[FairfaxPoker]

Just purchased a used 2011RT with a low seat. Even in the high position it is uncomfortable on the knees. I am 5'10" with a 34" inseam. My question is the only difference between the low seat and standard the amount of padding, or is the seat pan different as well. I have a ride in with Russell for September and if the only difference is padding and not a different seat pan, I will just have Russell use the low seat pan.

Thanks to all that reply.

 

[lkchris]

The bases are the same ... unless something about seats changed with the 2010 facelift.

 

[hopz]

First, lets clarify some fundamentals...

Does your bike have a one-piece seat? Or is it in two pieces? If it is in two pieces (rider and passenger separate) then you may actually have a Low seat. If you have a one-piece seat you may have bought a Low- BMW which is a different animal altogether.

If you have a Low seat on a standard bike., which is what I think you have, then the "fix" depends on some other things. If the Low seat allows you to have a comfortable reach to the ground when riding/stopping then the pain in the knees is not a factor of the seat but of the foot peg position. (Well- of course it is but lets not digress yet)

To solve this situation get a Peg Lowering Kit.

If you can comfortably and easily reach the ground and have the knee problems, then a regular seat may help. It will be thicker by some degree, likely about an inch. There are more guys trying to compensate from a too "thick" seat in order to get lower, so a seat swap ought to be easy to arrange, or look on eBay for a standard seat. Or even go to your dealer and see if they will arrange a swap, perhaps for a reasonable fee.

 

[speedybrother]

I have a 2010 R1200RT and at 5'9" installed the lower seat on the highest setting. Like you found it hard on the knees, solution was replace with standard seat on lowest setting and no more sore knees.

Good luck and enjoy the beemer
John

 

[dude987]

Depending on the type of riding you do (sport/tour), you will loose ground clearance with lowering pegs. I've been fortunate enough to ride in god's country and can dial in just enough lean to scrape the foot pegs on either side. Basically I stop leaning when the foot pegs start scraping and finish out the curve in that angle. I live for these rides. I may have to get a Ducatti.