BMW Motorrad has announced great news for motorcyclists who would prefer a lower seat height but do not want to compromise on model choice. In 2008, BMW Motorrad will again be leading the industry by offering almost a third of its range of motorcycles with optional lowered suspension.

BMW Motorrad has listened to the requests of novices, and shorter riders, who may otherwise struggle with higher seat heights when riding at slow speeds or in stop-start conditions. In these circumstances most motorcyclists prefer to be able to place both feet firmly on the ground and the new lower seat versions will ensure that more riders are able to reach the floor more comfortably.

The move will also appeal to a number of female riders, some of whom will appreciate this opportunity to own a high performance BMW motorcycle that previously, because of its 'standard' seat height, may not have been a realistic option.

With lowered suspension options offered on six models, including motorcycles in BMW Motorrad's Sport, Urban, Enduro, and Touring ranges, it is the variety of models offering lower seat options that sets BMW Motorrad ahead of the competition.

Whilst a lower seat option is already an existing choice for most BMW motorcycles, six models will also be available with lowered suspension, as a factory-fitted option, to offer seat heights that are in some cases over 3 inches (or 80 mm) lower than the standard model. For example, the lowered suspension option, which is already available for the F 800 S and ST, lowers the seat height from the standard 840 mm to 760 mm.

From spring 2008 the following models will also be available to order with lowered suspension, in addition to their lower seat option: the naked R 1200 R, the best selling tourer R 1200 RT and the brand new F 650 GS and R 1200 GS Enduros.

Tony Jakeman, Marketing Manager of BMW Motorrad UK said, "BMW Motorrad is focused on engineering motorcycles which offer the ultimate in motorcycle design. As such the design of motorcycles which further improve both rider safety and enjoyment is paramount. Feedback from our customers has been that the seats on can be too high for some riders on certain of our motorcycles. In response to this we have come up with a solution which will make BMW motorcycles more accessible to a wider audience."