Adventure · 2024

BMW R 1300 GS ergonomics: seat height, rider triangle & fit

The BMW R 1300 GS has a 33.5 in seat. Here’s how riders of different sizes fit, and what you can change.

Seat height: 33.5 in
Wet weight: 522 lb
Wheelbase: 59.8 in
Power: 107 kW

Specs: ManufacturerBars & pegs: Photo-tracedSeat width: Estimated

Try it with your measurements

Units

Your measurements

Height (in)

Inseam (in)

Arm length

Seated shoulder height

Boot sole

Preferred posture

Motorcycle

Modifications

Try common parts and see how they change your fit. The picture shows your setup over the stock bike.

Seat

Seat height0

Thicker or thinner seat. Lower makes it easier to reach the ground.

Lowering kit0

Lowers the whole bike. Easier to reach the ground, a little less legroom.

Handlebar

Bar risers0

Raises the bars. You sit more upright with less weight on your wrists.

Bar pullback0

Brings the bars closer to you. Shorter reach, good for shorter arms.

Footpegs

Lower pegs0

Lowers the footpegs. More knee room, less cramped legs.

Move pegs back0

Moves the pegs back (or forward). Further back feels sportier.

Windscreen

Windscreen height0

Taller or shorter screen. Changes how much wind hits your chest and helmet.

79Good fit

Specs: ManufacturerBars & pegs: Photo-traced

Boxer twin · 1300 cc · Hold W or Space to accelerate, ↑ / ↓ to change gear · Synthesised from the engine layout and firing order. Not a recording.

Original illustration, motorcycleergonomics.com

Fit score

79/100

Good fit

Knee 84°

Within range

Comfort 66–105°

Hip 124°

More open than comfortable

Comfort 92–122°

Elbow 140°

Within range

Comfort 118–165°

Back lean 3°

Within range

Comfort -6–16°

Ground reach

1.4 in short of flat feet

Balls of both feet

Seat height with sag: 32.2 in
Leg length needed: 34.2 in
Your inseam + boots: 32.8 in

Standing on the pegs

Bar height suits standing

Wind

Turbulent air at helmet height (buffeting)

Suggested fixes

Boots with a thicker sole +0.8 in

Fit score 79 → 88

Find parts ↗
Lowering links -0.8 in

Fit score 79 → 86

Find parts ↗
Low seat or reshaped foam -0.6 in

Fit score 79 → 85

Find parts ↗
Taller windscreen +3.9 in

Wind: Helmet sheltered behind the screen

Find parts ↗

Lowering changes handling and side-stand lean; check with a specialist.

Compare

Estimate. Handlebar and peg positions for this bike are photo-traced. Always sit on a bike before you buy it.

Fit by rider size

Shorter riders: at 5′4″ with a 29.5 in inseam, expect tiptoes on one foot.
Taller riders: at 6′4″, knee angle is about 76°; fit score 92/100.

Rider	Inseam	Fit	Ground reach	Knee	Lean
5′1″	28.1 in	42	Feet don’t reach the ground	99°	9°
5′4″	29.5 in	53	Tiptoes on one foot	93°	6°
5′7″	30.8 in	67	One foot flat, hips shifted	88°	5°
5′10″	32.2 in	82	Balls of both feet	83°	3°
6′1″	33.5 in	93	Both feet flat	80°	2°
6′4″	35 in	92	Both feet flat, knees bent	76°	0°

Reference riders with average proportions and 20 mm boot soles. Your proportions may differ.

Spec sheet

Drawn to scale from this bike's geometry.

Geometry & specifications

Geometry & specifications	Value	Source
Seat height	33.5 in	Manufacturer
Low seat option	32.3 in	Manufacturer
High seat option	34.3 in	Manufacturer
Seat width at the front	13.0 in	Estimated
Handlebar grip	19.3 in ahead of the seat, 11.5 in above it	Photo-traced
Footpeg	2.7 in ahead of the seat, 10.6 in off the ground	Photo-traced
Wheelbase	59.8 in	Manufacturer
Wet weight	522 lb	Manufacturer
Rake	26.2°	Manufacturer
Trail	4.4 in	Manufacturer
Engine	Boxer twin · 1300 cc	Manufacturer
Power	107 kW	Manufacturer
Tyres	120/70-19 / 170/60-17	Manufacturer
Category	Adventure	Manufacturer