Question for Russel seat users on BMW R1200RT???

[johnhunter44]

I have a 2009 R1200RT, standard suspension, standard seat, and am searching for a new seat. I am 5'9" w/30" inseam. I know the wider wings on the russell seat make it more difficult to touch the ground than the OEM seat. Russell's web site seems to say for the vertically challenged that if you slide forward when stopping, the russell isn't much higher, if any, than the OEM. Here is my question, I ride with the OEM seat in the lowest position. I just raised the OEM seat to the higher position and took a ride. I can manage the bike at that height, but definitely do not want my reach for the ground to be any worse (increased) than riding with the OEM in the highest position. If I had a russel and set it for the lowest position, would it be as high as riding with my OEM seat in the highest position? Also, if you have the Russel backrest, how comfortable is it and is it worth the extra expense?

Another question, I just called Russell and they told me that due to the wings on their seat, I would increase my ground reach by 1.5" to 2". Do you find this as true? If so, then this seat would be too high for me...

[cbsnbiker]

I had a Russel seat on a previous bike. It was worth every penny: very comfortable for me and, especially, my passenger.

I have a 30" (more like 29.5") inseam. I had no problem with getting my feet to the ground. I did keep the seat set at a lower seat height with the Russel than with the stock seat.

[coho]

I have short (29~30") legs and a Russell saddle on my R1100R, the front of the saddle is just as narrow as the stocker.  In the middle position I can flat foot easily.  It's not necessary to scoot forward to reach the ground, just that when your legs go down your pelvis tilts and the feet touch down with your thighs just forward of the patented Russell butt-wings.

It's also the most comfortable seat ever, so you don't need to stop and put your feet down nearly as often.  

[D-Mac]

I have a Russell on my '10 R1200RT and I'm a little taller than you (32" inseam). Bike is standard height.

It's a tiny bit taller than stock, but you can still pivot forward and reach the ground about as well. Be sure and tell them your inseam when you order and they'll do a good job with it.

I've done many 500-1200 mile days on mine this summer and it's flawless.

[blueridgerider]

I have a R1200GS with a Russell.  I also have about a 30" inseam.  

I have not been able to flat foot a bike in years.  Never found it a problem.  Being able to flatfoot a bike is overrated IMHO.

[BBB]

I have a Russell seat for both my 2005 1200GS and my 2010 1200RT. I am a lot taller than the OP so the wings don't cause a problem, but they are well worth it for the extra comfort you get. On my GS I had tried the Wunderlich and Sargent seats which were not much better than the OEM seat. I ha dthe seat remodelled in the UK which didn't make a lot of difference. I finally bit the bullet and dropped my GS seat off at Shasta Lake when I was on holiday in the US three years ago. The result was amazing and I can now ride all day with no arse ache.

When it came to getting my RT seat done there was only one place I was going to go......................Russell. It was a no brainer and they have done the business again for me.

[bikerfish1100]

so, how's that Russell in the dirt?

[BBB]

so, how's that Russell in the dirt?

I've never ridden my GS in the dirt so I can't help you there.