R65LS ergonomics...

[dougie]

I have never ridden or even sat on an LS.
Would like to know how the riding position is for long (or short) periods. Perhaps compared to an RS, S or standard naked bike.
Anyone had long term experience?
There is a nice one for sale locally, but I couldn't live with my stock RS setup for more than an hour or so and converted it to an S setup (fairing and bars) that I find comfortable.

[Deleted User 287]

Do you know if it has the U.S. bars or the low (Euro or S) bars?

They came both ways.

I haven't ridden an R65 with US bars in a long, long time.

The low bars are quite acceptable.* Much more than RS bars, I am sure.
They definitely made it a more "fun" machine, but then, as I said, I can't really compare the two.

*Depending on your personal level of physical fitness (beer gut).

Here I am with the low bars on my standard R65. The only differences on the LS are cosmetic.


click on pic for larger image

I am 5' 9.5" tall.

Feel free to post queries on the R65 forum: http://www.bmwr65.org/

[SteveD]

One of the suggested possibilities for RS riders that struggle with the bars is to replace with LS bars. I know someone who is currently doing the swap over.




I had a LS when they first came out and it's the bike on which I rode my longest ever day, over 1400ks. I wouldn't recommend it for such stupidity, but if you're less than 185cm tall, the LS is worth a look.

[dougie]

Here are some clickable pictures -



What bars would you say they are? The bike supposedly originated in Michigan.

SteveD - I am 5'9" (175cm) and 160lbs.
When I had my RS fairing on the R100 I had K75S bars. 2" higher than RS bars but still narrow (22"?).

[Deleted User 287]

They look like high bars to me.

I think we have already discussed the merits (or lack thereof) of R65's on the open road.
Since you are not planning on riding this bike to Ken's (IIRC) I think you would be happy with it.
You might even consider the low bars for the fun factor.

And yes, I know there are folks that tour the hell out of their R65's, but most of them have sizable fairings on them. And high bars...


And I thought you decided the R65 was still on the heavy side?
At least with the high bars you would have more leverage moving around in the garage.

[dougie]

Rob - it is 35-40 lbs lighter than my R100 with the S fairing, 2-3 inches shorter, and 4 inches narrower.
Not a lot I know, but maybe enough.
(And it's soooo pretty.)

[SteveD]

SteveD - I am 5'9" (175cm) and 160lbs.
When I had my RS fairing on the R100 I had K75S bars. 2" higher than RS bars but still narrow (22"?).

I think you need to have a ride on it. It sounds like it'll suit your ergos nicely. Those bars look higher than stack LS bars too.

[SteveD]

Your picture.

Stock LS profile to compare..

[Deleted User 287]

(And it's soooo pretty.)

It is in remarkable shape (as far as pictures go).

The beautiful stock black exhaust is the hardest part to replace.

And not to start a tube vs. tubeless argument, but the LS wheels have the safety lip that snowflakes lack.

And the rear brake drum is a different diameter than the 'flakes. Some PO's have been known to accidentally install the wrong ones, resulting in poor(er) performance.

[dougie]

Been doing some reading...
It seems that little LS fairing doesn't do much for wind protection. In the spring and fall here (Canada) it's not super cold but definitely chilly and I appreciate my S fairing.
Also there seems to be an issue about the LS specific exhaust.
And the bike in question is listed at $4200 which seems high.
Right now I am thinking I should pass on it.