Well, it really isn't like that and your questions are out of order.
2) Low beam unless it is at night and there is no oncoming traffic. Always- I have HIDs and high beams tend to blind oncoming traffic.
4) Hit the horn button first and something will make noise no matter where the headlight beam switch is. I have an '08 so I have the FTP button on the front on the left hand switch set and hitting that button along with the horn button is pretty much habit now. It does not take any extra time and is sort of intuitive anyway; just squeeze everything on the left handlebar and the louder horn usually goes off.
1) If I can think about it, I can usually use the little horn. The big horn is kind of obnoxious in neighborhoods at night. But see the answer to (4) above.... if it is too loud, it is too loud but everybody will live.
3) See answer (4) above. It takes care of itself.
You should be impressed- I have two horns and can operate either one with no more buttons or switches than were originally on the bike. Hey, it is only one step away from the horn blowing and the headlights flashing with nothing more than an evil thought....
But really, there are enough widgets on the bike already and I didn't want to add another button for the loud horn, and I didn't want to do away with the little horn entirely either. I guess you could look at it as a lose- lose situation. As it is now sometimes I hit the cruise control button and the guy I am riding with says “What?” Lotsa’ buttons, especially on the left side.
Brian
You must have nano-second reflexes or the ability to stop time so you can decide: (1) big or little horn for this situation? (2) is the bike on high or low beam? (3) switch headlight switch accordingly (4) finally hit the freakin' horn button!
I'm impressed!
Me? I just nail the button and hope somebody at the receiving end is paying attention.