Normal indicator switches from 2009

[Dainese Brave]

My point was, and still is, it`s not something to get hot under the collar about and it shouldn`t be spoiling what is one of the greatest rides out there (apart from an ex girlfriend but thats another matter).

I don't think anyone is getting hot under the collar about it are they??

....more a discussion on who does, and doesn't, like the system, it's pros and cons etc.

As it's on a discussions board I'd have thought that's a good thing

I personaly think the system is ok, but flawed, and with a little more thought (and maybe listening to their customers) could be improved. BMW don't have to give up on the system completely....just improve it.

If things weren't improved on we would still be riding around on bikes with brakes that didn't stop, engines that leaked oil, cam chains that exploded, and handling that never went around corners!.....it's called progression, and should be embraced if it's a forward step.........better that than saying it's how it's going to be, get used to it!

... but it certainly wouldn't stop me buying another GSA, or a BMW in general...in fact I wouldn't give it a thought......but if it was improved??....then it would be a step in the right direction surely???

 

[Wapping]

As for the horn, It's not [hopefully] going to get much regular use,
Thank you for listening.

Glad you are happy.

 

[WindyChuffer]

Actually going to result in 2 switches: One for the indicators and a dedicated one for the hazard lights.

And with the current set up it's arguably easier to put the hazards on in emergency by pressing both incdicator switches, as opposed to pressing a switch that you hardly ever use and can't find quickly when you need it.

Its a matter of personal preference which one you like - there is no right or wrong. I just wish BMW would offer the their standard setup as an option, and also offer both types as a retrofit kit; that way everyone is happy.

 

[Dainese Brave]

Its a matter of personal preference which one you like - there is no right or wrong. I just wish BMW would offer the their standard setup as an option, and also offer both types as a retrofit kit; that way everyone is happy.

I think cost would prevent this ever happening

 

[mumbo]

its bloody dangerous

Forget the indicators...I'm surprised that the horn button is legal anywhere. Its impossible to use in an emergency. I challenge anyone to use it when urgency is needed....it requires a conscious effort and probably a look down to miss the indicator. Nearly come a cropper many times.

 

[Dennis the Menace]

More like cost, one switch is cheaper than two, we will find out on next model up date.

Next model out is the new F800R which has the 1300 type indicators .
So the oldest model in the Boxer range is now the RT1200, which is next inline for an update, 1300 type indicators anyone

 

[wacits]

Its the marmite question init!
Moved from jap bikes to bmw, took 1 day to convert.
Agreed, had the horn vs indicator scenario a few times but sorted now ;-) stebel a winner
Having small hands makes it difficult but got used to it.
prefer bm 3 switch now.

 

[Gauche Rider]

I, for one, mourn the day when they succumbed to the idiotic rantings of motorcycle journalists that seem incapable of some basic dexterity!

Agreed.

I find the standard set-up more difficult and have to move my left hand across the grip to operate. Don't think my thumbs are that small...

 

[Delirious]

Passing Switch Please

No problem with the indicators and I think I actually prefer them. Before the GS I used to run a K1200S and VFR and alternate each day. Never had a problem working out what to do with either of them.

The one thing I don't like is the horn placement and high beam. In town I like to be able to use the horn quickly and also for oncoming traffic the horn and high beam simultaneously. This is nigh on impossible with the BM setup yet on the VFR was so easy that it became standard practice to press the horn and give it the high beams at the same time all the time. I really want BM to put a "passing" switch on the back of the control like the Japanese system. Being heard and seen at the same time surely gives you more chance of being noticed.

Just my two yennies

Cheers,
Delirious.

 

[Dennis the Menace]

I, for one, mourn the day when they succumbed to the idiotic rantings of motorcycle journalists that seem incapable of some basic dexterity!nenau

Motrorad issue 1/09 managed toget its hands on the BMW K1300. Traditionl BMW riders will immediately notice the new style indicator switch positioned on the left bar just below that for the ABS, ASC and ESA . . The suspension is set blah blah blah. Thats all they said about the indicator switch.

 

[t'other dave]

When I owned Jap bikes I hardly bothered with the indicators ( exept for right turns in middle of road) fiddly little switch, but since owning a BMW (5 1/2 years now) I nearly always use indicators there just so simple and easily placed, never had problem with switching em off even when hard on throttle. The only problem I still have finding the horn when someone p!$$es me off...

 

[alanp]

Back on this subject again, there is an interesting subject floating around the K series forums about changing the wiring over on pre '09 bikes between the horn and cancel switches for those of us, and many others, who don't like operating the cancel switch with the thumb of the hand which is controlling the Go. No one has yet come up with a clear way of altering the wiring over, but it's early days. Anyone in the GS arena done this or knows how to do it?

 

[MartinL]

Forget the indicators...I'm surprised that the horn button is legal anywhere. Its impossible to use in an emergency. I challenge anyone to use it when urgency is needed....it requires a conscious effort and probably a look down to miss the indicator. Nearly come a cropper many times.

Try practicing! - seriously - prod the horn a few times (without looking) each time you ride over the next couple of weeks and I guarantee you'll find it naturally when it counts. Just like E-stops, better to know how to do it before you actually need to.

Personally I consider the horn to be an advance warning to other road users not an emergency tool and would rather rely on observation and anticipation to avoid trouble. If that doesn't work and you do get caught out the horn is the last thing you should be concentrating on......

 

[MartinL]

Both systems work for me. Can't see what all the fuss is about. It takes all of 30 seconds to switch from one to other. On balance I prefer the BMW 3 switch system, but is it a big deal? No way.

Seconded.

BMW - one prod right, one prod left, one prod cancel

Others - one prod right, one prod left, one prod cancel

How hard is that?

 

[peepingtom]

Forget the indicators...I'm surprised that the horn button is legal anywhere. Its impossible to use in an emergency. I challenge anyone to use it when urgency is needed....it requires a conscious effort and probably a look down to miss the indicator. Nearly come a cropper many times.

here here......its by far the most dangerous thing about my 1200. Theres been 3/4 occasions where blind drivers have nearly cut me off the road where a good horn would get them back in line , instead they get aload of left indicator!! very dangerous!
Much prefer a normal system like old GS's used to have, why designers think this is better ive no idea i expect it will change back one day when they stop being bloody minded.

 

[nedflanders]

Maybe if your dexterity means you can't operate the swichgear it might be a sign that 4 wheels would be a better option, a motorcycle is a dangerous thing if you can't operate it, get off the road

 

[patboy]

Got to say, its a case of adapting to the BMW system, I still manage to hit the left turn indicator instead of the horn, which is very annoying. Strangely I don't have a problem with the cancel indicators and seem to get that right.

 

[Canuck]

I feel that the indicators are okay and for me actually make more sense than that stupid one side thing all other bikes have.

As for drivers cutting you up, I forego the horn, slow down, let them get in front of me, then quickly overtake and with one kick the wingmirror is gone.

A quick hand signal, then pull over to the side of the road, take off helmet, roll up sleves and wait... After they collect their wing mirrors they tend to continue on their merry way. Haven't had one stop yet!

 

[ijg5]

I feel that the indicators are okay and for me actually make more sense than that stupid one side thing all other bikes have.

As for drivers cutting you up, I forego the horn, slow down, let them get in front of me, then quickly overtake and with one kick the wingmirror is gone.

A quick hand signal, then pull over to the side of the road, take off helmet, roll up sleves and wait... After they collect their wing mirrors they tend to continue on their merry way. Haven't had one stop yet!

LOL

 

[Mr K]

Bunch of amateurs complaining about the idiosyncratic indicators:

I've converted my 1200 to foot clutch, left side throttle and a hand gear change to show what a skillful rider I am.

Wimps!