R 1200 GS/GSA : Seat adjustment

Peter

Candyman

Posts: 1,053

Motorbike: R1200GS-07

Mileage: 47,000 km

Location: Singapore

Thanks: 1184

Monday, September 17th 2007, 11:26pm

Seat adjustment

I read so many times people commenting about the R 1200 GS seat not being comfortable. I can not subscribe to this. As for me, the GS was the first motorcycle ever on which I could sit through a full tank until I had no fuel anymore, together with my wife as pillion. That was 374 km / 230 miles without a break. Since then I have done a couple of non-stop rides in excess of 300 km.

But I found myself somewhat forced into an inflexible forward position. There must be room for improvement. This is the factory seat in high position:

The seat slunts down quite a lot, the seating surface is not level. A simple method is changing the seat adjusters. With the adjuster for the rear position to low and for the front positioned to high the rider seat levels much better:

BMW says we should not do this (reference: owner handbook). I found no disadvantage other than the gap in between the seat and the tank:

For me the more level seat is more comfortable. In fact I found this position to be a drastic improvement. Because not only the comfort is so much better, but also the contact to the bike. Conclusion: I need to modify the foam for levelling the rider seat.

Peter .PEOPLE WHO HAVE VISIONS SHOULD GO TO SEE THEIR DOCTOR

Stefan

Beginner

Posts: 50

Motorbike: R1200GS-07

Mileage: 42,000 M

Location: Colorado USA

Thanks: 13

Monday, September 17th 2007, 11:50pm

The factory saddle on my GS is most comfortable in the position you
described, high in the front and low in the rear. I'm currently
using a Sargent saddle that is 25mm lower, configured the same, low in
the rear and high in the front. The service manager at my BMW
dealership told me this is the most common configuration he sees with
GS. Over 50% of the BMW motorcycles they service are GS.

Enjoy life, lower your standards.

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ghostrider1964

Edumacated Redneck Adventurer

Posts: 244

Motorbike: R1200GSA-08 and 01 ATK 605 Enduro

Mileage: 45,000 miles

Location: CORYELL CITY, TEXAS

Thanks: 347

Tuesday, February 3rd 2009, 7:16am

I also have found high in the front, low in the rear the best position. I made my butt do a full tank in each position :yes:

That way I would know for sure. the down,down seemed most uncomfortable for me...that said I did not see in the owner manual not to use this position...is it the same for 08 GSAs?

2008 R1200 GSA
2001 ATK 605 Enduro
Many others that are gone 8-)

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cdo1uk

Posts: 4

Motorbike: R1200GS Adventure 2007

Location: London/Kent

Thanks: 17

Tuesday, August 25th 2009, 7:52pm

I have a GSA and find it really comfy up to about 100 miles, then the numbness starts.... GSA's are taller than the GS and im 6 foot 2, and i am on tip toe already with the seat at its lowest setting, so raising the front of it is a no no for me. a want to try out a GS seat on it tho to see if thats better.

Peter

Candyman

Posts: 1,053

Motorbike: R1200GS-07

Mileage: 47,000 km

Location: Singapore

Thanks: 1184

Tuesday, August 25th 2009, 10:43pm

To my opinion the GSA seat is better. Certainly no harm trying, since your brother has one, it's only swapping seats. Could be the foam is too soft for you, since you are tall and therefore probably heavier than the average.

Peter .PEOPLE WHO HAVE VISIONS SHOULD GO TO SEE THEIR DOCTOR