Instead of the “Japanese standard” single multi-function turn signal switch the BMW uses three separate switches. There is a button near each handgrip plus the “cancel” switch located just above the right turn signal button.  Why the Germans thought this was a good idea I’m not sure.  I can say that it is taking some time to retrain my brain to perform the new operations automatically, without having to pause momentarily and read imaginary flashcards.

Every motorcycle I’ve ever owned, at least the ones that actually came with turn signals, had the single switch on the left.  A one thumb operation.  Take the left thumb and push to the right – or – pull to the left - then push to cancel (with a minor variant of perhaps having to actually center the switch which was, admittedly,  a bit of a pain in the ass).  That system is so deeply ingrained into my neurons and muscle memory that the task is performed without the need of conscious thought.  So deep that I’d sometimes notice my left thumb  twitch ever so slightly against the steering wheel of the car when weather had forced me from two wheels to four.

Thankfully, the brain can be retrained.  I picked up the new (to me) R1200GS seven weeks ago this Friday.  Since that time I have logged a little more than 9,000 miles on it.  The good news is that only occationally am I blowing the horn when making a left turn.  Even better than that, I’ve started turning on the windshield wipers of the car when making a right turn.  That must mean my re-training is near completion.

It would happen every time my family went on vacation.  The minute my Dad steered the car onto hwy 52 (now I-395) or any route directly connected to the "Connecticut Turnpike", we all knew we were headed home.  It didn't matter if we were in Vermont, New Hampshire or Maine, once the car began the trip "back" he wouldn't stop →

Morning brought another sauna-like day.  I was on the road by 8 a.m. and was looking forward to getting off the highway.  State route 36 would be my yellow brick road as I dodged every threatening thunder storm all the way to Springfield where I picked up 29 and finally 51 south through Pana to Ramsey. The International Brotherhood of Motorcycle →

Thursday morning broke with some sunshine, enough to dry out the tent before packing it away.  All the gear had survived the torrential rain and blasting wind without a problem, including the garbage bag encased riding suit. The next target was southern Illinois.  There was an IBMC campout in Ramsey that would break up the (mostly) dull ride back East.  Being just →

As usual, I was on the road by 8 a.m. and entering Custer State Park which is a launch point for some unbelievable roads including Needles Highway.  The plan was to take the long way up to Mount Rushmore then complete the loop running the Needles southbound. Every road in the park is beautiful.  There's some re-paving going on right now →