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Being short and riding a BMW

by Barb
(Honey brook PA)

I ride a 2008 BMW F800ST and I absoutely love it. My husband lowered the suspension and I put a low seat on it. It's an awesome bike to ride but I find when I'm trying to back the bike up, especially if I'm going up a small incline, my legs are just too short and I can't move the bike at all. Are there any other women that rides the F800ST with the same problem and any suggestions?

I'm also looking for more women riders around the Lancaster PA area to ride with.

Comments for Being short and riding a BMW

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Jun 04, 2014
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short girl backing up
by: Nana

I try to never put myself in the position of backing up an incline. If I am parking, I pull in front first. I'd rather back up downhill than uphill. I don't care if my nose is pointing out or into a parking space. It looks worse to drop your bike than to park nose in.

I also pick the best path for my short legs. If the people I'm riding with (all taller than I am) go through a dip or gravel, I pick the best place for ME, and that's where I go.

May 28, 2014
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short biker
by: Anonymous

I have the F800GT which has three seat heights and mine is the lowest at 31" and can't be further lowered. I'm 5 5" and have always suffered from 'height challenge syndrome'. I just don't ever need to move my bike up any incline, forward or back. My last bike was an Ultra Classic which I rode that for 8 years and always got where I wanted to go but it was never uphill unless I was up and riding. There are some nice tall, strong men who can move their bikes around but us shorties just adjust and make sure the incline is not the direction we want to go. Hope your enjoy that bike.

May 28, 2014
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F800st
by: Lois

I have the 2011 F800st it was factory lowered and has the lowered seat also, I love this bike I've put 27000 miles on it in 2 1/2 years. I find it depends on what foot wear I have on for the backing up, if I'm wearing my touring boots I have a little trouble and getting off works fine but if I'm wearing my work boots the sole is thicker and its just right.
I have had this bike on a lot of roads paved and dirt and it can handle both. This spring I was going to trade it in on the F700GS lowered I was all ready and just couldn't trade it I love it to much, so I bought the F700 without trading I now have both bikes and I'm in heaven.

I would love to ride with you but I'm a bit south of you in North Carolina, if you ever come down to ride the Blue Ridge or the Dragon post on here and we'll get together.

Have a great summer riding!!!!!!!!!!!

May 28, 2014
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Being Short
by: Barb

Thanks Pam for your input. That's exactly what my husband told me to do. He's going to work with me so I can do that with confidence. I've been afraid to try it, afraid I'll drop it. If you can do it, I can do it. :-)

May 28, 2014
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short sized rider
by: Pam

I am only 5 ft, so I know about the short rider syndrome. I don't ride a BMW 800, but what I do if my husband is not around to back it up for me, is I put the kickstand down,get off, and back it up while I am standing on the side. I know its not the most effecient but it works.

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