Just completed a really good trip of around 3000 miles to Sardinia in 10 days and the bike behaved impeccably but I loathe and despise the change to the indicator controller. My hands are admittedly small but I just can't sensibly operate the controller whilst holding the clutch and it's more than just frustrating. I've used the system on other bikes without problem but they were smaller bikes overall. This is rubbish and I just don't know why they changed what was a perfect system and I'd change it back tomorrow!
One thing I would change...
- Thread starter sola_bristol
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Reckless
Registered user
+1
I have big hands but struggle to work the indicators once the clutch is pulled in - getting better but finding it tough - the original system was so easy and efficient.
I have big hands but struggle to work the indicators once the clutch is pulled in - getting better but finding it tough - the original system was so easy and efficient.
Deleted account 190920001
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Seems to be one of these things. Loads of people complained bitterly about the old layout and wanted it changed to the single switch. Now they have changed it people are complaining about that and want it changed back.
WindyChuffer
Registered user
+1. BMW have done a bloody good job of alienating their customer base by moving to the Jap style switches in totality. The problem is compounded with the stupid sat nav wheel thingy which makes the indicator switch harder to use.
I just wish they would offer a choice of switches as an option: BMW or Jap indicator switches. I'd have willingly paid a premium to have the BMW indicators on the new GS.
When I get some time I'll rewire mine, and make the wheel do the indicators.
I just wish they would offer a choice of switches as an option: BMW or Jap indicator switches. I'd have willingly paid a premium to have the BMW indicators on the new GS.
When I get some time I'll rewire mine, and make the wheel do the indicators.
That's a very good point. I didn't complain, but when I came to BMW from Japanese bikes I wasn't looking forward to the 'strange' indicator system. Once I had used it a while on my GSA I agreed it was much better than the single style switch..........Sadly my 2010RT doesn't have it and like a lot others......I wish it did!
I just don't get this!
I commented on the awkwardness of reaching the indicator switch after I had a loan 1200WC for a couple of days, but it wasn't something that took time to notice. It was noticed upon reaching my first point of using the turn signals. It stuck in my mind as something I simply couldn't live with.
What has change since your test ride? Have your hands shrunk? Have the bars got wider?
This should have been picked up immediately and is a crucial part in the deciding whether or not to buy the WC. It is crucial because it is part of the user experience and MUST be functional in such a manner that causes no concern whatsoever to the rider.
Why/how did you fail to recognise this on your test ride?
Did you have a test ride or simply say "I'll have that one, please"!
If you test rode it and didn't notice the issue then why didn't you notice it?
If you test rode and DID notice the issue then why did you buy it?
I commented on the awkwardness of reaching the indicator switch after I had a loan 1200WC for a couple of days, but it wasn't something that took time to notice. It was noticed upon reaching my first point of using the turn signals. It stuck in my mind as something I simply couldn't live with.
What has change since your test ride? Have your hands shrunk? Have the bars got wider?
This should have been picked up immediately and is a crucial part in the deciding whether or not to buy the WC. It is crucial because it is part of the user experience and MUST be functional in such a manner that causes no concern whatsoever to the rider.
Why/how did you fail to recognise this on your test ride?
Did you have a test ride or simply say "I'll have that one, please"!
If you test rode it and didn't notice the issue then why didn't you notice it?
If you test rode and DID notice the issue then why did you buy it?
WindyChuffer
Registered user
JayC - The switch gear thing is not a deal breaker. Its just a right PITA. Fixable if you can be arsed.
My issue with the switch is that there's no positive feedback that you've actually pressed it. They've gone Jap, but still tried to be different, it would seem. Dealer agreed they hear that a lot from LC owners.
I actually totally dislike my 1200 LC to the point of being completely bored and disillusioned with it, so I'm a little biased. Reaching the indicator switch is one of many things I struggle with, while the whole bloody thing pogos around, because it can't hold a trailing throttle.
Possibly cos ze Germans have tried to tune the nuts off it, while keeping it emissions-friendly. I'd rather have less power and a smoother ride, personally.
I actually totally dislike my 1200 LC to the point of being completely bored and disillusioned with it, so I'm a little biased. Reaching the indicator switch is one of many things I struggle with, while the whole bloody thing pogos around, because it can't hold a trailing throttle.
Possibly cos ze Germans have tried to tune the nuts off it, while keeping it emissions-friendly. I'd rather have less power and a smoother ride, personally.
Yellow Peril
Registered user
Nutty and Engineer will be here soon to balance it up with the WC best thing since sliced bread. Try a K now that is a good bike.
Gargy
Registered user
How about indicating before pulling the clutch in ?
If you know there is going to be a problem, work out how to get around it.......................... Just a thought.
If you know there is going to be a problem, work out how to get around it.......................... Just a thought.
Wrong. I think the indicator switch is shit, and much prefer the paddles. I've been using the HP2 for the last couple of weeks, and it just feels so much better.
I too prefer the old style BMW indicator switches, and also wish that BMW gave the purchaser the option of either trad. BMW or Jap switches. Having said that, and having only done 800 miles on my new WC GSA, I am getting used to the new switch, I'm hardly ever hitting the horn switch instead now 
, and it ain't going to spoil my enjoyment of the bike 
, and it ain't going to spoil my enjoyment of the bike I thought that would create a lively debate so thanks for that and most appear not to like. I'm not sure I really noticed it on the test ride and relied on the fact that it would take some getting used to and I had used it without problem on a Honda but no test ride will really duplicate a proper trip and the number of turns and overtakes etc that you will do over 400 miles or so in a day. Apart from that I really like the bike and like the extra power and though I was a strong doubter, I even found myself using the cruise control a couple of times on empty German autobahns..............and it was good to rest the wrist!
I have had BMW'S in the past and while I got used to the separate buttons I could never work out the logic of a separate button to cancel. It was different for the sake of being different a bit like a Mercedes handbrake that uses a foot pedal to operate and a pull lever to disconnect!!! Some people even swopped the cancel with the starter button as the cancel switch was so hard to use.
It would have been perfect if you pressed the button to activate and then pressed again to cancel. If you told someone now that you were designing an indicator switch but it used three separate buttons to operate they would think you were potty.
It would have been perfect if you pressed the button to activate and then pressed again to cancel. If you told someone now that you were designing an indicator switch but it used three separate buttons to operate they would think you were potty.
I have small hands and don't have a problem with the new indicator switch
I drive a Mercedes Vito that has a foot operated handbrake. I've never had a problem operating it.
I've had four Harley-Davidsons all with the two button indicator system. I never had a problem operating any of them
And I also own a 72 Triumph TR6C which has a four speed box with gear change on the right and guess what? Yes, that's right. I don't have a problem remembering which side of the bike the gear shift is on
bradders94
Registered user
Isn't that why the light flashes on the dash? I can't believe people can get so bent out of shape because their new bike isn't the same as their old one!
I often don't get a choice as to what bike I spend many hours riding, not complaining you understand they're all bikes! Point is they're all different and mechanical things don't adapt to you, you have to adapt to them. Either that or wait for the accessories market to oblige. If neither works for you, you always have the option of the Autotrader!!!
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