What I hate about the new GS (I know I am not the only one)!

I have moved from the 1200 to the WC about a month ago. I used to struggle with ever finding the horn button and used to press aggressively on the left indicator switch.

On a long ride I used to really struggle to get the indicator cancel button because my thumb would cramp up.

On the WC, I find the horn button in a much better place, I can reach the indicator switch and if I am struggling to move my right thumb an inch with my hand on the throttle to change modes, I just put the cruise control on, exercise my hand a bit, change modes or put on/off the heated grips and then just carry on. (I also cover the back brake with my foot in case of imminent disaster while only having one hand on the bars.)

Yes I agree there are a lot of buttons, but it doesn't really take long to adjust to using them.

So far the biggest "minor" improvements over the last model for me are:

1. Displaying the speed in bloody great numbers on the screen.

2. Cruise control.

3. Windscreen adjustment "on the go."
 
Jumblemo said:
If you don't like the satnav wheel control have it removed before delivery. Job done.

Next pointless whine?
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Crikey, does anyone actually read what has gone before, or just choose to jump in and state the obvious.

I am having the sat nav wheel removed before delivery...
 
Andyram said:
On the subject of niggles, cancelling the cruise control smoothly is not easy. I would prefer it if when rolling the throttle forward cause a more gradual deceleration rather than an immediate disengage. If I wanted a sudden deceleration I would be applying the brakes to cancel, but if i am closing on something then it would be nice to roll the throttle forward and then on again to catch the bike at a slightly reduced speed. The technique I use at the moment is to roll on and then touch the clutch to disengage. (BMW if you are listening) I am sure a software update could give a smoother disengage.
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I found that to, no where as near as smooth as car cruise control, but it does seem to be across the range as the k1600 is just as bad.

In regards to the wheelie thing, I don't get it :nenau you produce Nav 4 which has a cradle with extra buttons (which you pay dearly), that is now useless across the majority of the range, k's the satnav is more built in, wc's cradle doesn't accept it, so you are left with RT/800's, the RT is under going its revamp so no doubt that will be the same as the WC cradle.

On the WC they move the cradle 6 - 8 inches closer so is in easy reach of the OP so is the wheelie thing really necessary?

In regards to indicators/switchgear in my case, it is just the down grading of quality, take a look at an older bike the gear, is far more robust/larger just seems more designed into the overall package not from the parts bin. Irrespective of whether you like the new style or old style indicators.

I still am looking forward to the new ADV and by people airing views hopefully some of the niggles that people have can be ironed out, with out customer feedback things never progress, as at the moment you have purely a design teams ideas. The old BMW's evolved and you can't tell me that came purely from within BMW>
 
JayC said:
Made perfect sense to me!

You want the bike to have been designed differently to what it has been, therefore you actually want the bike that hasn't been designed but will settle for the one that has. Simples.

How can it be a great bike to ride if you have difficulty in riding it smoothly?
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I have no idea what you are trying to say there.
There is something about buying a bike that hasn't been designed?
And not riding smoothly.
Sorry - not making any sense to me whatsoever.
Are you actually responding to my post?


To return to this threads topic.
I do question the design of the switchgear - I feel that it is not the best layout - it needs long finger reach, and the priority is somewhat confused, with less important controls closer to hand than essential controls.

However, No bike is perfect.
If they made a bike just perfect for me, then it would most likely be rubbish for someone else. ( I don't know why, but I remember the car built for Homer Simpson)!

Previous GS bikes all have their niggles.
1150 had the 30mph surging issue - 1200 had those servo brakes...
The LC has... ( hopefully it will only be the switchgear layout)
But we enjoy riding them because they are all brilliant bikes.

But evolution being what it is - the GS has evolved.
Some like the changes - some dont.
I remember the posts when I bought my 1150 .
"5 years is enough - we don't need 6th"
"Noisy final drive"
"Bike surging"
And if you want a real trip through memory lane - look up the cat code plug in the threads.

So the posts pro and con the WC bike are all to be expected.
It's all rivers of coolant under the bridge...

Get over it.
 
What about the standard bike without the Nav Wheel, how does that feel?

Could the Navigation wheel be removed and the controls moved closer? Nearly 25mm less thumb needed then :augie
 
Appman said:
What about the standard bike without the Nav Wheel, how does that feel?

Could the Navigation wheel be removed and the controls moved closer? Nearly 25mm less thumb needed then :augie
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Yup - that's what I'm doing.
Removing the sat nav wheel will resolve this issue.
 
Ive got a 2012 Rt that uses the same switchgear, I find grip puppies help a lot with the reach to the switches. Also help damp any vibes thru` the bars.
 
I can see what the issue is,,, I'm in for surgery tomorrow to have my thumbs broken and extended by 25mm. :thumby:
 
Captain Beaky said:
Yup - that's what I'm doing.
Removing the sat nav wheel will resolve this issue.
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Can someone tell us how this is done please, preferably without wrecking the bits so that it could be replaced in the future (at PX time)?
 
tony23 said:
Ive got a 2012 Rt that uses the same switchgear, I find Ggip puppies help a lot with the reach to the switches. Also help damp any vibes thru` the bars.
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Tony, I also use Grip Puppies on all my bikes but only on the throttle side so far on the GS. For me they give a much better feel being larger in dia than the standard grip and you can grip the throttle less tightly reducing the trans of vibs to the hand.
I didn't fit them on the clutch side since I thought they would slightly reduce clutch lever movement and increase the crunch into 1st.
Hadn't thought about the 'reach' thing.
 
alp said:
Tony, I also use Grip Puppies on all my bikes but only on the throttle side so far on the GS. For me they give a much better feel being larger in dia than the standard grip and you can grip the throttle less tightly reducing the trans of vibs to the hand.
I didn't fit them on the clutch side since I thought they would slightly reduce clutch lever movement and increase the crunch into 1st.
Hadn't thought about the 'reach' thing.
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Be interesting to see how you get on if you decide to give it a go, I`ve got the LC on order for Sept by the way:D
 
Not sure what some of you are on about. Operating the lefthand switchgear is similar to my RT which had the spin wheel for the volume/radio/changing station etc. Never had any issues on that bike or now on the GS.

I do find the cruise abrupt (not as smooth as the RT) but now I know what's going to happen just plan for it.

Some delicate riders on here :D

Stu
 
stukr said:
Not sure what some of you are on about. Operating the lefthand switchgear is similar to my RT which had the spin wheel for the volume/radio/changing station etc. Never had any issues on that bike or now on the GS.

I do find the cruise abrupt (not as smooth as the RT) but now I know what's going to happen just plan for it.

Some delicate riders on here :D

Stu
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My personal issue is with the right controls and what I perceive as a serious design fault and safety issue.... oh and for the record, I know you weren't referring to me but I am certainly not delicate! :D
 
I struggle'd with the Indi switch on my TE but Removal of the wheel is easy, just ask for the non sat nav prep heated grip assy it will however empty you pockets of £46 .
 
Tusky said:
Whilst I like the functionality of the scroll adjustment of the Sat Nav, I totally agree with you Captain :thumb

Now all I would say to people that don't understand what I am concerned about, hold both hands out as if riding your bike then cock your right wrist to the right with your thumb as outstretched as you can.

Now hold that position and twist the throttle.... You will find the following...

1) Fine control dexterity is impeded badly and the twisting action is both uncomfortable and jerky.

2) The grip is held diagonally across the palm and fingers which causes your fingers to drag on the grip especially on the last two fingers on the right (little finger) which can cause the throttle to be caught/dragged right up the rev range, as happened to me.

For good measure, now hold the same position and then cover the break lever with your index and middle finger, which is an advanced riding technique that the police like to see adopted to aid reaction implementation times.

Now if you can do all of that + change the mode setting without either discomfort or impediment of your twist control, then you are a better men than me.....
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Has anyone actually tried this or are you all still obsessed with the left hand controls? :nenau ;)
 
Nippy Normans supply Touratech, Wunderlich, Desert Fox and many other makes of accessories.
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