Bikers around the world can rejoice– infotainment systems for motorcycles is now a reality. After cars and planes, infotainment systems are now turning into an integral part of the lucrative motorcycle industry as well. While the first phase of motorcycle infotainment systems has focused on top-tier bikes alone, Technavio’s industry analysts predict a gradual adoption of these systems in the mid-level and commuter motorcycle segments by 2020.
Read: Is infotainment the best thing to happen to the automotive industry?
What’s next for the motorcycle infotainment systems market?
Infotainment systems in cars were predictable. When the former made a foray into the aerospace market, analysts did take notice of the growing demand for infotainment solutions– but motorcycle infotainment systems took both riders and industry experts by surprise. And, a pleasant surprise it has been. Here is a brief list of developments which facilitated the entry of infotainment systems into the motorcycle market.
1. Improvements in mobile and V2V technologies
Intelligent transport systems (ITS) have outgrown their nascent stage and moved on to integrate information and communication technologies. Most vendors in the motorcycle infotainment market have turned to V2V and mobile technologies to enhance the bike riding experience.
Yamaha, Honda, and BMW have leveraged the improvements in V2V technologies and collaborated to develop a co-operative intelligent transportation system (C-TIS) for motorcycles.
Samsung and Yamaha have taken V2V technologies to a new level by pioneering the concept of smart windows. These windows consist of a screen that allows access to information displayed on the rider’s smartphone in the least distracting manner. According to our experts, this concept will revolutionize the hands-free calling feature in the global motorcycle infotainment system market.
2. Mid-luxury motorbike manufacturers turning to infotainment systems
The inherent scalability of the mid-luxury motorcycle market is what gives this segment immense potential for infotainment systems. APAC and the Americas already have a huge demand for mid-luxury bikes. Herein, vendors like Harley-Davidson have added infotainment kits such as smart helmets and Bluetooth headsets to their motorcycles.
In fact, some vendors are also working on infotainment systems in low-powered motorcycles. Saturna Green System, for instance, has developed an Android-based infotainment system for electric bicycles and scooters from Evolve Motorcycles. The system incorporates vehicle information, graphic displays, and back-end systems that can be accessed over the Internet.
Developments like these are a positive sign for the growth of the motorcycle infotainment systems market.
3. Big players placing big bets on motorbike infosystems
Major names in the motorcycle industry are working towards optimizing the growing demand for infotainment systems. While Harley-Davidson has already introduced premium models of these in their bikes, BMW Motors and Honda are trying to collaborate with the likes of Bosch to usher in high-quality infotainment systems for their bike models.
Bosch has already announced the development of infotainment systems that will provide motorcycles with smartphone integration and cloud connectivity. Ducati, on the other hand, has launched bluetooth-enabled infotainment systems in XDiavel motorcycles under the cruiser segment.
Cruising away to profitability: Unlocking a new facet of biking
Infotainment systems present a lucrative pitstop in the future of the global motorbike market. With a huge amount of innovation already in place, it is anticipated that aside from road safety, enhanced riding experience is what most vendors in the biking industry will be competing for. Do download our newest report on motorcycle infotainment systems that covers these possibilities and many other factors that will affect the growth of this industry.
