So you (and 'journo' testers) won't look at all their other faults. It's easy to focus on the asinine (and maybe dangerous?) turn-signal operation and overlook all their over-engineering and under-performing.
I don't think there is much evidence to suggest that the "journo" testers are cutting BMW a yard pass on anything. Generally they don't like them.
Based on the common knowledge largely derived from magazines, I have always thought they were overpriced underperformers, but I was desparate to get out of a Moto Guzzi Norge 1200, and BMW were the only ones that would give me a fair trade on their already highly marked down 07 K1200Rsport. Moto Guzzi is a whole nuther level of over priced under performing. I wrote to one of the bike magazines and thanked them for trashing the K1200Rsport. I think this was a factor in BMW's difficulty getting rid of them. It may be worth noting that the new FIM Superbike from BMW has abandoned most of the BMW characteristic suspension features. Why send a bike for review when the "journo" tester isn't going to bother to learn to ride it before evaluating it?
In any event, what I have learned as a BMW owner is that the parent company is anal retentive about having good customer interface. They really follow up after the sale, both at the dealer level, and from corporate. I had one recall issue, and when I checked on it, the selling dealer had taken care of it as part of the pre-delivery service. I am waiting on parts for my recall stuff from Yamaha as I write this. I had one warranty issue. Instead of making me screw around, bring the bike in, etc., they mailed me a $200 kit and didn't even want me to send in the defective one. As a BMW owner, there is also the anonymous book, which has to be one of the neatest accessories I've ever seen. It lists the anonymous phone numbers, organized by country, state or province, and city, and indicates at what level the folks at that number would be willing to help a stranded rider. Then there is the 3 year warranty. And, of course the 24/7 roadside assistance which they actually make fairly clear and accessible to you.
After Moto Guzzi, this was all a breath of fresh air.
As for BMW, if the bike sucked, none of this would matter.... but every time I look at it, I'm impressed with something else that they did. I am finding the FJR to have similar positive attributes, so right now I am very happy with both bikes. Both companies have done a great job. Both companies are probably at good price points for what they are. The FJR is probably the better value, but if you're at the point where you're not that price conscious, value is in the eye of the beholder.
As for the turn signal arrangement, that's another red herring. It is aggravating for a couple of days, after which it becomes quite easy. I go back and forth between BMW and conventional without any thought about it. FWIW, the BMW turn signals will self cancel, at least on the K1200Rsport.
I like both companies, and if you aren't worried about the cost, BMW, Ducati, MV Agusta, etc. can all be rationalized. Man those "journo" testers sure do get chuffed over Ducati... and yes, I've dealt with them too.... no more Italian stuff is coming to my garage.
