tft display kawasaki brands

The biggest news is of course the new 4.3-inch TFT screen. But it is not just a pretty screen as it includes features that could be found on bigger (read: more expensive) bikes. There is the auto contrast feature; Bluetooth connectivity for music and phone calls; GPS navigation via connection to a phone app; and thankfully a gear position indicator.

The kawasaki ninja zx-10r is a high-quality sports bike that offers tremendous performance, A comfortable riding experience, And many innovative features that make it look striking on the road.This bike is not for inexperienced riders, Which is something you should bear in mind while riding it.

It goes without saying that TFT screens are becoming a more common feature on motorcycles these days. Even entry-level beginner-focused two-wheelers are starting to feature this fancy tech—heck, even some e-bikes come equipped with full-color TFT screens. That said, what exactly is a TFT display, and is it even any better than an analog instrument cluster? On top of that, why do more and more manufacturers seem to be slapping a TFT screen on all their models?

Well, for starters, a TFT, or Thin-Film-Transistor Liquid Crystal Display, is similar to what you find on your smartphone. Although not necessarily as fancy and capable of displaying millions of colors as your brand new iPhone, the TFT screens on most premium motorcycles are touted as full-color, and feature graphics and animations that really elevate the riding experience. As such, it’s no surprise that more and more manufacturers are outfitting their bikes with this tech. Indeed, three years ago, the notion of having a bike with a full-color display was exciting. These days, however, it’s pretty much a standard feature.

I’m sure you remember the days when an SD card with a 512MB memory would set you back thousands of pesos. Nowadays, you can pick up a 256GB microSD card for the same amount of money, and from a reputable brand. The same is true with TFT screens, and quite frankly, all facets of technology. That being said, it could be argued that fitting a motorcycle with a TFT display is in fact cheaper and more cost effective than opting for an analog instrument cluster, especially if you’re a manufacturer with economies of scale at your disposal.

Indeed, well-crafted analog displays like that on the Triumph Thruxton could very well soon be a thing of the past, or something reserved for enthusiasts and collectors. Like a beautifully crafted watch, a high-quality analogue gauge cluster is truly something to behold, and something purists and classic aficionados hold near and dear to their hearts. As such, it could be argued that the mechanical instrument cluster could soon be considered a premium feature among high-end classic-style motorcycles.

At the end of the day, TFT displays have their benefits, and it can be argued that these benefits are strong enough to send analog gauge clusters the way of the dinosaurs. For starters, they’re adjustable, and easily configurable. They’re also a lot more visible with auto-contrast technology allowing them to adjust automatically to ambient light. Furthermore, they simply allow manufacturers to stuff in more data, keeping the rider informed about their bike. A TFT screen is pretty much like a tablet for your bike, allowing you to keep tabs on all the information it has to offer you.

Every year, motorcycle manufacturers make various improvements to their lineup, everything from little internal details, to new paint, to full-on redesigns. Over the years we’ve watched these machines get better, faster, and safer. In the 2020 model year, though, the majority of motorcycle manufacturers seem to be hopping on the TFT wagon. What does that mean for us, the riders?

We are all familiar with the Thin Film Transistor, or TFT screen, on our smartphones, hand-held video game displays, computer monitors, and car “infotainment” systems. The technology has advanced rapidly in the last few years, and motorcycle manufacturers have suddenly determined that they are ready for the harsh environment a motorcycle display needs to endure. During an attentive walk around of the International Motorcycle Show in New York City this past weekend, we noticed that new bikeswithoutTFT screens are becoming the rare exception.

Some manufacturers began outfitting their newest bikes with TFT screens a couple of years ago, but the 2020 model year has seen a sudden industry-wide shift. Major manufacturers like BMW, Kawasaki, Honda, and Yamaha, and even smaller companies like Energica, outfit their bikes with a TFT.

All of us who have been riding for many years are used to analog dials and gauges. Some of us are concerned about the longevity of the TFT, and in my opinion, those concerns are valid. Certainly, we’ve all seen our smartphone screens give up the ghost after only a few years of use. Some of us have an affinity for older motorcycles and have repaired or restored those old analog speedometers and gauges. We know that they often work flawlessly for decades. When they need repair, it’s a question of fixing or replacing internal mechanical parts. Not so with the futuristic TFT screens.

Those of us who are not hopeless luddites tend to sing the praises of a screen that can and does change to show machine and engine speed, a navigation display, the state of the motorcycle’s electronic suspension, tire pressure, the traction control setting, and a whole host of other information. The versatility of a TFT over traditional analog gauges is unquestionable: we might soon be able to program them ourselves with our preferred screen settings, just like our smartphones.

From a manufacturing point of view, TFTs simplify the process. The same TFT can be used on every motorcycle in a manufacturer’s lineup, with only a change of software to make the screen bike-specific. Does that mean a TFT will eventually be extremely inexpensive and easy to replace, should it ever go bad? Right now they’re too new to know for sure, but manufacturers are installing them everywhere, so we will all find out soon enough!

Basic functions available in the app include: telephone, map display, music, calendar, and contacts. Additionally, riders can opt to download third party apps to add to their Kawasaki SPIN library to be able to interact with them on the TFT display. Available apps include Sygic (navigation), SENA (headset communication), and more.

*Kawasaki SPIN app is not intended for use during vehicle operation. Only use SPIN app when the vehicle is not being operated and it is safe to do so.

But wait, there’s more! What I think is the most significant release for Kawasaki this year has to be the return of the KLR650. All-new, and looking like an absolute winner.

The Ninja H2-R is the exclamation point for the entire Kawasaki lineup. The world’s only limited production supercharged hypersport model represents the unbridled pinnacle of Kawasaki engineering, with astonishing acceleration and mind-bending top speed, only suitable for the track.

Featuring a 998cc inline four-cylinder engine, proprietary supercharger, lightweight trellis frame, compact superbike dimensions, carbon fiber aerodynamic devices, fully adjustable high-performance racing suspension and a rigid single-sided swingarm. This track-only motorcycle also features Kawasaki Launch Control Mode (KLCM), Brembo Stylema monobloc calipers, Öhlins rear shock, highly durable self-healing paint and sits at the head of the class in advanced electronics and technological development.

The 2022 H2 and H2 Carbon carry forward from2021 modelbasically unchanged. The order window is closed for these limited-run street versions of the H2 R. Packed with 228 HP from the supercharged 998cc engine, and every high tech goodie a flagship HyperSport bike should have, Kawasaki still keeps the weight low at 528lbs fully fueled.

New dedicated features like the Advanced Rider Assist System (ARAS) provide real-world benefits including Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Blind Spot Detection (BSD). Integrated into the new 6.5″ TFT color instrumentation is Kawasaki’s SPIN infotainment system. Experience the exhilaration of the unique balanced supercharged engine for both long-distance touring and daily riding.

The Kawasaki Ninja® ZX™-10R supersport was all-new in 2021, and for 2022, it continues to set the bar high in the pinnacle of road racing around the globe with unmatched success on the racetrack, including carrying Kawasaki to seven FIM Superbike World Championships (WorldSBK) since 2013. ABS braking remains a $1000 option.

Unchanged from last year, the 2022 Ninja 1000SX continues to be a silky smooth, powerful sport machine. Loaded with comfort and technology, Kawasaki provides far more than one might expect for the dollars asked.

A fiercely authentic supernaked, the 2022 Kawasaki Z400 ABS exudes fresh street style and is immediately recognizable in a crowd with its compact chassis and aggressive styling. Comfortable, balanced, and capable, the Z400 ABS offers a visceral riding experience that’s sure to turn heads.

The 2022 Kawasaki Z650 is treated to a Special 50th Anniversary Edition. Unique to this Anniversary Edition is the Firecracker Red color & graphics, special textured seat leather, commemorative Z 50th emblem and logos, and a very special Z 50th Anniversary coffee table book.

The 2022 Z900 ABS contains a host of advanced features and epitomizes Kawasaki’s belief of what the ideal supernaked should be. At 948cc with an ultra-lightweight chassis, every ride is met with exceptional power, responsiveness, and excitement.

The 2022 Kawasaki Z900 is treated to a Special 50th Anniversary Edition. Unique to this Anniversary Edition is the Firecracker Red color & graphics, special textured seat leather, commemorative Z 50th emblem and logos, and a very special Z 50th Anniversary coffee table book.

The 2022 Kawasaki Z650RS is treated to a Special 50th Anniversary Edition. Unique to this Anniversary Edition is the Firecracker Red color & graphics, special textured seat leather, commemorative Z 50th emblem and logos, and a very special Z 50th Anniversary coffee table book.

Unchanged from last year, the Kawasaki Z900RS ABS motorcycle calls upon timeless design elements with minimal bodywork and no fairing for a pure retro-style look. For those seeking just a tad more flair, there is the Z900RS Cafe. Featuring a Café-racer style front cowl and vintage graphics.

The 2022 Z H2 features a 998cc liquid-cooled, in-line four-cylinder balanced supercharged engine, effortless dog-ring transmission, specifically designed lightweight trellis frame, IMU electronics package, high-performance Showa suspension components, Brembo® Monobloc brake calipers, Kawasaki Quick Shifter (KQS), Kawasaki Launch Control Mode (KLCM), Kawasaki Cornering Management Function (KCMF), Electronic Cruise Control, Integrated Riding Modes, Assist & Slipper Clutch, all-digital TFT Color instrumentation, Smartphone Connectivity via RIDEOLOGY THE APP, and all LED Lighting.

The 2022 Z H2 SE will once again come with Brembo® Stylema Monobloc brake calipers, a Brembo front brake master cylinder, and steel-braided lines, offering riders strong braking performance and enhanced control. It also adds the Kawasaki Electronic Control Suspension (KECS) with Skyhook EERA Technology which adapts to road and riding conditions in real-time.

A true throwback to its 1960’s predecessor, the famed Kawasaki W1, the 2022 W800 is not only rich in history and character but also packed with modern technology.

Powered by a clean running, air-cooled 773cc vertical twin-engine, the W800 has ABS brakes, Assist and Slipper Clutch, Kawasaki advanced analysis designed frame, and an LED headlamp.

The widely popular Versys® 650 and Versys® 650 LT return to Kawasaki’s lineup stronger than ever for 2022 with several upgrades including Kawasaki Traction Control (KTRC), new TFT Color Instrumentation with Smartphone Connectivity, sharper front cowl styling, LED headlight, and an adjustable windshield to ensure you enjoy every ride.

The 2022 Versys 1000 SE LT+ features a 1043cc in-line four-cylinder engine, upright riding position, Integrated Riding Modes, Kawasaki Quick Shifter (KQS), all-LED lighting including cornering lights, multi-function TFT color LCD screen, Smartphone Connectivity via RIDEOLOGY THE APP, Electronic Cruise Control and heated grips. For 2022, the Versys 1000 SE LT+ benefits from an update to its KECS (Kawasaki Electronic Control Suspension) to incorporate Showa’s Skyhook EERA (Electronically Equipped Ride Adjustment) technology.

Unchanged from 2021. The 2022 Vulcan 1700 Vaquero ABS features a 1,700cc liquid-cooled, fuel-injected, 52-degree V-twin engine, Electronic Cruise Control, Kawasaki Advanced Coactive Braking Technology (K-ACT II) ABS, stylish frame mounted fairing, AM/FM/WB audio system with SiriusXM radio compatibility, and sealed saddlebags.

Unchanged from 2021. The 2022 Vulcan Voyager ABS is the king of Kawasaki cruisers, featuring a 1,700cc liquid-cooled, fuel-injected, 52-degree V-twin engine, stylish frame-mounted fairing, intercom headset compatible audio system, and integrated luggage.

The KLX 230 dual-purpose motorcycle is built to take riders to new places. Taking cues from the KX line and Kawasaki’s racing heritage, this street-legal, dual-purpose motorcycle has been designed to enable riders to get out of town and enjoy the trails with confidence.

For 2022, Kawasaki welcomes the return of the widely popular and critically acclaimed all-new KLR®650 motorcycle to its lineup. The all-new 2022 KLR650 receives the addition of fuel injection to the 652cc single-cylinder engine offering increased reliability and fuel efficiency. A new multi-functional digital instrumentation panel with a fuel gauge is paired with a new fuel tank design with greater useable volume. Numerous parts have been updated for increased riding confidence when carrying luggage, reduced vibrations, and increased generator capacity, contributing to the improved performance and ride comfort.