Leg Room needed

[Erast Fandorin]

Looking to downsize from a R1250GSA, but struggling to find a mid-sized bike or a roadster with decent leg room. I'm not freakishly tall; around 6'2", but I'm surprised how cramped I found a Ducati Monster 837, BMW F900R/XR and R-Nine-T.

It's always slightly mystifying that manufacturers offer the shorter-of-stature multiple low seat/low suspension/kneeling suspension options, but cater very little for taller riders.

Any suggestions? I can't find much published data on seat to peg dimensions.

[Krikkit]

Try either https://motonomics.com/ for newer stuff, or cycle-ergo for older bikes.

[pcn1]

Similar problem here, 6'3" and 34 inch inseam.
For my Multistrada, I ended up getting the seat reformed approx. 1 inch taller.
I've also been looking for a foot peg lowering kit but haven't seen anything suitable yet.
Last resort... highway pegs !!

[Drawweight]

Putting this on here as it’s not really worth starting a new thread but my shortish mate had a test on a Tracer 9.

He found when he put his feet down the pegs were just where he wanted to put his legs. So he had to either go in front or behind them.

So much so he just discounted that as a new bike.

Anyone else found this?

[Erast Fandorin]

Krikkit said:

Try either https://motonomics.com/ for newer stuff, or cycle-ergo for older bikes.

Thanks

[Biker9090]

What do you mean by downsize?

Weight?

Engine size?

Height?

[RizzoTheRat]

pcn1 said:

Similar problem here, 6'3" and 34 inch inseam.
For my Multistrada, I ended up getting the seat reformed approx. 1 inch taller.
I've also been looking for a foot peg lowering kit but haven't seen anything suitable yet.
Last resort... highway pegs !!

I fitted MFW Vario pegs to my TDM, they come in 3 bits, the mount, the peg, and then a drop plate which was available in 3 different lengths. I dropped mine about an inch, and was able to adjust the brake and gear levers accordingly. I also fitted shorter dog bones in the suspension linkage to jack the back if the bike up a bit meaning I don't lose any ground clearance.

[bgunn]

Erast Fandorin said:

Looking to downsize from a R1250GSA, but struggling to find a mid-sized bike or a roadster with decent leg room. I'm not freakishly tall; around 6'2", but I'm surprised how cramped I found a Ducati Monster 837, BMW F900R/XR and R-Nine-T.

It's always slightly mystifying that manufacturers offer the shorter-of-stature multiple low seat/low suspension/kneeling suspension options, but cater very little for taller riders.

Any suggestions? I can't find much published data on seat to peg dimensions.

The obvious might be a 1300GS (not adventure) if you like boxers.. The ‘standard’ GS is a bit more svelte than the generations of old..

[Erast Fandorin]

Biker9090 said:

What do you mean by downsize?

Weight?

Engine size?

Height?

All of the above (and cost).

[Alex@POD]

I'm tempted to say it's just that you're not used to the leg position on those bikes. Certainly when I first get on my GSXR at a track day after riding the Africa Twin for 3-4 months, I'm always surprised at how high the pegs are. It goes away after a while though and the bike feels normal again.

I guess it's a bit similar when I ride standing up off-road for a period of time, sitting down again makes the bike feel very low to the ground even though my feet just reach the ground.

[shoestring7]

I’m a similar height to the OP. Bad knees (sporting injuries) don’t help either. I used an aftermarket seat, bar lifts and lower pegs. And painkillers.

Edited by shoestring7 on Thursday 14th November 20:30

[KTMsm]

Surely the answer for those looking for roomy leg position is an adventure bike

Many have the option of a high seat, either a position or a separate higher seat (or both)

[Biker9090]

Have you looked at things like the V Strom 800/650? Even the MT450?

[Krikkit]

KTMsm said:

Surely the answer for those looking for roomy leg position is an adventure bike

Many have the option of a high seat, either a position or a separate higher seat (or both)

That's what I was thinking - something like a Tenere has a pretty high seat height and looks roomy, KTM adventures as well.

Edited by Krikkit on Friday 15th November 10:39

[TurboHatchback]

I've had similar problems at 6'4" with long legs, most bikes that aren't off-road focused or huge tourers are too cramped. I bought a Suzuki GSX-8S as it is remarkably spacious for a middleweight roadster.

[SteveKTMer]

Not what you're looking for but the KTM1290GT is quite spacious, that's one of the reasons I bought it.

Having had an R9T, I'd forget it as it's tiny and uncomfortable for long distance, and I had a good effort at making it comfortable with lowered pegs and a higher, more comfortable seat. I think the R1250R might be a much better bike.

I found the V-Strom 1000 quite spacious but that's a bit older than you're looking for.

[Steve_H80]

Ah, long legs. The motorcycling ergonomic problem that dare not speak its name
I like my VStrom but wouldn't have bought it if I hadn't tried a mates first, so I knew I needed the Suzuki high seat (£160) and a footpeg lowering kit (£50).
All street bikes are just too tight for me these days - I just don't bend as well as I used too.

[Arlen]

Krikkit said:

Try either https://motonomics.com/ for newer stuff, or cycle-ergo for older bikes.

Brilliant site, thanks for linking it! I have used Cycle Ergo for a while but didn't know about this one.

Making the decision of what to go and actually try on a bit easier.

[cliffords]

Another vote for the more recent Suzuki v strom range .
Very comfortable for me 6'3''.
I have ridden the 1050 and the smaller cc one 800 , that I actually preferred.

[Salted_Peanut]

Feet-forward bikes are an excellent option once you’ve adjusted to them, e.g. the X-Diavel and Rocket 3 GT. They offer the most leg room by far, which is ideal for anyone with rusty knees or long legs.