Switch gear.

[transalper44]

Not one for riding after dark because of idiots car drivers and potholes but the other evening I had no choice, I was surprised to see the switch gear on my 2012 GS was not back-lite. Question, should it be and there's a fault or, that's the way it is ?

 

[Gossy]

Thats the way it is, clocks only - you're right money cant buy you happiness!

 

[Engineer]

Correct, not back lit - I wasn't surprised but there again never had a bike that had backlit switches

 

[Nice 'n' Fat]

Me neither

 

[Beemerman59]

Should you be looking at your switches anyway whilst riding at night? Better, to know where they are without having to look.

 

[TLSgazza]

My fog light switch has a little green light on it, at least I can find that one when out past my normal bedtime

 

[The bigun]

It is annoying whilst I was out in the dark two nights ago it started raining and I couldn't find the switch for the wipers

 

[DING-DONG]

The new multistrada I've brought has back-lighted switch gear and looks really smart for it until it fails !!! And no doubt costs a fortune to replace, however I don't think its needed you should be able to thumb - finger the switches you need without having to look, take a good look at what does what and remember there positions.

 

[Bendy toy]

My only gripe with BMW switch gear is their fixation with thumb operated paddles. The Japanese dip switch (and main beam flasher button) is quick and easy to find with index finger to avoid dazzling oncoming drivers. The BMW has a daft rocker you have to fumble your thumb over, all while you reduce your grip on the handlebar. Then you realise you've hit the wrong edge - no wonder it wasn't dipping. Such fun on a narrow B road. Oh yes.

For the OP see if you can put some LED number plate lamps on the switch tops. to shine across the switch faces. But in reality you will get used to it being unlit.

 

[transalper44]

Thanks guys for your input, yes I do know where all the switchs etc are, it was just a question to find out if I had a fault !