No one said gawk......I said glance when it's safe. Beside you can practice all you want doing 20 mph in a parking lot and it's not the same when you get on the road with other cars.
Don't tell me you have never "gawked" at a pretty female in a car next to you, who was checking you out as well. Why is this any different?

 

Hey, one man's glance is another man's gawk, or something like that!

 

First of all I just didnt get out of the MSF class. I have been riding for 4 years. I know where my switches are but someitmes I hit the wrong ones high beams instead of horn. I am still getting used to radio controls, I go to change the volume and change the from the CD to the Weather Band. I have been operating emergency equipment for over 15yrs, so multi tasking is not the issue. I never have a problem with using the turn signals. I dont need to stare at my gauges, I was just wondering that if there is so many wires already there how hard would it be to illuminate the switches.

 

We havin' fun, yet? I don't see the need for lighted switches for a couple reasons, which have already been covered here. But in the interest of beatin' a dead horse ...

The lighted switches would present a distraction at night. I don't have any idiot lights on my bike - no turn signal indicators, no high beam indicator, and I replaced the speedo lamp with a dimmer one. I know when my headlight is on high beam during the day 'cause the toggle switch is in the "up" position. I know when it's on high beam at night 'cause I can see the beam pattern. I know when a turn signal is on during the day 'cause the toggle switch is either pointed to the left or the right. I normally use hand signals anyway during the day. At night I can see the dern things flashing. I haven't used a horn for anything other than passing inspection or irritating people in years.

I have no wires on or in my bars. I've probably ripped out 10 pounds of wiring on this bike. It's in a pile in my shop along with the pile from my Shovel, and the pile from my CH.

Muttersickles ain't got no radios. 'Wings do!

 

Yeah I think it would be ok ifn they were dimley lit. They do make a lighted switch kit for you hog. Ive seen them in the J&P and or Dennis Kirk catalog. [8D]

 

I'm going to have to call you on that. Even though I've ridden for a good part of my life, I recently took an MSF (Rider's Edge which was free when I purchased my new bike through AAFES) and they most certainly covered lane changing and signaling.

As for why they aren't lighted, I'm going to go with this even though it may not be the best argument.

...for the same reason that they aren't lighted in an automobile. You should know where the are.

 

This guy is getting flamed for no reason. If he thinks it would help him, then he posted the question. Convenience until you are used to it, no biggie. You know where your AC or radio are in your car, but it sure is convenient to see them. If you get used to where the horn is while in the driveway good, but maybe a dim light on it will prevent an accident? Most don't use the horn often enough to become used to it like a blinker we use all the time. Who knows. I agree you need to become second nature with all of your ride, but no need for all the flames. Maybe paste a small reflective tape till your used to it. Ride safe.

 

Thanks for the responses, the good, bad and the bashes. **** I was just looking at my controls and wondered why not a little illumination. Guess i should just sit in my gargae and stare at the buttons. Maybe I could pull out my patrol car and my fire engine and I could be as cool.

 

I duct-tape a small kenetic energy powered flashlight to my helmet when I am night riding. I shake my head vigorously to make the flashlight come on to illuminate which ever control I plan to use next. Also handy when peeing behind the bushes on the especially dark nights.

 

I bet if you shined it one of your ears it would shine right on through too.