Modifying the indicator switches

[raggedyruss]

Had a quick look around but couldn't find an article on this...

Anyone got any experience of moving the indicator cancel button to the left handlebar? I'm new to all this biking lark but finding it very difficult to cancel indicators without it affecting throttle position.

Figured there may be an easy way to extend the wiring over to the left and put a switch of some sort over there?

Don't mind the separate left/right indicator switches, just want to put the cancel button where I can hit it without having to use the same hand I'm accelerating with.

Thanks in advance for any help.

Russ

 

[SamD]

Surely it's easier to get used to it?

You'll soon get the hang of it and wonder why it ever phased you

 

[Thermo King]

If its an 1100 or 1150 you can change the indicator relay to a different model.
This enables you to use the indicators as daytime running lights and also to cancel them by pressing the on button on same side a second time. There are also options to preset the number of times they flash and then cancel automatically. If its a 1200 you'll just have to get used to them. A very light touch on the off button does the job anyway.


Regards,
Kieran

 

[raggedyruss]

Probably should have said its an F800GS.

I take your point about getting used to it. Its just that this is my first bike and I figured a bit of tinkering with the electronics (which I'm more confident with) might take away yet another thing to "get used to".

If it was just a case of remembering that the cancel is on the other side, then I don't think I'd have a problem. But acceleration tends to dip as I cancel the signal, and the throttle seems very sensitive in the lower gears which ads to the problem.

Perhaps it will be easier to get used to it.

Russ

 

[SamD]

I find it's all about technique. I tend to cancel the indicators with the side of my thumb, means my hand doesn't move and the acceleration stays constant

 

[Dave Ett]

Can be done quite easily on the K series bikes - you swap the end at the black box, rather than the handlebars. You'll probably find the horn and cancel buttons swap over too - again, they do on the K series bikes.

One thing to think about though: Resale. The next buyer has a pig of a job working out what the hell you did unless you swap it back again.

I still think the BMW system is pointless, but I have got used to it.

 

[Big Lee]

Things like this worry me about the person in charge of the aforementioned machine
My advice is to get out and do the miles and learn how to ride it properly instead of worrying about something that only you worry about and everyone else gets on and does

Wait until you get to blipping the throttle while braking and changing down gears, now that will really fry your head if you can`t cancel your indicators


HTH

 

[freeloader]

Wait until you get to blipping the throttle while braking and changing down gears, now that will really fry your head if you can`t cancel your indicators

I believe that technique is specifically NOT recommended in the F800GS owner's handbook.

 

[Mr K]

The 3 switch system is shit.

Bottom line - Leave the throttle hand alone and let the left mit do the switches.

 

[Mr K]

Things like this worry me about the person in charge of the aforementioned machine
My advice is to get out and do the miles and learn how to ride it properly instead of worrying about something that only you worry about and everyone else gets on and does

Wait until you get to blipping the throttle while braking and changing down gears, now that will really fry your head if you can`t cancel your indicators


HTH

Why make it harder than it needs to be?

 

[Big Lee]

I believe that technique is specifically NOT recommended in the F800GS owner's handbook.

Ok, just let the clutch pull the engine revs up then when you`ve changed gear. See if I care So BMW realises that 800GS owners are a bit hard of thinking

Why make it harder than it needs to be?

How hard is it? it`s not rocket science

 

[Mr K]

Ok, just let the clutch pull the engine revs up then when you`ve changed gear. See if I care So BMW realises that 800GS owners are a bit hard of thinking



How hard is it? it`s not rocket science

It's harder than it needs to be.

How hard was one switch on the left hand side?

Like the rest of the galaxy...

My first R100GS had a proper indicator switch (25k miles) ..

my second R100GS had the comedy switches (25k Miles)..

...and my current R1200GS has the same bloody stupid indicator switches...and despite the fact I love the bike (49,000 mile on from new) I hate the bastard indicator switches.

 

[STUBBS]

practice makes perfect

 

[Mr K]

practice makes perfect

Why practise when there's a perfectly good system in place already:

One switch on the LH cluster - left for left - right for right and center for cancel.

 

[shuck raider]

Kisan Signal Minder - dunno if it fits the F series, but if your existing indicator relay has a 12-pin plug, it will. (SM-5 version). Fit and forget, cancels indicators after 8, 16 or 24 flashes, you decide. Grrteta piece of kit. Nippy Norman sells 'em as well as other UK outlets

 

[jibdel]

Persevere,you'll get used to them.

 

[Mr K]

Persevere,you'll get used to them.

It's my only bike.

I've had it almost 5 years and 49,000 miles.

I still have to think about them...

I'm not thick.

I'm in full time employment, doing a fairly technical job.


THE 3 SWITCH SYSTEM IS SHITE!!!

 

[freeloader]

It's my only bike.

I still have to think about them...

I'm not thick.

THE 3 SWITCH SYSTEM IS SHITE!!!

I agree (with the bits I haven't edited out).

 

[jibdel]

It's my only bike.

I've had it almost 5 years and 49,000 miles.

I still have to think about them...

I'm not thick.

I'm in full time employment, doing a fairly technical job.


THE 3 SWITCH SYSTEM IS SHITE!!!

Well I like it,so there!

 

[freeloader]

Well I like it,so there!

Fair enough, but - is there any other motor vehicle around which uses more than one switch to operate the indicators? I can't think of any vehicle manufacturer who's decided that one switch isn't enough.

And that includes those manufacturers who make BMWs with more than two wheels.

Oh, and while I'm at it, the horn button's in the wrong feckin' place too.