Switches...switched

[TINK_imp]

The switches on the most post-2012 look new Hondas (not carryover models) have the horn in the middle, just like Ducatis and Guzzis have had for years. Maybe it's a worldwide standard, since they sell many more bikes in Europe and England.
After 40 years of riding, I'll never get used to it, and the reason I sold my Guzzis.
There's enough distraction in riding than to have to think about it, especially in tense circumstances.

It will be interesting to see which way they go when they redesign the Gold Wing - the internet will just light up!

I think pekingduck hit the nail on the head. Even though "we" may think the U.S. market drivers the Japanese motorcycle designers, the reality is that the motorcycle market today is a world wide business and the U.S. market is just a small slide in the world wide pie.