Will I get used to it?

[oystein]

Hi all.

I picked up my new F800GS last week. This is my first BMW, coming from Japanese bikes like Yamaha and Suzuki.

First of all I want to say I have not ridden it for many miles yet, but man, I'm in love already

Got a couple of issues (if one might call them that). One is that I am having difficulties operating the turn light switch. The GS got what I have understood, a standard BMW 3-button configuration.

Operating the left button is fine, but in order to operate the right button, I have to move my hand on the throttle. On a couple of occasions this have led to me opening up the throttle and the bike "jumping" forward. Not very safe when preparing to change lane, or get off the road.

So what do you think folks? Is there a way to adjust the position of these buttons, or will I eventually get used to the configuration?
On the other bikes I have owned, the turn lights has been operated by one three way switch located on the left handle bar.

Now for the second question. The GS is pretty tall. So am I (6.2ft). I still find it a little challenging getting on the bike. How on earth do smaller riders get on it? Is there some trick, or do I have to start taking yoga classes

Quite silly questions really, but I hope to get some input anyways.
Cheers, and ride safe!

 

[v8legend]

You'll soon get used to the indicators (turn lights). they'll seem strange at first, but after a while they'll seem logical. I'm 5' 9" plus an extra important 1/2", and soon got used to it. Although tall, the bike is light, so no problem.

 

[moody]

You will get used to the indiactors - I tend to ride the clutch a tiny little bit on roundabouts when I am using the indicators, so a sudden blast of throttle doesn't affect them.
As for the height problems - have you tried stilts or a lower seat?

 

[andyclift]

After a few days you won't want to go back to horrible Jap indicators.

Every magazine test of BMW bikes seems to whinge about them but they manage to operate front brake without throttle problems so what's the big deal about a slight sideways movement of the thumb. I spent a few days before I could naturally remember the new system but never found a need to move my hand.

Yes the GS is built for Europeans, not little people like many Jap bikes.

 

[twisticles]

If you trawl these threads (especially from 2 years ago) you'll see lots of people discussing the indicator thing.

Yeah you will get used to it.

It's the cancel paddle I don't understand...Harley davidson also uses indicator paddles on each handgrip, but you press the same one again to cancel, no need to a separate paddle Oh, on an H-D you can press and hold to indicate lane changes too.

Funny how the new BMW K series bikes as well as they F800R are now using a more traditional 3-way control on the left hand grip.

SURELY not as a result of customer feedback? Nope...just to aid the transition to "The new switch units use MID technology (Moulded Interconnect Devices; lasered conductors instead of individual wiring) and are thus much smaller and more compact while also offering a wider range of functions, clear design and optimum reachability."

 

[everywherevirtually]

6' 2" and you are having trouble getting on ?

I'm 5' 7" and just do a high kick and then hop on. Then with a bit of momentum push the bike up off the centre stand and away I go. I love the looks from people who think surely that short arse does not own and surely cannot ride that thing

 

[Tim Cullis]

The whole point behind the BMW system is that unlike the Jap-style switch you don't have to move your hands around in order to operate the indicators.

If you have to move your hand on the throttle to operate the right-hand indicator it sounds as if it's not directly under your thumb, in which case loosen it slightly and adjust it so it falls naturally.

 

[oystein]

Thanks for the feedback. Glad to hear I probably will get used to the 3 button system. Haven't been able to ride that much yet because of all the snow and ice still left on the roads here, but with some mileage I'm sure I'll get the hang of it.

I got the standard seat on my bike. I do not think fitting the lower seat is the right ting to do, because the ride height once I get on the bike is perfect.

I also think that getting on the bike will get easier once I invest in some proper Goretex pants. The leather pants I'm using at the moment is not the most flexible piece of clothing, making lifting the leg over the seat extra difficult.

As for riding gear. Have any been able to try out the new Rally 3 dress? Planing to take a look at it when I'm delivering the bike for it's first service.

 

[argee]

With regard the seat height, I am 5 10 and specced the lower seat, but now the suspension has settled in I wish I'd gone for the standard height.
That is all

 

[Dave78]

I came to BMW from a Kawk, ok it's not a GS, but it does have the 3 button indicators.. After a few hours with it, I find it eaiser to use then the single button..

That said now I am always giving a quick toot on the horn whenever I get on a single button bike and want to go left

 

[oystein]

I came to BMW from a Kawk, ok it's not a GS, but it does have the 3 button indicators.. After a few hours with it, I find it eaiser to use then the single button..

That said now I am always giving a quick toot on the horn whenever I get on a single button bike and want to go left

Hehe that was my first thought when I saw the setup.. There will be a lot of "honking" in the beginning

 

[Mr K]

5 years and 50k miles on my 1200GS and I still tolerate rather than like the stoopid indicator switches.
Totally agree about throttle hand movement bit.

 

[Dean]

6' 2" and you are having trouble getting on ?

I'm 5' 7" and just do a high kick and then hop on. Then with a bit of momentum push the bike up off the centre stand and away I go. I love the looks from people who think surely that short arse does not own and surely cannot ride that thing

No comment



love you Jon

 

[Greggers]

I've NEVER once been able to use the horn intuitively ... I always have to look, and by that time I usually end up shouting at the twat instead...

The indicator/trafficators .. hmmm well, yes you do get used to them, and no I've never lurched (well, not without some help from an aperitif or two.. ) much ..

G

 

[Richie3264]

Hi all.

I picked up my new F800GS last week. This is my first BMW, coming from Japanese bikes like Yamaha and Suzuki.

First of all I want to say I have not ridden it for many miles yet, but man, I'm in love already

Got a couple of issues (if one might call them that). One is that I am having difficulties operating the turn light switch. The GS got what I have understood, a standard BMW 3-button configuration.

Operating the left button is fine, but in order to operate the right button, I have to move my hand on the throttle. On a couple of occasions this have led to me opening up the throttle and the bike "jumping" forward. Not very safe when preparing to change lane, or get off the road.

So what do you think folks? Is there a way to adjust the position of these buttons, or will I eventually get used to the configuration?
On the other bikes I have owned, the turn lights has been operated by one three way switch located on the left handle bar.

Now for the second question. The GS is pretty tall. So am I (6.2ft). I still find it a little challenging getting on the bike. How on earth do smaller riders get on it? Is there some trick, or do I have to start taking yoga classes

Quite silly questions really, but I hope to get some input anyways.
Cheers, and ride safe!

The buttons are quite sensitive and just the tip of your thumbs should be enough to operate them. They kinda make sense after a while. I still go looking for the jap set up when find myself in that "feck me....... a bus" situation and have to do alot of things pretty quickly.

try standing on the peg first before throwing your leg over the bike, might just help be warned though.....if you've got the BMW Vario pannier frames, then theres a little knob (heheheheheh....ahem) on the top frame that is waiting for your right knee when you throw your leg over, 5987 times its got me and I still clout my leg

Richie

 

[everywherevirtually]

No comment



love you Jon

Of course don't kick too high or it could all go wrong

 

[F650Dakar_Norway]

After nearly two years 800GS'ing I finally manage the stupid 3-button indicator "System", but quite frankly I hate the whole 3-button switchgear design. The horn button is so badly shaped and non-intuitive to use that it's basically useless there-and-then in criticial situations.

I asked my service mechanic to install the more modern F800R switchgear on my brand new 2010. He basically gave up since they (the shop) feared a void warranty due to the different cable/electronic layuot. Pity, since the F800R switchgear is my favourite in comparison.

The myth that one has to move hands more on a jap-setup switchgear is widespread. Quite frankly i favour the 1-button indicator switch on my Honda ST1100 and F650 Dakar.

Disturbing the throttle-hand with a compulsory usage cancel-switch is IMHO a worse design-flaw. The snappy on/off throttle action of the 800GS amplifies this. I'll go as far as to claim the 25 year old 3-button indicator design is ergonomically flawed.

That felt good getting off my heart. I'll have a few beers soon
Except from that I actually love my F800GS. Best damn bike I've ever had in 32 years of motorcycling!

 

[Lindeberg]

The bike has automatically indicator switchoff, haven´t you noticed?

 

[Aran]

I like the "left for left, right for right" buttons for indicators. The cancel button is an irritation but I got used to it. I never seem to cancel when I'm cranked over anyway.
But the horn button is the stupidist thing in stupid land! My standard operating proceedure when faced with van-death is to shout at the offender whilst furiously indicating left. This only reinforces the van's desire to pull out on me!

 

[freeloader]

The bike has automatically indicator switchoff, haven´t you noticed?

I had noticed.

It's very rare for the indicators to self-cancel when I want them to, though. Most of the time it cancels too late, and when it's not too late it's too early.

A nice addition to the spec sheet, but functionally of little use. YMMV, of course.

(edit)
I completely agree with all the comments so far in this thread about the horn button. My considered opinion is that it's completely non-intuitive.

And shite.