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Riding a BMW r1100rt on dirt roads? Riding a BMW r1100rt on dirt roads?
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Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

I haven't been everywhere...
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Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



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  #1  
Old 31 Dec 2008
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Location: Alma, AR
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Riding a BMW r1100rt on dirt roads?
Due to my short inseam I have no choice but to ride low motorcycles, that's why many off road bikes are out of the question. For that reason I ride either a r1200c or a r110rt tippi toeing in the lowest seat possition. However, these bikes restrict me to fairly good and mainly paved roads, and I don't dare to take them to South America. I ride an older Kawasaki Kz750 while in Bolivia, but neither this bike is good dirt road bike.

I would really like to convert preferible the r1100rt to ride on rougher roads. For this I think I need more agressive tires.

Does anyone have any experience with this bike?... do they make more agresssive tires for it?... My back tire is a 160/60 r18…. How can I make it more stable on dirt or gavel roads?

I really would like to stay with the BMW, but my max seat height is no more than 30"

Thanks a lot in advance..!
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  #2  
Old 1 Jan 2009
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BMW f650gs
The stock seat on the BMW f650gs is low relative to most dual sports and dirt bikes. Further, BMW shops can install a lowering kit to make it even lower. Its pretty common - and the f650gs sounds like a good fit for you.
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Old 2 Jan 2009
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Thanks for the reply.

I thought about it, but I like a (2) cylinder power plant, and really don't know why. I also want a lighter bike, and the f650gs will fit the bill. Does it come with aluminum box/bags? I will call my dealer tomorrow to see if they have one for a demo. How about symilar Japanese bikes for long long journeys, but with a low seat?...

I like to get off the main drag and explore places. Last year we went to Toro Toro, in Potosi Bolivia. That was an interesting journey, besides the explendid views all the pre-historical sites to visit. It was a pain to do it on a street bike!... with very little grab on dirt and river bed roads.

It would be great to buy a used f650gs in Bolivia or Chile..
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Old 2 Jan 2009
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I remember the Honda Transalps to be not so high. Don't know about your location, but at least in Germany they are not expensive and rumoured to run forever with the most basic maintenance.

I tried one and while I would not exactly call it a 'powerplant' it does cruise pretty nicely and gravel roads and such would not be a problem at all.
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