motorcycles with tft display manufacturer

Gauge cluster design is a dying art. Speedometers and tachometers used to sit at the front of motorcycles like single-handed mechanical watches, projecting only the most pertinent information to the rider: vehicle speed, engine speed and the odometer. Then, like most analog things, digital became the preference and, for the most part, still is the preferred way to display even more information to riders like time, temperature, ride modes, traction control and any other minute pieces data the manufacturer deems necessary.

No one is saying having access to all that data is unnecessary or overbearing — quite the opposite. The more you can know about what’s going on with your bike the better, but, on a modern bike, all that information is more than an analog gauge can handle. So digital displays are a necessary evil, but their principal downside is they lack style, character and they all seem to look the same. However, it seems like the motorcycle industry is at a crossroads and the opportunity for unique, yet modern design is on its way back.

Thin-film-transistor liquid-crystal — or full-color TFT displays — are gaining popularity in the motorcycle industry. TFT is merely a more refined version of the well-known liquid crystal display (LCD), whose potential is already on display in the Lexus LFAand Audi’s Virtual Cockpit. And now, motorcycle manufacturers like Ducati are bringing that technology to the two-wheeled universe to exploit the benefits of a TFT display even further.

Ducati Monster Line Product Manager Stephano Trabusi explained, “TFT is more visible during the day, even in direct sunlight, the resolution is much higher than normal LCD so that you can have much more information on a display.” Given that the cockpit of a motorcycle doesn’t have the benefit of shade from a roof, more common digital and LCDs fall victim to severe glare. The Bosch system Ducati runs even goes one step further with a night mode that can tell if it’s night time, if you’re in a tunnel or a low light environment and flips the display background to black and the font white, so it’s easier to read.

Night vision is just the tip of the TFT iceberg, though. The complex levels of traction control and ride modes that come along with the Bosch system mean the screen has to be able to cycle through numerous menus and pages and display the traction control, engine modes and ABS settings once programmed. “Given that the bikes are so much more complex nowadays, they have more and more functions and more electronics; we need that higher resolution to display all that information.” And not only that but Trabusi justifies Ducati’s use of the display in the most modern way possible, “you always see the display when you’re riding, and it has to have a premium feel for a premium ride. Today, we are so used to our smartphones with color displays — it has become just so familiar. And to have this level of resolution and color on our bikes — it was common sense.”

Therein lies the problem with the Bosch system. Because it’s from a third party electronics and software company, and because it’s so close to a complete plug-and-play package, a handful of other manufacturers — BMW, KTM, Aprilia — use similar if not identical systems. So we wind up with cookie cutter displays no better than the uninspired digital systems they replaced. But thumbing through, pages, levels, toggling ride modes and taking calls via Bluetooth, it’s undoubtedly intuitive, but there’s an overwhelming sense that no one is exploiting the display for all it can do. It’s the same as getting an iPhone X and only using it for dim-lit selfies and tri-color wallpaper.

There’s no reason Ducati couldn’t create its own version of Audi’s Virtual Cockpit — between the maps, different gauge cluster layouts and creative displays, it would be like nothing else on two wheels. The creative potential is there, but until someone unlocks it, we’re stuck in this dull purgatory of right angles and primary colors.

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!

According to the Bosch survey nearly 90 percent of riders use their smartphone to prepare or follow-up on trips. One third puts themselves in great danger using their smartphone even while riding. Bosch has developed the smartphone integration solution mySPIN to make the usage of smartphone content safe and more comfortable. Available in the powersports segment since 2018 – this includes for example so-called all-terrain vehicles or personal watercrafts – in BRP vehicles, mySPINnow will be introduced in the motorcycle segment for the first time. Ducati will introduce it together with Bosch’s also new 6.5-inch connectivity display without the split-screen option. “We want motorcyclists to be able to access smartphone content in an integrated and easy way while riding their bike. With the mySPIN platform and integrated connectivity cluster, we have found the right way to do it”, says Vincenzo De Silvio, Research and Development Director at Ducati. From 2021, the solution will also be introduced by Kawasaki.

In general, eight out of 10 of those surveyed were in favor of integrating smartphone and instrument cluster information. To address this desire, some of BMW’s new motorcycles will come with Bosch’s 10.25-inch TFT (thin-film transistor) display with split-screen capabilities. Riders will now be provided with the information they previously had to look to the instrument cluster and their mobile device for, in one location.

The new Bosch display will utilize their smartphone integration system called mySPIN to enable content from motorcycle-centric apps like REVER to display appropriately on one half of the screen, while speed or warning indications will display on the other half.

The content being shown can be regulated by the rider with controls on the handlebar. The screen itself is TFT LCD — this technology improves image quality over the traditional LCD displays. Similar Bosch mySPIN split screens will appear on Ducati and Kawasaki motorcycles, as well, but the display sizes may be smaller.

Some critics of the 10.25-inch Bosch split-screen have expressed concerns that such a large screen with app integration will lead to more dangerous distraction than increased safety for riders and those on the road around them. But there is one feature of the Bosch mySPIN that truly has the potential to save lives: Help Connect.

According to Bosch, “The digitally connected emergency call system for motorcycles enhances road safety by enabling the fast, automatic dispatch of rescue services in the event of an accident.”

The very first gasoline internal combustion motorcycle was the Daimler Reitwagen, built in 1885. Robert Bosch created his namesake company a year later, in 1886. Coincidence? Probably, but it makes a nice segue into the advancements that Robert Bosch GmbH, better known simply as Bosch, has made in the motorcycle industry. As the company points out, “As a leading supplier of motorcycle safety systems, Bosch has sought for years to make motorcycles first and foremost safer, but also comfortable – without diminishing riding enjoyment.” As part of this commitment, the company just released their new line of five-inch TFT displays for motorcycles – the TFT Cluster 5” and the Connectivity Cluster 5”.

These displays were designed to be used by motorcycle manufacturers as original equipment dashboards, and as such, are completely customizable. With a compact footprint, the displays can be installed in a very confined space, something the engineers at Suzuki no doubt appreciated when the TFT Cluster 5” was selected for use in the 2023 V-STROM 1050 and V-STROM 1050DE.

The Connectivity Cluster 5” differs from the TFT Cluster 5”, in that, as you might have guessed, it has connectivity capabilities. Previously, adding GPS navigation to a motorcycle not already equipped required a separate aftermarket unit or smartphone mounted to the motorcycle in conjunction with the stock dashboard display. The Connectivity Cluster 5” allows the rider to wirelessly connect their smartphone to the dashboard, bringing smartphone functionality to the display, such as GPS, music, and messaging. At the same time, important information regarding the motorcycle operation, such as warnings or speedometer readout, is retained.

Bosch claims that the compact size and customizable nature of their new displays makes them suitable not only for conventional motorcycles, but also electric motorcycles, e-scooters, and ATVs. Expect to see Bosch’s new displays as original equipment on more motorcycles, as riders demand increased functionality, legibility, and connectivity from their bikes’ instrument clusters.

My MG V85TT has a TFT display. The multimedia module is an additional purchase that allows controlling music and displays a GPS navigation arrow. Still need to use a Moto Guzzi phone app to calculate the GPS route. If you want just arrows without a map, it might be OK. (I think it displays the upcoming turn as a big arrow and the turn after that as a small one. That"s my memory since I can"t find any photos of it. That"s how popular the module is.)

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.

Take, for example KTM, and its full color screens found across the board in its model range. The screen on the 390 series is pretty much the same as that of the 790 and 1290 models, albeit encased in a different housing. Underneath it all, however, it’s pretty much the same tech, and so it makes perfect sense for KTM to fit all its bikes with this technology—much to the delight of tech-hungry consumers like ourselves.

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.

Bosch has launched the world’s first fully integrated split screen for motorcycles. The 10.25-inch TFT display simultaneously displays both relevant vehicle information and riding content like navigation from smartphone apps without distracting the rider, something that used to only be available in premium cars. Additionally, the smartphone integration solution mySPIN brings the connected phone’s content to the motorcycle’s display.

Split screen on a 10.25-inch TFT display presenting both relevant vehicle information and riding content like navigation from smartphone apps without distracting the rider.

Yokohama, Japan – A freely programmable split screen that simultaneously displays vehicle information and app content from a smartphone was once reserved exclusively for premium cars. Bosch’s new integrated connectivity cluster is making this feature available for motorcycles in the form of a 10.25-inch TFT display. Additionally, the smartphone integration solution mySPIN brings the connected phone’s content to the motorcycle’s display. A representative Bosch survey among 2 600 motorcycle riders found that eight out of ten riders would welcome this function. “Our clusters in combination with mySPIN offer a new riding experience with more safety and convenience for motorcycle riders. For us, this is the next step in terms of connectivity for motorcycles”, says Geoff Liersch, President of the Two-Wheeler & Powersports unit at Bosch.

The new 10.25-inch TFT display debuts this year on BMW motorcycles. The display’s new dimensions show all relevant information at one glance without distracting the rider. Users decide on the content they wish to see on the screen, all of which can be controlled by the handlebar. The contents of a smartphone app, for example, are automatically adapted with mySPIN to show relevant information fitting the size of the motorcycle display. The split screen continues to show key indicators such as speed and warnings.

According to the Bosch survey nearly 90 percent of riders use their smartphone to prepare or follow-up on trips. One third puts themselves in great danger using their smartphone even while riding. Bosch has developed the smartphone integration solution mySPIN to make the usage of smartphone content safe and more comfortable. Available in the powersports segment since 2018 – this includes for example so-called all-terrain vehicles or personal watercrafts – in BRP vehicles, mySPIN now will be introduced in the motorcycle segment for the first time. Ducati will introduce it together with Bosch’s also new 6.5-inch connectivity display without the split-screen option.

“We want motorcyclists to be able to access smartphone content in an integrated and easy way while riding their bike. With the mySPIN platform and integrated connectivity cluster, we have found the right way to do it,” said Vincenzo De Silvio, Research and Development Director at Ducati.

The rider gets access to a rich service offering via various motorcycle-specific apps. With partners such as REVER to download, track and share exciting routes with a community of like-minded riders, Genius Maps and Sygic to find the way to a nearby hotel or restaurant and Dash Radio for free premium digital radio, mySPIN offers an enhanced riding experience. The app portfolio is continuously expanded on a global basis.

As the leading supplier of motorcycle safety systems Bosch’s top priority for years is to make motorcycle riding safer, but the company also wants to offer riders to a more convenient and exciting experience. Connectivity between the rider and motorcycle and its surroundings plays a crucial role. One example is Help Connect. The digitally connected emergency call system for motorcycles enhances road safety by enabling the fast, automatic dispatch of rescue services in the event of an accident. A further proof of how Bosch is making motorized two-wheelers fit for the requirements of tomorrow’s mobility.

Because the Bosch TFT Cluster 5” is freely programmable, manufacturers are completely at liberty to tailor it to their design and handling specifics. Customers can also install the five-inch display in the more confined space available in various vehicle segments. And this is something they appreciate: Suzuki has opted for Bosch’s new TFT Cluster 5” in the new generation of its V-STROM 1050/1050DE, which it is launching worldwide. “Motorcyclists should be able to enjoy the ride while having all the information they need at a glance. We also want to give our customers the freedom to customize our products. With the TFT Cluster 5”, we’ve found the right way to do this,” says Geoff Liersch, head of the Two-Wheeler & Powersports unit at Bosch. The new Suzuki V-STROM 1050/1050DE featuring the Bosch TFT Cluster 5” will get available in the market in January 2023. The bright display of this variant, without Bluetooth and networking option, means readability is good in all weather conditions.

By adding connectivity functions to the TFT Cluster 5”, Bosch has created the Connectivity Cluster 5”. In the past, motorcyclists often had to use a second display – and attach it to the vehicle using a separate mount – so that they could look ahead and use navigation information. This is where the Bosch Connectivity Cluster 5” can help: by connecting their smartphone to the Connectivity Cluster 5”, riders can access functions such as navigation, music, and telephony. At the same time, the cluster displays important information such as warning messages or current speed. As a leading supplier of motorcycle safety systems, Bosch has sought for years to make motorcycles first and foremost safer, but also comfortable – without diminishing riding enjoyment. Connectivity plays an important role here: not only between rider and motorcycle, but also between the vehicle and its surroundings. Motorcycle displays form the interface between general riding information and the ability to display and control advanced vehicle functions such as rider assistance systems.

From electric motorcycles to e-scooters to powersports vehicles such as all-terrain vehicles (ATVs): Bosch’s five-inch TFT Cluster and Connectivity Cluster can be integrated into various vehicle types. These units can also display all the extra information the riders of electric vehicles need, such as battery level and remaining riding range. Bosch began large-scale production of its motorcycle displays in 2017.

MultiViu Sports is not only a new generation of displays for the motorcycle world,” says Patric Zimmermann, “it opens up new opportunities for the motorcycle industry. By having a joint back end and a front end that can be customized to a high degree, automotive display technology can be made available to motorcycles in a cost-efficient manner, even with small production runs.” The MultiViu Sports platform also shortens the time to market for manufacturers. Displays can go into production more quickly.

The developers at Continental have not only designed the platform to permit customization of image content. Suppliers can also integrate external services such as weather information or music streaming in cooperation with manufacturers. An app with an open design connects the rider’s smartphone with the motorcycle via Bluetooth Low Energy, taking customization another step further. Continental has also designed the platform to be ready for future technologies and types of user behavior. For example, forthcoming versions of the MultiViu Sports display will offer touchscreen functionality. A video of the display can be seen on the Continental Automotive YouTube channel.

Many of us understand the importance of motorcycles in our life and some of us even treat them as a part of the family. As time goes by, every single aspect, from its design, performance, ease of riding, etc. keeps evolving and the only thing constant is the peace of mind one has while riding a bike on an open highway or carving corners. One such component that is affected by the evolution is the instrument clusters of our motorcycles and each manufacturer comes up with a new design every day. We have different types in them as well ranging from analogue-digital to completely digital clusters and the information they offer has increased by leaps and bounds. So, let’s take a look at 12 motorcycles with the best-looking instrument cluster in the sub-500cc category.

We start the list with the currently booming ADV segment and on top of the ADV category is undoubtedly the Royal Enfield Himalayan. If you do not have roads to the place you want to visit or sometimes you do not want to take the roads to the place you want to visit, then the Himalayan is the most hardcore off-roader in India that can literally go anywhere and wade its way through anything. And accordingly, Royal Enfield has equipped the Himalayan with everything you need and it has the most mixed variety of features in this list of the best-looking instrument cluster.

The entire layout is neatly designed and the only things analogue are the speedometer and the fuel gauge. In the digital department, it gets 2 trip meters, an odometer, gear shift indicator, direction indicator, temperature, clock and the recent addition of what Royal Enfield calls the Tripper Display. The Tripper Display shows only the turns and the distance to make the turn which is rather useful than mounting a phone on a holder in a bike that is meant to go off-road. There are telltale signs that sit between the speedometer and the tripper display for your high beam, neutral, ABS and other signs. The only disadvantages are, it does not come with a tachometer and while riding under direct sunlight, the digital part of the cluster is not easy to read as the font is rather small and not very legible.

This has to be the best looking all-digital instrument cluster on this list and that’s not just because of the high-resolution TFT LCD screen it has on offer. It displays everything that you will ever need and heck it even comes with Bluetooth connectivity that shows calls, messages and even the track that is currently playing. It has all the bells and whistles like a speedometer, tachometer, odometer, temperature gauge, gear position indicator, 2 trip meters, average fuel consumption, battery level, date, time, average speed, ABS modes, side stand indicator, and in each trip meter it shows individual fuel consumption, distance travelled and time of the trip. There are a number of settings that can be turned on\off, like the DRLs, changing ABS modes or turning it off, using the options displayed on the instrument cluster. It even has options to change the units of distance, temperature and fuel consumption which is very neat and helpful.

It gets the gear shift indicator which can be changed for different rider setups. The telltale lights are on either side of the display and can be easily seen in case any of them are lit up. On top of all this, one of the hidden features that we liked very much is that as you go faster, the font of the speedometer keeps increasing so that it is easily readable just at a short glance. It has ambient light sensors that detect low visibility and changes the display to night mode which makes it easy for the eyes to read in dim\no light. Even in day mode and under direct sunlight, the display is easy to read and pretty legible, at least things that are important.

Initially, the Apache RR 310 came with a vertical layout of the instrument cluster on the Apache RTR 200 which was good but with the latest update, they have introduced the TFT display and it looks so much better. The skeleton of the design looks like a smartphone itself but the design layout is pretty neat and quirky. Just like the one on the KTM, this also gets all the bells and whistles like speedometer, tachometer, odometer, temperature gauge, gear position indicator, 2 trip meters, time, average speed, side stand indicator and even the kill switch indicator.

The part where this gets extra since it was race-bred is, it comes with a lap timer, 0-60kmph timer and a top speed recorder. Since the bike gets different riding modes, the entire layout and colours change according to the mode which we feel gets you in the mood. The display resolution is precise and easy to read with legible fonts even under direct sunlight. The telltale lights are on the top and are easily visible in case there is something wrong or something that you need to attend to. It also gets Bluetooth connectivity and gives a summary of the rides and bikes status in the app on your smartphone.

You ever heard the saying, “Old is Gold”, the Kawasaki Ninja 300 is the living example in the motorcycle sector and everything about this bike is still amazing. Coming to its instrument cluster, even though it is in the market for ages, it still has one of the best-looking instrument clusters majorly because of the design layout and it displays most of the information we need. It has a big wide analogue tachometer that is smack dab at the centre of the design, below which you get the digital speedometer, odometer, trip meters, digital clock, and fuel gauge. The telltale signs are on either side of the tachometer and have a funky design to them. We feel the only important thing missing is the gear position indicator which would have been helpful in a bike that has 6 gears.

Who would have guessed that anybody could buy a Beemer for the price of around 3 lakh on-road? Thanks to a partnership with TVS, we have an affordable BMW bike and this bike is built in India at TVS’s plant in Hosur and exported to other countries as well. The instrument cluster on this one is all-digital, pretty basic and still has all the information that you need. This takes the function over form approach and even though it is not the best looker, it definitely is more functional and gives a lot of information. It displays a speedometer, tachometer, 2 trip meters, gear position indicator, fuel gauge, date and time, fuel range, engine temperature and has telltale signs on either side of the display. Unlike the other all-digital instrument consoles on this list, the one on the Beemer does not come with Bluetooth connectivity which is a bummer when you compare its competition and also when you look at the price you are paying.

This has to be the best-looking analogue-digital instrument console when it comes to its retro design and very clever use of digital clusters. The layout is pretty basic and definitely checks the box for retro looks with the twin-pod dials. The one on the left shows the analogue speedometer while the analogue tachometer is situated on the right and in between them lies the digital fuel gauge as well as the gear position indicator which is pretty neat and useful. The other digital display is on the left pod under the analogue speedometer and shows the odometer, 2 trip meters and the clock. The telltale signs are situated in the right pod below the analogue tachometer and are neatly laid out but might be difficult to read under direct sunlight. The console does not come with Bluetooth connectivity but it does show everything you need except for directions and for a bike that is meant to go majorly on the tarmac we believe a phone holder will do the job pretty well.

The Yamaha R15 V3 comes with a very functional display and has a very compact design. It shows the speedometer, tachometer, gear position indicator, average speed, fuel gauge, average fuel consumption, 2 trip meters, gear shift indicator which is customisable, clock and a welcome message. The Bluetooth connectivity feature is yet to be seen but Yamaha states that it will be upgrading the console on the recently released R15 V4. Apart from that, it has telltale signs on either side of the display and is very plain and simple. The console might not be fancy but is compact and the fonts are very legible for a display of this size. It has a white backlit display for the night mode that is easy on the eyes and comfortable to read.

The instrument console on the RC200 which was introduced on the KTM Duke 200 and Duke 390 was one of the first consoles to be feature loaded and it comes with a tachometer, speedometer, 3 trip meters, fuel gauge, real-time fuel consumption, average fuel consumption, service indicator, gear position indicator, distance-to-empty reading, clock and side-stand warning light. The gear shift indicator can be customised and sits in the middle of the telltale lights which are situated on the top of the console. The console comes with an ambient light sensor and automatically turns on the orange backlights when the visibility gets low. But one of the major drawbacks of this console is that the fonts are pretty small and hence are not legible to view while riding and makes it even tougher when viewed under direct sunlight.

The second and more affordable motorcycle that comes from the ADV world is the Xpulse 200 and it comes with an all-digital display that has Bluetooth connectivity features and hence benefits with navigation, call and SMS alerts. Apart from that, it has all the normal features like a speedometer, tachometer, gear position indicator, odometer, 2 trip meters, fuel gauge, date and time. The telltale lights are positioned on the top and give necessary information and alerts that include ABS, side stand warning, engine check warning, high beam, turn indicators and Neutral. The console is white backlit and most of the fonts are pretty legible and easy to read even under direct sunlight. The trip meters information and navigation is neatly provided on the right-hand side of the screen while the other information is on the left.

The Suzuki Gixxer 250 comes with an all-digital instrument console and has pretty much everything that its competitors have. It is one of the early birds of the all-digital game and even now has one of the best-looking instrument consoles. The telltale signs are on either side of the display and the customisable gear shift indicator sits on the top. The fonts are very legible and are easy to read at any point in time and the blue backlit display is easy on the eyes. The console shows a speedometer, tachometer, odometer, 2 trip meters, clock, gear position indicator, fuel gauge, and service interval. The USP of this console definitely has to be the fonts and legibility of the display which is easily readable even at a short glance and even under direct sunlight. The blue backlit display is easy on the eyes and does not affect the driver’s vision even when you look at it for a long time(which you are not supposed to do while riding).

If you are a simple man who looks simple and compact designs, then the instrument console of the Huskies will impress you very much. This is easily the most compact and the least intrusive to the rider when they look ahead. All the information that you need comes in just a circle and it displays a speedometer, tachometer, 2 trip meters, ABS modes, fuel range, average speed, average fuel consumption, fuel gauge and clock. The telltale signs are situated around the layout, along with the mode and set buttons that are used to toggle between information, change ABS modes and reset trip meters. It also gets the side stand and the kill switch warning on the display. Although small in size, we believe it still qualifies to be in the list of the best-looking instrument cluster.

Bajaj NS200 and RS200 – The layout is pretty good and looks very sophisticated but unfortunately does not get a gear position indicator while a lot of other bikes in the same segment and even in the lower segment are equipped with it.

TVS Apache RTR 180 – This bike also has an analogue-digital display which looks pretty neat but this design was introduced a really long time ago and it still continues to use the same.

These instrument consoles are definitely feature-loaded and are very helpful in understanding your motorcycle better at all times. On that note, we think the LCD displays should make way to all the bikes above 200cc and maybe even the Bluetooth options as well. But we like to hear from you and you let us know, apart from the LCD display and Bluetooth, what else do you want your instrument console to have and how does it help you while riding or maintaining a motorcycle.

And of course, if you feel we left out other motorcycles that have better instrument consoles than the ones mentioned above, please feel free to leave a comment and we will surely acknowledge them.

Specific. Compatible. Perfect. The AiM MXK10 is specific to the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R Generation 4 and is completely compatible with the original wiring and is supplied with a mounting bracket...

See, BMW is planning on adding that 10.25-inch screen to some of its motorcycles in 2021, according to an announcement made Thursday by Tier 1 supplier Bosch. And it gets more interesting than that because this screen is the first motorcycle TFT that can do split-screen. By that I mean you can have your motorcycle"s dash information on one side and your phone"s info on the other.

The screen can do this magic trick thanks to a piece of software for your phone called from Bosch called MySpin, and while the big screen is going to hit BMW first, Bosch also confirms that both Ducati and Kawasaki have MySpin-based apps of their own in the works, though those are meant to work with existing 6.5-inch screens.

The big problem with that much smartphone integration is the possibility of distraction for the rider, which is dangerous in a car, borderline suicidal on a motorcycle. Bosch believes it"s nailed down a way to bring smartphone integration to a motorcycle dash without that risk. Based on what we can tell, it involves limiting access to only motorcycle-specific apps like Rever (which is excellent and something I use personally).

The push toward TFT LCD dashes on motorcycles has been going on for a few years now, and it"s exciting to see screens get bigger, better and more functional. We"d like to see more of these screens become touchscreens too -- like on our

Full-colour motorcycle TFT displays, also known as thin-film transistor liquid crystals, are becoming increasingly common in the motorcycle industry. The well-known liquid crystal display (LCD) has potential on exhibit in Audi"s Virtual Cockpit and Lexus LFA.

However, the same technology is now being used for two-wheeled vehicles by motorbike manufacturers like Ducati in order to further capitalise on the benefits of a motorcycle TFT display.

A form of LCD known as TFT display uses thin-film technology to enhance features including addressability. Through the use of TFT technology, each transistor is used to drive each pixel, resulting in quicker response times.

Before we explore TFTs (Thin Film Transistors) and how they differ from traditional monochrome LCD panels, refresh your recollection of TN and LCD displays in general. Following a discussion of the TFT"s manufacturing process, we"ll move on to the ghosting effect, also known as grayscale inversion, which is essential to understand while using an LCD TFT display.

Motorcycle TFT displays like speedometers and tachometers used to be mounted on motorcycles like single-handed mechanical timepieces. Digital technology then took over and, for the most part, continues to do so. Gauge clusters now display more information to riders, such as the time, temperature, ride modes and traction control.

Night vision, however, is merely the tip of the TFT iceberg. Due to the complex levels of traction control and riding modes that come with the Bosch, the screen must be able to display through a number of pages and menus to display the ABS settings, mode of engines, and traction control settings once they have been set up.

There are a lot of bikes nowadays using this technology but with a straightforward design, Ducati brought its legendary, entry-level roadster into the current day.

There is no reason why Ducati couldn"t create its own Virtual Cockpit, which would be unlike anything else on two wheels because of the maps, different gauge cluster designs, and cutting-edge displays. Although there is the creative potential, it is locked away in a lifeless wasteland of right angles and neutral colours.

Motorcycle TFT displays are also installed on bikes made by well-known brands like BMW, Kawasaki, Honda, and Yamaha as well as more modest firms like Energica.

We hope you enjoyed reading the article and now you know what a motorcycle TFT display is. However, if you still want to know more we are looking forward to getting an email from you and we would love to assist you in the best possible way.

BMW Motorrad->ke1398 is at the forefront of imagination, innovation and technology and proof of that is their latest instrument dashboard on their new generation motorcycles. Made up of a newfound technology known as the thin-film-transistor liquid-crystal display (TFT LCD), the unit provides in for a far more intuitive rider interface that improves image qualities such as addressability and contrast compared to the standard LCD displays.

Although this piece of tech is not brand-new and is made use by almost all motorcycle manufacturers these days on their high-end bikes, BMW here thinks that they have got the best package available via the unique operating concept of the new Connectivity option. It features a high-quality 6.5-inch full-colour TFT display that can also connect to your smartphone device via Bluetooth to enhance many possibilities for your ride. And we are here to decipher why it fares better than the LCD counterparts.

It all started in 1902 with an analogue speedometer that would have a needle, a gauge and some magnetic phenomena called Eddy currents that would move the needle around to measure the vehicle’s instant velocity. Fast forward to more than a century later, manufacturers started making use of LCD units to digitally display the speed along with the odo, fuel gauge, trip meters, temperature and other tell-tale signs we know of these days.

Today, as technology gains and riders demanding more information to be made available to them at any given time, we have the TFT displays that have begun to adorn all high-end motorcycles and one of them are the ones at BMW Motorrad. The engineers there have created a new Connectivity operating concept that provides “fast and clear information for the rider with the least possible distraction from what is happening on the road”.

Starting with the brand’s 2017 R1200 GS models, BMW has been giving this piece of tech as an optional package whose default screen shows all the usual information like the speed, fuel et al., but is much more than just that. It gets an auto contrast adjust function that varies on the ambient light and has a low-reflection surface to make it more legible even when the sun hits it.

When you access the dash you are taken to a sub menu that has five options – telephone, media, settings, navigation and my vehicle. The state-of-the-art display unit lets you adjust the ride settings of your BMW, and displays the necessary valuable information in an intuitive graphic display that is both easy to apprehend and fun to work around with your customisation skills. You can change your entire screen section to suit your taste rather than just a small section of it and make it dedicated for one singular function.

For example, you can select to view your tyre pressure and the entire screen gets is taken up with this information. If you select a media file, the entire screen turns into a music player. Even with all of this, BMW has made sure that the motorcycle’s speed and gear selected is always shown on the top of the screen even while the display is focussed solely on the requested task.

With the main focus being minimum rider distraction and maximum functionality, the bike’s handlebar has a well-proven multi-controller wheel and up-down toggle buttons that take just a few seconds to learn and operate. With this at your fingertips, you can command the new Connectivity to have customised styles and access to the new onboard computer that gives all the information under the sun straight to the rider in an intuitive and fun way.

BMW have ergonomically designed the display in such a way that the rider should be able to access the information he needs with minimum usage of the controller wheel and toggle switches. All this is made enabled for the rider to be able to quickly and easily navigate to his preferences even on the go and without taking his focus off the road, all only by muscle memory.

This light sensitive TFT screen gives out clear and highly legible readings and can be wirelessly connected to your smartphone device and increase the functionality of the motorcycle’s instrumentation to a whole new level. The Bluetooth-enabled device can connect to your smartphone and let you adjust the ride settings of your BMW as well as tethering your phone’s operation to be operable from the onboard computer.

The main function of linking your smartphone is the ability to access your phone’s contacts, call logs and dialler. One can easily navigate to a contact on your phone and make a call to that person on the go. Also, you can receive calls and return calls via BMW’s helmet-mounted Motorrad Communication system that comes with an earpiece and a microphone attached to your helmet. The caller’s details and the picture will be displayed on the screen.

As for entertainment is concerned, the same device will allow you to browse through your music player in the smartphone and enable you to play your favourite track while you wind down on the mountain course. Media controls on the screen can let you toggle between songs. The display also gives you the name of the song, album and the album cover onto the screen. Neat.

BMW has not bothered with accessing your messages or e-mails as they believe that is simply too much distraction for the rider, especially if he has to read long messages while riding as it is dangerous too.

Although BMW has its own traditional standalone GPS navigation system, the company has developed a new Motorrad Connected App that connects the smartphone and the dash. It shows a rudimentary navigation system that shows you turn-by-turn arrow directions with precise turn indications including lane guiding. You can also record your ridden routes and display ride statistics and information onto your smartphone via this app.

The system also saves your destinations and points of interests that can be called up on to the TFT dash. Although there is no full-blown map on the screen, a simple arrow indication charms those short route riders handling everyday rides. For those who still require the full version, can tether the BMW Motorrad Navigator above the TFT screen and can be configured to be controlled via the wheel and switch on the handlebar.

Apart from all of this, the screen also displays the bike"s critical information like current and optimum tyre pressure, ambient temperature, service schedules, amongst other things. But the most important of all is its engine and vehicle diagnostic display which gives us warning displays and information such as low fuel reserve level reached or engine faults like low oil pressure and stalling.

Display ScreensFunctionGauge ScreenDisplays important information such as speedometer, tachometer, gear, vehicle direction, ambient temperature, odometer and fuel level.

The Bike Information screen displays important information about your vehicle, such as front and rear tire pressure (if equipped), fuel economy and more.

The Maps and Navigation screen allows access to the many navigation features of RIDE COMMAND. From the Maps and Navigations screen, you can find directions, look up addresses, search for gas stations and pinpoint other points of interest. Once selected, the display will provide turn-by-turn directions to your destination. For information on updating map data, read Updating Software and Maps on the 4" Round Touchscreen Display Powered by RIDE COMMAND.

The Music screen allows you to access music stored on your smartphone or other music device. You can pair your device with Bluetooth® or the display’s USB port.

If the display is connected to a phone using Bluetooth®, the phone screen will be available from the App Tray. From the phone screen, you can make and answer calls and view text messages.

From the Settings Menu you can view important details about your vehicle and personalize your touchscreen display. The Settings Menu contains four categories: Information, General, Time and Vehicle. Press the Controls button (1) to access the Settings Menu. See your Owner’s Manual for more information.

From the display, you can choose between three Ride Modes: Tour, Standard and Sport. For more information on ride modes, read Using Ride Modes on Your Indian Motorcycle.

A turn-by-turn arrow navigation system guides you to your destination on the 6.5-inch TFT display. Pending riding maneuvers, such as turns or roundabouts, appear together with a lane guidance.

The 10.25" TFT color display, on the other hand, opens up new worlds to you,  in terms of readability, menu navigation and operating concept. Its full-screen mode provides a fully interactive map view. In split screen mode you can rely on several functions at the same time, and you are able to control them in a straight-forward way using the multi-controller.