Normal indicator switches from 2009

[teamwimp]

Ned Flanders, Fanum and Sgt Bilco:

my.my aren't you touchy?

So - if I don't like the indicators and/or think that they're less usable than the standard layout (and yes it has become standard - just like the pedal layout in cars) then obviously I should be driving a car because I'm not skillful enough to ride a bike.

Stop attacking people who don't agree with you!

Stop behaving like playground bullies and appreciate the fact that this is a discussion forum

 

[alanp]

Agreed Teamwimp! Some of the attitudes you see exposed are frankly embarrassing.

 

[nedflanders]

Sorry it a sense of humour thing , your not female are you?

 

[alanp]

It's 'you're' not 'your'!

 

[Eastriding2002]

The one thing I dislike intensely about the BMW layout is down to the numerous times I've indicated angrily with my left indicator when someone has pulled out on me or cut me up!

Other than that, I get used to them, although after two and a half years I still find rocking a switch on the left bar to indicate and press in the centre to cancel far easier and natural. To get around this I just don't use the bloody things, well aside from expressing my displeasure to others!

 

[Sgt Bilco]

Ned Flanders, Fanum and Sgt Bilco:

my.my aren't you touchy?

So - if I don't like the indicators and/or think that they're less usable than the standard layout (and yes it has become standard - just like the pedal layout in cars) then obviously I should be driving a car because I'm not skillful enough to ride a bike.

Stop attacking people who don't agree with you!

Stop behaving like playground bullies and appreciate the fact that this is a discussion forum

Touchy Teamwimp??? Not me old chap. I wasn`t attacking anyone but just pointing out that I have other things to think about than the positioning of indicator switches

If you don`t like `em, you don`t like `em but I would hope it doesn`t spoil your ride because I`m sure BuMW won`t be changing the set up any time soon.

 

[alanp]

I agree, we're all different with respect to our previous bike type history and size and dexterity of hands/thumbs, that's what makes this subject so interesting to follow on the forum.
I expect that BMW will sell more bikes to Jap/Italian bike owners now that BMW are moving across to the 'conventional' (whoops that word will set someone off again!) system with all indicator functions on the left e.g. the latest K series.
Equally, I can't see existing BMW owners hanging on to their present bikes for years longer because of this change since it's not such a hassle as changing over to the BMW system (and, bonus, be able to find the horn in an emergency), so I think, for BMW, it's win win, it is a business not a charity.
Coming from Jap/Italian bikes I actually like BMW's system of indicating left and right with left side and right side paddle switches, but to adjust my right hand a bit to cancel with the right thumb which is controlling power doesn't gel with me at times of close city traffic conditions.
I also have a theory developing that it could also depend on the relative angle of a rider's arm/wrist to the bars relating to rider's height/arm length and the bar position on the type of BMW they have e.g. I expect that this relationship is different on say a K1200S with low'ish bars compared to a sit up GS. Maybe if you're carrying more weight on your right wrist with lower bars it is more difficult to move your thumb to the cancel switch. Is that why BMW have changed the K series for '09? Any thoughts on this?

 

[freeloader]

I don't think I'm too bothered about using BMW's three button indicator system. I do think it's a bit silly (yes, I know, it's heresy) having three buttons when one could do the same job. But I still haven't managed to make using the horn instinctive, and that's what really annoys me. I'm going to have to try MartinL's tip of using my horn a lot, and see if that helps.

Or, and this might work for me, I could rewire the left indicator switch so that instead of the indicator, it operates both the horn and the high beam...

 

[Narcoda]

The new indicator switch system will be good for people with only one thumb?

Nothing wrong with the BMW 3 paddle switch system, in fact its brilliant, no issues.

 

[JohnU-IOW]

Had a chat with a couple of guys with GSA1150s on the Eurotunnel last year. Usual stuff, where you going, where you been, riding history etc. They asked me my opinion of the GS12 compared to Jap stuff I had before, and I said the only thing I didn`t particularly like was the switchgear. They were happy with the 3 switch layout, but they respected my opinion for what it was worth, in the same way I respected theirs. They didn`t like the 1150 weight / high seat when manouvering around at walking speed. In hindsight I should have introduced myself as Sgt Bilco and told them to "stop whingeing and just ride the fekkin` things". HA HA HA HA!!!!!!!

 

[alanp]

Great news all you cancel switch sufferers, including those who would never admit it... check out the K-BIKES.COM and EURO K CLUB sites (K1200R location typically). A simple way has been found to swop the switch functions and hence positions of the horn and cancel switches, including the actual buttons.
Don't you just love these forums where you can trawl the world for solutions. BMW would have done better to do this than completely redesign the switch assemblies for '09 K series.