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BMW Blasphemy!


Ken H.

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Dave in Doodah
If you think the motorcycle turn signal controls are difficult, try the "I" drive on the automobiles. I have a new X5 with this modified dial/joystick/multifunctional doo-dad that drove me nuts for about 2 months until I convinced myself to "think german". I have it down pat now in about the same amount of time it took me to learn calculus. :dopeslap:

 

Oh, for the opportunity to endure the pain and agony of learning I-drive on a new 645 Ci... maybe thinking German is not such a bad thing.

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Harley got turn signal function/switches right. Push once to turn them on, push again to turn off. Both at once for hazard, and hold down to override auto cancel. TSSM cancels the signals based on speed, acceleration and other factors, and is 'right' about 90% of the time.

 

I never understood why BMW added a third button to cancel either signal, and the auto cancel function is primitive at best. My 1977 Suzuki works like the 'new & improved' BMW switch, so I'm sure I'll get used to it... :/

 

I love my HD turn signals, much better than my R1100RT turn signals.

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I'm flexible on the turn signal thing. What I want is a horn button that I can find in a panic situation.

 

+1 on that - so tired of the ANGRY LEFT BLINKER!!

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Silver Surfer/AKAButters

A friend of mine let me ride his 84' shovel head the other day and in the short 3 mile jaunt across town I never did figure out the turn signals. Of course that whole encounter was such an experience from hell (brakes, shifter throw, vibration, etc.) after coming off the RT, not that surprising I guess.

I don't know how those people ride those things. Naturally he assured me that if I was really considering a Harley as a second bike, I would need to ride a post 96' Evo sumtin' or other.

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Anyone who cannot use an I-Drive should drive a Ford:)

The old one which I have in one car and the new (for dummeis) with only 4 directions is a little hard to switch between when alternating between vehicles.

 

Of course the M-B version of 125 buttons to search for to handle the same functions work as well. (Sorry for hijack)

 

I have a little trouble with the F650GS that sports the one lever blinkers and I truly love the RT version. Agree that finding the horn button can be hard and maybe they should be switched as someone did.

 

The panic situations are the critical ones, that is when UI counts.

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I just sold my honda St1300 to back to a BMW and the BMW turn signals was one of my biggest reasons for going back. Not the only reason but it was high up there. The standard japanese 1 button method is horrible. Atleast with my ST you would have to lift the hand off to use the thumb on a left turn. Not good if in middle of a turn trying to hold on. I dont understand the people that cant use the right thumb on the current method. The K1300GT was looking like my ideal perfect bike until i found out the change in turn signals. Shame on you for changing the perfect solution you already had and I blame the bastard reviewers in magazines that have hammered BMW in every write up they do. If those people could ride a bike for more than 2 days and realize at how elegant the signals are.

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I seem to recall reading in the BMW press material released on the K1300s that the new switch arrangement will migrate to all BMWs. While I like the arrangement on my R12RT, I don't think the new one would be any big deal.

Yes, that's what the article I got the picture from said too. Standard arrangement going forward. Sorry GregB, we will miss you!

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I'm flexible on the turn signal thing. What I want is a horn button that I can find in a panic situation.

Look just below the new turn signal switch in the photo - there it is!

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"Angry left turn signal" I hadn't heard that one !

It would be funny, if not for the fact that you really need to be able to easily find the horn button, when that idiot pulls in front of you!

Thumbing the large yellow button forward seems much more intuitive, and I've found it easy to hit while my forearms are locked up in panic. Doesn't hurt to have monster horns that literally blow that car out of your way either !

 

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I ride with a couple sometimes (they both have bikes) and they always lead and give hand signals for turning and changing lanes along with turn signals when turning. At first I thought, HD group rides, but then I got used to it.

 

You can signal a lane change slowing, etc by hand much quicker than I can hit my turnsignal. Gives you confidence that you will always get a signal from them and know what they intend to do in traffic.

 

In a tight, my turn signal may or may not get activated.

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This isn't funny at all.

 

I've got 140 miles on my new (to me) KLR and I still have to look down at the switch to engage the turn signal. I have NO IDEA how long it's going to take for me to figure it out.

:P

 

Turn signals are overrated. Besides, once you drop that thing in the dirt a couple times you'll realize they're a pain in the butt to keep on the bike as well, and quickly learn the art of hand signals.

 

 

There is one rather large problem associated with the art of “hand signals”.. Almost all cage drivers (especially the young ones) have no idea what they mean.. And only a portion of the motorcyclists know hand signals..

 

Twisty

 

100% agree!

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If you use hand signals, do you have to wear reflective gloves at night?

 

No, but you have to have someone on a horse riding in front of you swinging a lantern at night.

 

 

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Joe Frickin' Friday
If you use hand signals, do you have to wear reflective gloves at night?

 

Just grab a set of those shortened light sabers used by airport ground crews.

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If you use hand signals, do you have to wear reflective gloves at night?
And then you have to turn your palm forward, backward, forward, backward... to make them blink.
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