EXPLAINER: KTM’S NEW 8” TFT DISPLAYS

With cutting-edge new TFT displays – including touchscreen dashboards – KTM claims to have created a more immersive, intuitive and user-friendly riding experience.

If you had to single out one area where motorcycle design has taken huge leaps forward in recent years, it’s hard to look past the incredible evolution of electronic rider aids. But because these sophisticated new electronics mean nothing unless they’re easy for the rider to understand and use, KTM has recently revealed cutting-edge new TFT (Thin Transistor Film) displays; tech that puts a greater focus on the HMI (Human-Machine Interface) and is claimed to “create a more immersive, intuitive riding experience while minimising distractions”. Here’s a snapshot of what the Austrian manufacturer has divulged about their new dashboards (in both vertical and horizontal configurations), new handlebar switchgear, and new connectivity tech…

KTM is dedicated to providing customers with the ultimate riding experience, featuring top-notch elements that enhance every aspect of motorcycling enjoyment. To achieve this, KTM has looked at the HMI (Human-Machine Interface) to create a more immersive, intuitive riding experience while minimising distractions.

THE DASHBOARD

The 1280 x 720 resolution TFT dashboard now features newly developed inductive touchscreen functionality, with bonded screen technology boasting Anti-Reflex, Anti-Fingerprint and Anti-Glare screen coatings. This makes the user interface more visible from all angles, while a massive 256,000 colours (compared to the previous 65,000) maintain perfect detail in all lighting conditions.

The inductive touchscreen itself – now available in V80 (vertical 8-inch) and H88 (horizontal 8.8 inch) configurations – enables seamless and easy access to information, regardless of the weather or riding gear. This makes the touchscreen receptive to inputs with or without riding gloves. Touchscreen shortcut buttons on the main screen also eliminate the need for auxiliary switches, thanks to the virtual buttons that allow access to functions such as turning on the heated grips, the heated seat and the fog lights (depending on the model).

The screen also allows for more customization options, with configurable split-screen functionality with five available layout options. This is supported by pre-set screen options, allowing riders to choose between adaptive cruise control functions, map navigation, telemetry, favourites, or music as their core home screen – along with a reduced, bare-basics-only view.

THE SWITCHGEAR

Furthermore, the switchgear has also been completely revised and optimised. It now features a dedicated Ride Mode button, a new five-way joystick and back button, new cruise control buttons, new A/M (automatic/manual) button for AMT models, light, and ignition switch and new paddle buttons that are customizable for models that are not fitted with AMT. The new buttons are also backlit and with graphics placed in optimal and logical positions to make it easy to find while riding in any conditions.

MAP HAV

Offline Map Navigation is now integrated into the motorcycle connectivity unit, providing real-time navigation without syncing or tethering to a mobile phone. This allows for active route guidance and route planning, along with A-B routes, pre-programmed Points of Interest, and more.

CONNECTIVITY

Staying connected to the world outside of your helmet is also made even easier, thanks to an upgraded CCU3.0 connectivity unit with 32GB of storage and 3GB of RAM, which ultimately runs the Android Automotive operating system. This allows for IoT connectivity with eSim, a GPS Antenna, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi.

The CCU3.0 ensures seamless reconnection with your smartphone on every ignition cycle, allowing riders to pick up where they left off in their music app on the split screen – now with album covers – and access their complete contacts list from the phone. 

With this new approach, it will be much easier to update functions and features throughout the life of the motorcycle in a way that we know from many other products – such as phones and personal electronic devices. Initially, all updates will be done through the KTM dealer, but in the future also over-the-air directly to the motorcycle.

KEY FEATURES:

• The new unit allows apps to be streamed to the dashboard
• Possibility to enable future Over-the-Air updates
• 32GB of Storage and 3GB of RAM
• IoT
• eSim
• GPS
• Bluetooth
• Wi-Fi
• Android automotive operating system
• Various input audio level control

KTM’s Premium Dashboard not only represents what is possible on a motorcycle, but also opens doors to an entirely new generation of premium electronic architecture. This paired with KTM’s Ready to Race DNA, sets the bar for a truly immersive, intelligent riding experience. This is a new era in technology, where our innovative TFT dash is just the beginning of an ever-evolving journey towards smarter and more connected experiences.

The all-new TFT Dashboard will initially be available on upcoming KTM premium models, with more options being added to the range in the coming years.