Motorcycle and electric two-wheeler riders used to have fewer comfort features when compared to what is offered in a car. The gap, however, is closing and the introduction of in-vehicle infotainment system in bikes and trikes is a major driving factor for this change.
A motorcycle enthusiast would tell you that navigation and voice calling are amongst the most desirable features they seek when purchasing a vehicle. This indicates that the need for motorcycle infotainment system has always been there.
In this article, we explore the recent advancements in two-wheeler infotainment systems and the possibilities the future holds for this segment.
Motorcycle Infotainment System Market Overview
As per a market research report from IMARC, the motorcycle infotainment market will be growing at a rate (CAGR) of 11.30% during 2023-2028. Some of the drivers for this growth include –
- Growing demand for two-wheeler infotainment systems among consumers
- Increasing use of safety electronics in two-wheelers
- Motorcycle electrification
- Demand for continuous connectivity options
There is also an inclination among consumers to purchase portable two-wheeler infotainment systems. Such systems are easy to carry and can be effortlessly attached to the vehicles.
Another striking trend is the demand for large displays in motorcycle infotainment systems. Modern motorcycle infotainment systems are equipped with thin-film transistors (TFTs) displays – a significant upgrade from the conventional speedometers of the past. Such displays provide critical vehicle information such as tire pressure, navigation details, engine RPMs, engine temperature, fuel level/efficiency and traction control information.
Incorporation of AI/ML technologies in infotainment systems is also making motorcycle dashboard circuitry more advanced.
What Were Two-Wheeler Users Missing Out On?
Listed below are a few compelling reasons for having an infotainment system in two-wheelers:
Maps and Navigation: Motorcycles and scooters are suitable for city commute, and navigation makes it more convenient to find the shortest routes to take in the city traffic.
While travelling in a car, the driver could easily use a smartphone for navigation. But two-wheelers of the past had some constraints on this front.
With advancements in two-wheeler technology, motorcycle infotainment systems that could help riders navigate easily was found to be a fundamental need.
- Vehicle Data: Quite similar to a car, two-wheelers also have a lot to tell its user - Tire pressure warning, distance-to-empty fuel tank, and a lot more. An old-fashioned VGA screen is not the right fit for displaying so much of information to the user. Moreover, such displays are not interactive and doesn’t let the user take any action on the info.
- Audio/Video Playback: While this may be not a core feature, two-wheeler users were really missing out on this one. Audio and Video Playback capabilities are great if you have to wait for an extended time with your electric bike – probably while it is charging or stuck in traffic!
- Bluetooth Calling: While it is not recommended to take calls while riding a two-wheeler, Bluetooth connectivity with the rider’s mobile phone can be a blessing at times. In case of an emergency call, a call notification will appear on the infotainment display screen. The rider then has the option to stop the motorcycle and answer/reject the call based on the urgency.
Automotive and electric vehicle OEMs have now realized how motorcycle infotainment solutions can enhance customer experience and are investing heavily on them.
With the rising need for such solutions, OEMs are increasingly partnering with technology solution providers like Embitel to custom design and develop stand-out features for their motorcycle infotainment systems.
Most automotive enthusiasts know about the technology that drives infotainment systems in cars; but is it similar for two-wheelers as well? Let’s find out!
How Does a Motorcycle Infotainment System Work?
An infotainment system in two-wheelers aims to provide a riding experience that is safe, useful and fun - all at the same time. So, let’s talk about the underlying Control Unit in infotainment systems – which is literally the brain of the system.
The role of this electronic control unit (ECU) is to fetch the information from different sources, process it and display to the users.
As two-wheelers, especially the electric scooters have a lot of electronic systems in place, the rider should be well-informed of what is going on in the bike. The display system takes care of that.
In the case of a car, there is usually an instrument cluster that helps decongest the main display by sharing some of the info.
The bike, on the other hand, doesn’t have that amount of dashboard real estate to accommodate two displays. The main display has to showcase all relevant info and entertainment features without making it all seem cluttered.
Also, there are multiple connectivity options at play simultaneously. The system is connected to numerous devices and systems over different networks.
We will have a closer look at these connectivity modules in the following section.
Motorcycle Infotainment Connectivity Modules
The following image shows the infotainment system’s connectivity with different bike functions.
Vehicle Sensor Connectivity: The infotainment system is connected to various vehicle sensors. For instance, the tire pressure sensors measure the amount of air in the tires and pass on the data to the control unit.
Based on the reading, the control unit would trigger the algorithm and deduce whether the air pressure is optimum or a refill is required.
Similarly, a side stand sensor would warn the user if the bike stand is engaged. Most of these connections are over CAN.
Throttle Connectivity: In most two-wheelers, the infotainment system is connected to the throttle by an analog system (harness) or over LIN. The display shows the RPM based on the readings from the throttle.
Connectivity to Cloud: The motorcycle’s connectivity to the cloud brings along a lot of benefits. A few of them are remote vehicle diagnostics, remote ECU reprogramming flashing, and telematics features.
The cloud connectivity in motorcycles works in the same way as in cars. Usually, the connection to cloud is over WLAN. A WLAN module is included in the infotainment system ECU for this purpose.
Leveraging cloud connectivity, OEMs are able to enhance the experience of vehicle owners.
Let’s say, there is a software update for a control unit application in the motorcycle. OEMs can push such updates directly to the vehicles, over the air. Hence, vehicle owners do not have to take the effort of bringing the bike to the garage for software updates.
Smartphone Connectivity: Connectivity with smartphone primarily enables the calling feature on the bike. The connection is usually over Bluetooth. While the safety factor is debatable, it is definitely a sought-after feature, from the rider’s perspective.
Helmet Connectivity: This is one of the most unique features of a two-wheeler infotainment system. There are smart helmets that connect with the motorcycle infotainment system. Connected over Bluetooth, these helmets can help in navigation, by giving instructions/voice commands directly from the infotainment system.
Advanced TFT Displays in Motorcycles
The two-wheeler market consists of motorcycles such as commuter bikes, large touring machines, motorised scooters and electric two-wheelers.
Motorcycle manufacturers are increasingly introducing advanced tech features in vehicles to take user experience to new heights. For example, latest motorcycle dashboard applications have digital TFT displays, similar to the ones we have seen on our smartphones and video game consoles.
Such advanced TFT displays can endow the vehicle with the following features:
- A high-resolution screen that enables the user to find the most optimum routes in city traffic with built-in navigation features
- Display of real-time vehicle operating conditions
- Possibilities of telematics and remote vehicle diagnostics
- Motorcycle software enhancement through Over the Air (OTA) updates
- Ability to locate the nearest parking space or gas recharge stations
- Smart helmet and smartphone connectivity through Bluetooth
And much more!
Such HMI displays may have large 7-inch touchscreens with impressive 2D/3D animation or cost-effective minimalistic design and processing – all depending on the unique vision of the auto manufacturer.
What’s next for Two-Wheeler Infotainment System?
The motorcycle infotainment system is no more at its nascent stages. The technology is quite advanced today, and the focus is on integrating communication and information in the smoothest manner possible.
So, what does the future hold for motorcycle infotainment systems?
- Connected Vehicle and V2V technologies: Connected two-wheelers are the future. Advancements in vehicle to vehicle (V2V) technology paves the path for Cooperative Intelligent Transport Systems (CITS). Vehicle to vehicle and vehicle to infrastructure communication come under the domain of CITS. Based on this system, vehicle users are able to share information with traffic managers and coordinate actions. This helps the concerned authority to manage traffic well.
- Electric two-wheelers to make infotainment system mainstream: Electric two-wheelers are creating quite a storm in the automotive market. And the good thing is that most of them have infotainment systems as an integral part of their dashboard electronics. In fact, these motorcycle infotainment systems are powered by Android OS and boasts of all the advanced features comparable to car infotainment systems.
The future of motorcycle infotainment systems is exciting. Watch this space for more such content on advanced connected vehicle technology!
