and camaraderie of other vintage BMW (and other marques) owners/riders.  I'm also an Airhead #10211, and I dig home built and cafe rides as well.

My wife recently got her M license, and I'm interested in lowering my R65 for her 5'2" frame. Or perhaps finding a lower bike without mods.

We lived in Spain for three years and have a home in Dillon,Colorado if that strikes up conversations with anyone.

Thanks in advance......I'm stoked to be part of one more moto group for mutual benefit of all. Come visit us anytime!!

Michael

[tagordon]

Welcome from Salt Lake City.
Troy

[not-so-fast-ed]

Welcome aboard from Atlanta!

I thought the '79 R65 WAS the shortest BMW made...     :-/
How about having your wife try some motorcycle boots with two inch platforms??  
 [smiley=idea2.gif]

Seriously,  You are one up on me.  
My wife has absolutely no interest in anything more powerful than her bicycle.

Best,  Ed

[Justin B.]

I think some folks have put on a little shorter rear shock and then raised the fork tubes in the trees accordingly.  I have also heard of others re-sculpting the seat foam to decrease height as well.

When my wife took her MSF Basic Riders Course a few years back they were using little Kawasakis and Hondas that were pretty low in the seat height department.

[MrRiden]

Michael,
  To lower the '79 R65 you can use a slightly shorter shock on the rear. I believe Melina who is also on this board has done so with success. A source for these, custom sprung, for her particular weight / style of riding can be sourced from Dave Quinn
http://www.davequinnmotorcycles.com/cgi-bin/webc.cgi/Hagon.html
  You say you are located in the San Diego aera and Colorado as well. I'm halfway between. We'll talk!
rich

[motomarinero]

Thanks to all who have welcomed me and offer assistance to my query about a possible lowering method.  At the end of my 14 hour days, reading for 20 - 30 minutes on here is a great decompression session. It's not a ride through the canyons of east San Diego county, but it will have to do until I get back home in a few months.  So once I figure out how to get in touch with the other San Diegans, I'll be looking to get to riding this summer.

Later, Michael / Moto

[Frank_M]

I can't help on specifics, but I can relay something from a rally I attended a few years back. Tenting next to me was a couple. He'd ridden there on a Beemer, she on a Guzzi. However, they'd started out on the trek BOTH on the Beemer. Along the way she said wanted her own bike. They stopped at a BMW dealership, but she was too short for all models. Somewhere they located the Guzzi (it was new) and purchased it. She looked good on it. Like it was made for her.

I always liked that I could set my R50 on its centerstand while still aboard. The '65 is too tall.

[Melena]

Michael,
 Â To lower the '79 R65 you can use a slightly shorter shock on the rear. I believe Melina who is also on this board has done so with success. A source for these, custom sprung, for her particular weight / style of riding can be sourced from Dave Quinn
http://www.davequinnmotorcycles.com/cgi-bin/webc.cgi/Hagon.html

First of all, welcome!  I'm from the Wine Country up here in Sonoma County, CA.    [smiley=cool.gif]

I did get the shorter shock on the rear, and it did  help.  But it's not really all that much shorter.  Also, I'm 5'7" with a 31" inseam.  I know some shorter riders that just ride other bikes, like the Guzzi (I wouldn't mind having one of those  [smiley=grin.gif] ).   The seat could be redone to lower it some more, but there's only so far you can lower that also.

I think a new rider needs to be able to put both feet flat on the ground at a stop.  Once they've been riding awhile and feel more  comfortable, then they can decide to get a taller bike.  

Well, that's my  [smiley=2cents.gif] .  

[RRDavis]

My R65 was originally owned by a woman who was about 5' 4" tall.  She installed air shocks in the rear that lowered the rear quite a bit.  Don't forget you may also want to move the handle bars back some for a shorter rider.  If you are serious about lowering a BMW seat you should read the article in the February 2008 BWM Owners News magazine.  Very clear description with color photographs.  The result is a 29" seat height with 2" of foam padding.

[msbuck]

from North Carolina!

I'm 5'0" and lowered my bike by putting on shorter shocks...back in 1992 when I did it, they were Konis.  Not sure they make them anymore, but I can get specifics if needed.  It only lowered the bike about 3/4" and I also lowered the front forks by the same amount.  To do that I had to install bar backs to make room for the forks and it also brought the bars closer to me.  I then took a bread knife to my seat and took almost 3" out of the stock seat.  I did locate a spare one before I started and hacked on that one, just in case.  I get both feet (or should I say toes) on the ground now.  

I started on an old Yamaha 185 Exciter that I could get both feet flat on the ground.  It was a great way to start, but I began wanting a 'real' bike rather quickly.  For me, having the light weight makes a hugh difference in being comfortable on the bike.  I did drop my bike 5 times the first year - in the parking lots.  Just getting used to the bike and being on my toes.  My inseam in only 26", and I know others that are my height with longer inseams.  Maybe your wife is lucky and has a couple of inches on me - that makes a big difference.  I also know another 5'0" woman that went the tall boot route.  She found a pair of motorcycle boots she liked and took them to a shop that added about an inch to the soles.  It works for her, but she also has a longer inseam than me.  

Good luck with it and glad to have you on board!