tft display kawasaki factory

Kawasaki calls it an adventure tourer, but we think it might be more of a budget-friendly sport tourer, since it runs with a 17-inch front wheel that ain’t too gravel-friendly. Either way, we’re happy to see the Versys 650 LT get some updates for 2022 that should make it an even better machine.

The biggest update the middleweight Versys gets is a traction control system, which should be a welcome feature for those all-weather riders. Kawasaki’s TC system comes with two levels of interference, and can also be turned off at the handlebar.

There’s also a new 4.3-inch TFT colour dash. This certainly isn’t rare tech these days, but for the Versys to be taken seriously as a modern touring bike, it’s a welcome upgrade. Kawasaki says it’s Bluetooth-compatible with its proprietary Rideology app, too. The TFT offers a digital speedo, a bar-style tach, odometer, dual tripmeters, gear indicator and plenty of other data.

Kawasaki includes those plastic handguards in the purchase, and 28-litre detachable hard sidebags. As always, there’s a long list of official factory accessories you can add on as well. The Versys 650 LT comes with a two-year warranty, and an $11,399 MSRP, a $900 hike over the previous 2020 model. See more details at Kawasaki’s Canadian website here.

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!

has a long experience in the market of displays for over more than three decades. The displays include products based on passive, TFT- and LTPS-technology, as well as colour filters and backlights. New display lines are utilizing AM-OLED technology.

The spare meter-assy, tft display part number 250310998 is a genuine Kawasaki part which means it is exactly the same as the one mounted at the factory when the vehicle was new

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.

The Brutale is stripped of everything except the basic necessities, displaying to the world in a ruthless fashion the inner workings of the Brutale motor.

When you thought Kawasaki couldn’t produce anything else quite as mental as the fully faired H2, they go and produce the Z H2 in the year 2020 and for 2022 it has just got even better!

It comes with fully adjustable Ohlins suspension front and back; Brembo brake calipers; Metzeler RACETEC RR tires and 5 riding modes controlled by the TFT instruments.

A host of electronics are equipped on the model including: 6 IMU rider aids; Advanced Quick Shift; Four mode Yamaha Ride Control; TFT display; Electronic cruise control.

Other tech features include lean-angle stability control, ABS with cornering pre-control and Wheelie control. All of which are controlled by the Ride Command display, which also pairs via bluetooth to your smartphone.

Another of my favorite naked machines is the Z900RS from Kawasaki. It is one of the best looking modern retro throwbacks to date but it is also loaded with performance features to match.

Kawasaki haven’t overloaded the bike with technical features like some of the other performance naked machines on the list, but they have updated it enough to be considered modern.

The Kawasaki Z900RS is completely timeless, and is the most traditional ‘motorcycle’ design on the list, which makes it a firm favorite of mine. As true to the original Z1 as you can get with modern reliability and power.

In keeping with the styling of the bigger sibling the Z650RS is just as timeless in its design, and unapologetically throws back to the original Kawasaki Z650 of the 70’s with the utmost respect.

There are no cutbacks taken either. The LCD display is customisable for your rider info, Nissin radial mount calipers and Showa suspension are used, and the styling gives a big bike feel with sharp angular lines and impressive detailing.

TFT displays are full color LCDs providing bright, vivid colors with the ability to show quick animations, complex graphics, and custom fonts with different touchscreen options. Available in industry standard sizes and resolutions. These displays come as standard, premium MVA, sunlight readable, or IPS display types with a variety of interface options including HDMI, SPI and LVDS. Our line of TFT modules include a custom PCB that support HDMI interface, audio support or HMI solutions with on-board FTDI Embedded Video Engine (EVE2).

Kawasaki revealed the 2022 model update of its acclaimed Versys 650, which has been long overdue. The model receives some small but meaningful changes.Versys 650 gets a new face, TFT display and traction control

The Versys 650 has finally gotten the update it’s been waiting for and the bike now has the same 5-inch TFT display seen across most of Kawasaki’s updated model range. This display also brings Bluetooth connectivity via the Kawasaki Rideology app. The Versys 650 finally also gets traction control that will be available in two modes. Mode 1 will be a little less intrusive while Mode 2 offers early intervention in low-grip surfaces. The system can also be turned off.

Kawasaki’s range-topping hypertourer also receives a big update for next year. While the 200hp, 999cc supercharged motor makes the same amount of power, it now gets revised cam timing, a new exhaust and multiple other changes to improve the refinement of both the engine and the gearbox.

Visually, the bike gets a more menacing-looking face with a new LED headlamp set-up. The side and upper fairing cowls have been redesigned and there’s a pair of more aerodynamic mirrors. It also gets a 6.5-inch TFT with its own unique smartphone app. In terms of comfort, the H2 SX SE now gets larger seats and a new version of Showa’s electronically controlled Skyhook suspension.

Kawasaki has given the bike a new Bosch 10.3ME IMU, which brings with it many more rider assists. These include a vehicle hold assist, keyless unlock and start and a tyre pressure monitoring system. Moreover, it also gets radar-assisted features like adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning and a blind spot assist.