BMW Motorrad and Bosch are set to give riders what they want, in a move that the cutting edge German engineering and technology company estimates will lead to a safer and more convenient riding experience. In a survey of 2600 motorcyclists, Bosch found that 90% of riders utilize their mobile devices for planning purposes or as part of wrapping up their ride. But perhaps more surprisingly, a third of riders responded that they use their phones while actually riding.
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.
Image: Bosch
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.
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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.
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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.”
But you don’t have to worry about EMS showing up if your bike happens to take a nap in a parking lot: Bosch purports that the technology is smart enough to know if you’ve had a drop or an accident … but just in case, you’ll get a call to confirm the former before they send lights and sirens your way.
Header image: Bosch
