Motorcycles have been stuck with analog dials for decades to provide them with simple information like speed, RPM, and fuel. Nice, but not very useful, they provided riders with guesswork for the rest. It was only a question of time before the motorcycle’s LCD screen arrived — with easier-to-read screens, more information, and even a user-programmable interface.
Motorcycle LCD display is no longer something to be added as an afterthought — it’s now a part of what allows a rider to determine how he or she will interact with the bike.
What Does a Great Motorcycle LCD Display Feel Like?
They aren’t all created equal, but performance, legibility, and durability can be worlds apart. Those are the pieces that make up a great display:
1. Readability Under All Conditions
One of the greatest uses of a motorcycle LCD display is delivering quality information at a glance, regardless of the conditions. Motorcycles pose certain visibility challenges — from the sun in the intense daylight on open roads to streetlights shaded at night.
An ideal screen must be able to sustain bright levels (typically in excess of 800 nits) so that the screen is readable under daytime as well as under night riding, and an auto-dimmer so that it will not produce glare under night riding.
Wide viewing angles and anti-glare coating must also be required, especially when the rider turns and when the sun turns.
2. Clear Information Layout
Because when a motorcycle travels, the rider’s eye is always on the road because of, the organization of things also comes into play, as important as the things organized. A good motorcycle LCD display shows key information — speed, RPM, gear, fuel, and warning flags — in an open, uncluttered design.
They take it a notch further by including trip meters, mean fuel usage, tire pressure, and even SMS on the phone. Balance is what it is all about: too little information distracts the rider, while too much renders the display as useless.
3. Weather Resistance and Durability
Motorbikes are exposed to the outdoors more than cars, and the motorcycle’s LCD screen must endure. Rain, dust, vibration, and changing temperatures are all part of the run-of-the-mill. Strength cannot be a luxury.
Dust-proof and water-proof (typically IP65 and higher) housings are employed in high-grade displays. They must be shock-resistant because the engine compartment and road shock will destroy poorly made displays after a while. A quality unit must be able to operate in all conditions and travel thousands of miles without complaining.
4. Connectivity and Smart Features
Motorcyclists are also seeking more from the LCD display of the motorcycle. Smartphone and Bluetooth capabilities are incorporated in most of the new bikes as an added option. They allow the motorcyclists to get call notifications, text messages, and map directions on the display without taking up space for a dedicated phone mounting bracket.
Others provide app-based personalization that allows riders to customize the layout, change themes, or get analytics for trips. As more motorcycles become connected, the screen is a hub for rider data and digital services.
5. Customization and Personalization
One of the greatest advantages of digital displays over analog gauges is their flexibility. Riders are usually able to tailor what is displayed and how it is displayed. Sport bike riders, for instance, would love RPM and lap time, while commuters would care about gas mileage and directions.
An adjustable LCD display on a motorcycle allows an individual to personalize the interface according to their ride needs so that the ride becomes comfortable and distraction-free.
Mistakes to Shun in Choosing a Motorcycle LCD Display
- Missing the past cost: Because they are less expensive, cheaper screens sacrifice on brightness, build, or weatherability, in an effort to provide lower readability or longer death.
- Neglecting compatibility: Not all screens are plug-and-play. Make sure the screen will work with your motorcycle’s electrical circuit and sensor outputs.
- Overlooking sunlight readability: A garage-comfort screen might be unreadable outside in the sun — and a very deadly safety hazard.
- Omitting specs of ruggedness: Unless the screen has already been road tested for use outdoors, vibration, or heat exposure, it won’t survive on a motorcycle.
Taking a few minutes to review specs and look for comparisons in actual on-the-road ride conditions will pay for itself in the long run.
Real-World Applications
The LCD display on the bicycle is an everyday sight on virtually all new bicycles nowadays, but is being extended in use.
Producers are looking at full-color TFT and OLED display panels with resolution levels rivaling smartphone displays, with deeper colors and improved definition.
Split-screen capabilities are included on certain displays, where maps are provided in addition to information on riding.
Last Thoughts
Motorcycle LCD displays have evolved from simple speedometers to multifunctional controllers. They display information only when needed, enhance safety through clear visibility, and offer personalized settings to make every ride more exciting.
When choosing a motorcycle LCD display, consider visibility, durability, compatibility, and smart features to ensure a display that not only looks great but also performs flawlessly every time you ride.