Another WC test ride - Underwhelmed

[Deleted account 211025001]

...............

Hardly a tangible factor in weighing up the merits of the bike.

I'm no lover of the three switch system but have got used to it. I do still prefer a 'normal' switch though.

That was not my issue though.

My issue with the switch on the WC was the action felt cheap and nasty, as if it would eventually break and the fact that it was too far from the grip to reach easily (sat nav wheel thing making it further away than it needed to be?) and along with the fecked Mode switch I wasn't impressed.

Andres

 

[Blackal]

Perhaps the truth is that the two indicator switch systems are sufficiently different, though equally usable, for identical function, that the change from one system to the other requires a conscious effort and is therefore quite irritating despite being of no real import. I'd argue that once a rider adapts I doubt it remains a conscious part of the riding experience impacting satisfaction.

Assuming there is no difference in reliability it is of little more importance than whether the crud catcher has a GS logo on it.

Hardly a tangible factor in weighing up the merits of the bike.

Bollox............

and anyone who quotes "riding experience" in an effort to gain credibility - is a joke.

"riding experience"

Al

 

[Davy F]

Hardly a tangible factor in weighing up the merits of the bike.

I think you're reading too much into what is being said. I just think that BMW have done the right thing by going onto the virtually universal acceptance of a single indicator switch, no matter how bad or fragile it seems to some.

 

[Deleted account 251212001]

Ive always found the midget gem indicator switch on jap bikes a bit cheap feeling, they must have copied it to a tee!

Prefer the bmw traditional system , but i think as Jumblemo suggested it wont be a deal breaker to move to a single switch, and align to what the wider market expects....it may even gain bmw more sales and is probably cheaper to manufacturer than the paddles. Shame tho

 

[GS TRV]

You can't beat the old paddles

 

[RATCATCHER]

bmw switches

all current bmw switches are shit! ask the rt riders how many switches they have had under warranty cheap crap!!

 

[cookie]

i used to hate the paddle switches, but i prefer them now. i cannot remember ever moving the throttle when cancelling


the issue for me on the new GS is not so much the change of switchgear, but the location. it's too high. i had to lift the heel of my hand off the bar to operate it.

 

[Hammam]

If BMW can't copy a perfectly good (Japanese) switch, which the vast majority of riders in the world prefer, it's hardly the Japs or the press's fault, is it ? I had my GS for 4 1/2 years and always hated the stupid three switch system. So to say you have to be a seasoned GS rider is just as stupid as the three switches.

 

[Mark Hooton]

Nice write up and good to see from a seasoned 1200 rider. Where's the battery gone? If the ECU is under the seat...

Just been out to the garage and my bolts/discs have similar corrosion but mines also done over 40k (2006 GSA) and gets ridden all weathers. No acf50 treatment and gets washed maybe twice a year ( I hate cleaning cars/bikes)

Battery is behind the rh side panel, geezer.

And I think we all agree - cracking honest and unbiased write up very well done, Sir!

I am biased, I think the new LC is awesome, but to be fair with only 400 miles on it perhaps my view will change!

 

[Flipfly]

Sorry but I'm a paddle fan too. Jap style indicator switches are shit to use and feel cheap.

Never had an issue with the old indicator affecting my throttle either

 

[Hammam]

nail on head, look at the change of indicator gear, seasoned GS riders still prefer the original set up not the down spec jap version.

You mean YOU prefer the original set up? How do you know about other «seasoned GS riders»? You've talked to all of them?

It's interesting to see how the GS biking world is now divided in two categories: the «seasoned GS riders» who, by definition, know everything about the LC without riding the LC even once, know everything GS, regard themselves as GS scholars and utter their opinion about other GS riders like it was straight out of the Good Book, and, way down there on Earth, the lowly «non-seasoned GS riders», who know nothing, of course, and are stupid and ignorant enough to buy the new LC.

A little conceited, don't you think?

 

[Count]

FFS, now you lot are banging on about the switches!

I found the switch fine, it's like my other bikes and a damn site beefier than Ducati make trust me.

When I've done Harley trips in the summer, I find the big old paddles ridiculous and nowhere near as easy.

You 1150 boys would have flags sticking out either side at the back and wood frames for that authentic Morris Minor look.

I'd mark the bike down if it didn't have standard switch gear for indicating. I think it self cancels but I instinctively bash the switch after turning so I've no idea if that is the case actually.




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[Count]

Sorry but I'm a paddle fan too. Jap style indicator switches are shit to use and feel cheap.

Never had an issue with the old indicator affecting my throttle either

What a surprise . "During the war!!"...complete with anti LC post of your choice.


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[Count]

I cleaned mine today! Very non "seasoned". My can of BMW approved GS RTW mud is on back order.




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[Jumblemo]

Bollox............

and anyone who quotes "riding experience" in an effort to gain credibility - is a joke.

"riding experience"

Al

Not bollox at all, and there are folks in this thread who have a range of views supporting each system. My decision to buy the bike would not be impacted by which ever system is implemented, whereas it had previously been impacted by the lower output engines, as I felt it didn't provide the riding experience I was seeking.

 

[Flipfly]

What a surprise . "During the war!!"...complete with anti LC post of your choice.


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Hold on, I've used it for ages and I like it simple as that. My 650 dakar (way older tech than the toilet) had standard indicator switch and I didn't like it. Wifes transalp has standard switch, don't like that either. I'm only stating my preference.

Actually during the war bm had standard issue switches like your LC so in this case I'm fighting the corner for new tech

 

[Wrinkly]

Well as everyone keeps saying "Thanks for an honest opinion"but lets remember as Andreas made clear himself it is his opinion,and it was an opinion I found difficult to agree with.

Firstly,lets get it into perspective. The new LC is a faster bike than the old model but it is NOT and NEVER will be a fast bike,but I would suspect for many and I include myself in this, it has the exact amount of performance that I want from a bike, the TC for me was a bit lacking in the performance stakes at times.

Handling and suspension,what can I say? you must have ridden a different bike to me,I felt they are probabley the greatest improvement on the bike and I did not experience any difficulty in changing direction at speed and as I've said before I felt as though I had to fight it much less than any of my previous GS's even the one with Ohlins fitted.


Brakes for me were not much of a muchness,I thought they were brill.


As for corrosion,the only bmw's I've had any corrosion issues with where an early R100rs which was pretty bad and an 05 1150gsa se which whilst it had some issues they weren't to serious.

It just goes to show how differently we all view things,but I find it very difficult to understand why someone would say something like "I haven't ridden the bike yet but would suspect from what I've read that my thoughts would be very similar to yours"

How the hell do you know what your thoughts are going to be until you've tried it.

It's not all glowing though,I also did not like the switch gear especially the indicators,but I'm sure I'll get used to it.

Steve

 

[Deleted account 211025001]

...............
Handling and suspension,what can I say? you must have ridden a different bike to me,I felt they are probabley the greatest improvement on the bike and I did not experience any difficulty in changing direction at speed and as I've said before I felt as though I had to fight it much less than any of my previous GS's even the one with Ohlins fitted.


Brakes for me were not much of a muchness,I thought they were brill.

Interesting what you say about the handling - at normal speeds it wasn't an issue at all for me. When I say 'at speed' I mean really rather quick and thinking about it, it was that classic 'big wheel reluctance to turn in thang' - I was as surprised as anybody. Maybe it was the tyres/pressures/whatever but it was very defo there, I didn't imagine it

Oh, and the brakes - sorry, you misunderstood. I was comparing them to mine so 'much of a muchness' meant there was little difference (other than lack of initial bite which several peeps have commented on).

Cool to hear some thoughts from an actual owner who's managed a few more miles than me I was rather hoping a few more owners would give their opinions on some of the stuff I mentioned

Andres

 

[Wrinkly]

Cool to hear some thoughts from an actual owner who's managed a few more miles than me I was rather hoping a few more owners would give their opinions on some of the stuff I mentioned

Andres

Not an owner yet Andres,but hopefully I shall be on the 21st May.

My findings and opinions are based on two test rides in total about 180mls on various roads,but enough I think to give me a good comparison between the new bike and others I've owned.

To be honest I half hoped I wouldn't feel enough improvement to justify changing,yes I've a few niggles with it but the truth is I thought it was the best allround bike I've ever ridden,and I've ridden a lot.
Steve

 

[Giles]

I've got a test ride on Tuesday

I can't afford to upgrade but will always demo bikes as they come out.

Andres - I reckon your handling issues were summit with the tyres. (I'll take a pressure gauge with me ... ).