One thing I would change...

[SamK]

I've not got a problem with the indicators... but... The heated grips switch is the one that gets me. Would be better changing position with the start button.


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[telbenj]

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!

I have about medium sized hands and have no problems using the switch gear, mine also has the idrive wheel and find that fine too

Terry

 

[Reckless]

I can't believe people can get so bent out of shape because their new bike isn't the same as their old one!
!

OP posed a question - if we all just put up with what we bought and never discussed our experience, this would be a very quiet forum! That said, you are entitled to your opinion.

 

[2 wheel humvee]

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!!!

^^^^^ This
I prefer the old 3 button indicators too but have for the most part adapted to the new switch, however, I still occasionally reach for the cancel button on the Right hand bar
I have no problems reaching the switch and also have the whirly wheel thing on the left bar (TE), no issue as far as I'm concerned, I'm also struggling to think of an occasion when I might need to reach for an indicator switch when holding in the clutch lever as posted earlier in the thread
For me what is slightly more annoying than the indicator switch is the size and location of the sidestand, it's not easy to find every time with my left boot without looking down but I'm getting used to it-slowly, I have fitted a Wunderlich footprint thingy to the stand to assist, which helps, adapting

 

[Engineer]

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.

Here I am I have no problem and I don't have BMW test rider hands - I just bought the model without the silly wheel thing

 

[Matty589]

I never liked the paddles and never understood why you'd want 3 buttons to do one job. They were kind of OK on a GS as the handlebars were up high but on my F800ST they were downright dangerous! The issue with the new indicator is that it is pointed and tapered, making it tricky to locate. It also has too short a travel so doesnt feel positive. I have indicated several times out on the road, only to find I haven't as nothing has happened! Honda, for example, use a bigger and much more positive indicator switch. If BMW changed the actual control to a rounded-off cube I doubt whether anyone would have much of a problem, with or without the stupid scroll wheel. Must admit I've never had an issue with finding the side stand - try it on a Suzuki GSX1250 (in front of the gear change lever FFS). It's all a learning experience and after 10,000 miles it'll all be second nature.

 

[Neil W]

When I tested the gsa I wasn't happy about the positioning of the indicator switch it was too great a reach from where I hold the bars (I wear size 10 gloves).

As for comments of japanese style of switchgear, fine , but more like chinese quality

 

[Lord Gawthorpe]

Windychuffer hit the nail on the head, BMW have missed out on a real big optional extra.
I would also have paid extra for the flappy indicators as it's the only thing on the new bike I dislike, and if they started it now as a extra would trade the bike in again for it.

 

[Nutty]

Windychuffer hit the nail on the head, BMW have missed out on a real big optional extra.
I would also have paid extra for the flappy indicators as it's the only thing on the new bike I dislike, and if they started it now as a extra would trade the bike in again for it.

I don't think I'd go that far!

 

[madmartin]

I like the indicator switch. A little push to the left or right and all is well. Nowt wrong with it. No problem at all. Gas engineers hands by the way. Think mine must be longer and stronger than most.

 

[Deleted account 251212001]

I like the indicator switch. A little push to the left or right and all is well. Nowt wrong with it. No problem at all. Gas engineers hands by the way. Think mine must be longer and stronger than most.

Is it your first gs?

 

[madmartin]

Is it your first gs?

No. 2007 gs and hp2sport. Quality of switches not as good as previous bmw but switches work fine. 2013 gste great bike but build quality dont justify 15k.

 

[Deleted account 251212001]

No. 2007 gs and hp2sport. Quality of switches not as good as previous bmw but switches work fine. 2013 gste great bike but build quality dont justify 15k.

Agreed its fine the indicator, personally i do prefer the old setup. Quality good not amazing, but stonking bike overall. Enjoy!

 

[Nutty]

No. 2007 gs and hp2sport. Quality of switches not as good as previous bmw but switches work fine. 2013 gste great bike but build quality dont justify 15k.

What's wrong with the build quality?

 

[madmartin]

What's wrong with the build quality?

As mentioned by many owners in previous posts. Flimsy plastics,poor chinese quality fasteners,spire clips all over the place,leaking lids on master cylinders,duff batteries,defective switchgear,oil seal leaks,collapsing wheels,poor cast mouldings ,water in clocks,failing esacomponents,failing waterpumps,coolant leaks,brake pads made of wheatabix,loose fork fasteners,broken clutches,bust gearboxes,bent frames,peeling paint,milky opaque headlight lens,and melting indicator. Gonna start sortin it tommorra...

 

[Nutty]

As mentioned by many owners in previous posts. Flimsy plastics,poor chinese quality fasteners,spire clips all over the place,leaking lids on master cylinders,duff batteries,defective switchgear,oil seal leaks,collapsing wheels,poor cast mouldings ,water in clocks,failing esacomponents,failing waterpumps,coolant leaks,brake pads made of wheatabix,loose fork fasteners,broken clutches,bust gearboxes,bent frames,peeling paint,milky opaque headlight lens,and melting indicator. Gonna start sortin it tommorra...

You may be getting carried away. I've heard of one or two issues on your "list".

 

[GSThree]

I can live with the indicators, but;
What about that godawful dip/main beam switch?!

 

[Deleted account 211025001]

As mentioned by many owners in previous posts. Flimsy plastics,poor chinese quality fasteners,spire clips all over the place,leaking lids on master cylinders,duff batteries,defective switchgear,oil seal leaks,collapsing wheels,poor cast mouldings ,water in clocks,failing esacomponents,failing waterpumps,coolant leaks,brake pads made of wheatabix,loose fork fasteners,broken clutches,bust gearboxes,bent frames,peeling paint,milky opaque headlight lens,and melting indicator. Gonna start sortin it tommorra...

You may be getting carried away. I've heard of one or two issues on your "list".

Well, I've read about the above just in this section and you've had at least one of the above Nutty.

TBH I agree and don't think the quality is comisserate with the price WBM ask (the KTM I'm looking at is no better at the same sort of price but you do at least get a stonking engine in a superb chassis) - think of all the cars you can buy for the price of a GS (or for that matter, all the cars you can buy significantly cheaper than a GS).

Andres

 

[MrFell]

snip - think of all the cars you can buy for the price of a GS (or for that matter, all the cars you can buy significantly cheaper than a GS).

Andres

Yes but you would have bought a car and that would have been a complete waste of money....

 

[madmartin]

Yes but you would have bought a car and that would have been a complete waste of money....

Yeh. Ya could have bought a brand new suzuki swift sport for 12.5k. What a brilliant little car.... i know i bought the wife One and it drives fantastic.