Normal indicator switches from 2009

[oldrascal]

Can anyone confirm that BMW are going to standardise the normal Euro/Japanese indicator switches across the range from this year?

I wonder if its possible to retro-fit a standard system..........I still find myself giving bloody great handfuls of throttle when I try to cancel the indicator and have to use a stupid amount of care when indicating. Something to do with having mitts like a baseball glove I suppose.

 

[Dahoum]

I would think BWM are the only people that could confirm this

 

[Schtum]

Just another example of how things default to the lowest common denominator.......

 

[Dainese Brave]

I've got used to the system...but just think the cancel switch should be on the other side!......trying to cancel as you accellerate away is an art that must be mastered over years! .......

........can't say I've got it yet!!

 

[Adam851]

K1300

Not sure if it is a sign of things to come across the range, but I'm pretty certain I read that the new K1300 is fitted with 'normal' indicator switchgear.
Got to be honest - much as I love my GS the indicator switches really are crap . No matter how hard I try I found them really hard to use - just a pain in the neck to cancel...have to move my hand to reach properly

 

[mpdouglas]

I, for one, mourn the day when they succumbed to the idiotic rantings of motorcycle journalists that seem incapable of some basic dexterity! It took me all of a few days to train my thumb to cancel the indicators on my first BMW without affecting throttle position. And once you have mastered it, you realise it is a superior system.

In city centre commuting, when much operation/slipping of the clutch is required (and when indicating is all the more important), the BMW system is absolutely spot on. There are many situations when filtering in traffic in which I would be unable to indicate using the "normal" switch setup. Yet it is a complete dawdle with the BMW switches.

Is this the start of a slippery slope where everything that defines a BMW motorcycle gets removed in the intersts of making them more acceptable to those who would otherwise buy Japanese. Before long, heated grips will be gone, boxer engines eradicated, shaft drives replaced with chains, paralever/duolever suspension replaced, etc. I wouldn't mind but BMW have publicly admitted that they haven't been able to maintain quality standards with the volume of machines they are already manufacturing!

 

[John Armstrong]

I too prefer the three paddle indicator switches. Seems more natural to me and less un-natural bending of thumbs involved.

What will the journalists write about now

 

[mikepg]

I agree mpdouglas.

I grew up with Jap bikes and have been riding BM's for the last 20 years and never ever found the switch gear difficult nor illogical but at the ned of the day, both systems are fine, and just take a couple of minutes to get used to.

 

[teamwimp]

disagree totally. I've had 3 BM's including my current GS and have always found the indicators to be the worst feature. In my opinion (and I agree that it's a personal thing) my right hand is busy enough with controlling most of the stop and all of the go without doing 2/3 of the indicator work as well.

 

[Farmer Palmer]

Paaarrrrp!! Damn! I've just pressed the horn again.......!

I love the BMW three switch indicators, they make the bike even more 'quirky' and find the standard single switch as fitted to the F650GS's etc no problem, you can easily get used to either system.

I think it'd be a shame in BMW were to stop using them as it adds a wee bit of character to their bikes!!

I'm sure my K1100LT had self cancelling indicators aswell!

 

[Scooby168]

New indicator switchgear

I was in NOG over Christmas and according to Steve the new indicator switchgear will only be on the 2009 K1300. All other models will keep the three button system. He said the reasoning for the change was the amount of physical space on the handgrip area - the K1300 apparently not having enough space for the traditional system.

 

[Sgt Bilco]

The 3 switch is a doddle and I have to say it isn`t an issue even when giving the old girl a handful

Might be nice to use the HD 2 switch system.

 

[DaveH]

Grew up on 'normal' bikes..currently have two others plus the BM. Personally, I find it harder jumping back onto a 'normal bike' after the BMW than the other way round.....the BM indicators are logical and easily accessible. For those who think differently they should try those on my Benelli Tornado RS...now that does call for double jointed thumbs !! (Still love it though!)



Dave H

 

[GSmonkey]

At last BMW makes the change. The BMW system is utter rubbish whether around town, or on a run. Using your busiest hand to cancel is plain stupid. The paddles also make it hard to find the horn......I've lost count of how many times Ive given people a nasty left turn indicator!!!

Good riddance to a flawed system

 

[Roge]

What about Aprillia with there horn and indicator switch reversed don't see much moaning about that

 

[Steve]

What about Aprillia with there horn and indicator switch reversed don't see much moaning about that

Maybe there is on an Aprilia forum?

 

[Dennis the Menace]

He said the reasoning for the change was the amount of physical space on the handgrip area - the K1300 apparently not having enough space for the traditional system.

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

 

[Alan1963]

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.

 

[oldrascal]

Great big mitts, thick gloves, cold fingers and big handful of long-travel GS throttle in 1st or 2nd gear and it all goes tits up (with apologies to the wearers of those lovely and very charming devices of course ).

So the 3 button system works for some who clearly love it; is a bit of a bother to others; and a pain in the extremities to quite a few by the sound of it. But even Porsche gets controls wrong some times if you read the kerfuffle about the back-to-front wheel mounted switch buttons on their new PDF auto box equipped models. They are switching to industry standard, right-way-round flappy paddles this year on all models. The market spoke and said 'bolleaux' to their switches and behold, all was made better.

 

[[email protected]]

first bike was a K75 and then a K1, so I got into the bad habit of not always cancelling indicators. So, I've been the one riding Daytonas and GSXRs to Donnington turning left for two hundred miles. sorry about that, but then most car drivers can't keep up anyway.

What I would like is a forefinger operated headlight flasher. It seems much more instinctive and a really useful gadget instead of all this thumbing about. Do you get used to it?