» Parts Department » The Low-down on Lowering

For many years, BMW has been synonymous with long-leggedness... both literal and figurative. While the bikes are more than capable of chaining multiple thousand-mile days together, many shorter riders find it's tough to get off the centerstand and out of the driveway comfortably.  The "factory lowered" option is becoming more common, but there are plenty of ways for inseam-challenged riders with existing bikes to get a little better contact with the ground.

// SEAT

The first and most cost-effective option will always be addressing your seat. BMW offers a low seat for most models, and there are also aftermarket options allowing even more customization. Lowered seats are available for as little as $300 and can drop your seat height by up to two inches. Often a lowered seat will also be narrower, making it even easier to get your legs down. With a seat swap, your bike's handling characteristics are unchanged (outside of a slightly lower center of gravity!), your stock sidestand and centerstand both work as designed. In most cases, no additional labor is required.

// SPRINGS
Depending on the condition of your stock shocks or struts (they usually get worn out over 40-50k miles), lower-mileage bikes achieve about an inch of lowering by just replacing the springs. We've had great luck with spring kits from Danish brand Hyperpro, usually in the neighborhood of about $350.  Be aware, though, that any lowering of the suspension will usually require a modified or purpose-built lowered centerstand and sidestand (prices vary by model, but expect at least $150 each).  Labor for the spring swap would run in the neighborhood of 5 hours, depending on model.

// STRUTS  

If your stock shocks or struts already have higher mileage on them, lowering just the springs could result in a harsh, unresponsive ride. Replacing the entire strut with a new purpose-designed lowered strut can bring the bike down 1 - 2 inches, yet still renew the overall response of the suspension - plus this allows you to get the springs tuned to your exact weight and riding style.  There are a variety of options out there, ranging from $1200 to $2400 for front and rear, depending on adjustability and performance.  Again, the centerstand and sidestand would also have to be updated, and the labor would be about the same at about 5 hours.

If you have questions regarding your specific bike and lowering needs, please feel free to contact the parts department to get the process started for you.  There's no reason to feel uncomfortable or intimidated by your bike's height when confidence is only an inch or two away.

» Jeff Conlin » Parts Manager » parts@ridewest.com 

» Apparel Department » Must-Have accessories for Summer riding!

Now that the warm weather is here, it's time to make the most of it.  And if you're like us, you've already taken advantage of this wonderful time of year by carving up the backroads of our own backyard.  The Northwest is a wonderful place to live and ride and if you haven't checked out some of the local rides lately, stop by and pick our brains.  We'll set you on a course for adventure that you can conquer on your next free weekend!

Of course, there are always ways (and stuff) to enhance your experience!  Here are a few goodies we believe are essential for the serious enthusiast.   Whether you need the some of the best built luggage on the planet, or want to document your adventure in HD video, with the most widely respected video camera around, stop by Ride West and check out "the good stuff" while the riding is still good!

» Featured Products 

GO PRO HD HERO 2 // MOTORSPORTS EDITION HD VIDEO CAMERA KIT

ROX BOX RISERS // Bar risers are a must for any serious dual sport rider, or for anyone who just wants more comfort out of their motorcycle.  Rox risers are infinitely adjustable and help take the crouch out of standing on the pegs (for taller riders), as well as ease the shoulder tension for riders who are looking for a more upright position.  Perfect for the F800GS, F800ST, R12R.  Note that some bikes will require a longer brake and / or clutch cable.  Let us help you find the right combination for your bike. 

CARDO SYSTEMS SCALA RIDER G9 // This may be the best, most versatile Bluetooth system yet for rider to passenger or rider to rider communications.  Now connect up to 8 riders, with voice commands!  Pair your modern smart phone wirelessly for streaming stereo music.  Talk to your passenger, take an important phone call, then get GPS directions.  It's easy with the latest G9 headset by Cardo.

 BMW MOTORCYCLE FALL 2012 ISSUE // Don't forget to grab a copy of our BMW Motorcycle Fall issue at Ride West today!

If you have any questions, please let us know and we will further assist you!

» Bill Niwa » Apparel Manager » apparel@ridewest.com

» Ask MotoAdventureGal » By Alissa Clickenger

Dear MotoAdventureGal:

Alisa Clickenger is MotoAdventureGal. On a motorcycle, she's crossed the USA multiple times, ridden up to Alaska, all over Europe, and traveled solo to Argentina in 2009. She rides and writes for a living, and leads a women's motorcycle tour that teaches and empowers women to tour in groups or alone. 

» WomensEmpowermentMotorcycleTour.com 

» Alisa@WomensEmpowermentMotorcycleTour.com

» A Message From Our Owners » Save Our World!

Keith Thye is the president of Ride West BMW in Seattle. His wife Ann Thye is the owner, and the two of them have been the leading BMW dealers in the Northwest for the past 15 years.  They also own South Sound Motorcycles (BMW and Ural) in Fife, Washington.

In the early 1960's Keith and a friend dropped out of college temporarily to take an eight month long motorcycle trip through Central and South America on a couple of BMW R50's.  That adventure was related n the book Moto Raid ("motorcycle ride" in Spanish).

In early 2013, Keith, with the same friend plus the addition of a few others, will celebrate the fifty year anniversary of that ride by repeating it, albeit in less time and with more comfort.  Keith has been racking up miles on his new F800GS in preparation for the trip.

Over the past decades Keith has racked up several hundred thousand miles on BMW motorcycles, including more than a dozen trips all over the United States with Ann as his passenger.

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