The idea of heads-up displays for motorcyclists have been around for a while, and a new solution has arrived from one of the biggest manufactuters with the new BMW Motorrad ConnectedRide Smartglasses announed for 2023.
Personally, I want as little distraction and connectivity as possible when I’m riding a motorcycle. But I understand that other riders will appreciate having relevant information and data available in their eyeline. And it could definitely be useful to have navigation instructions when you’re visiting a new city.
Other options include your speed, gear, or speed limits, which might make riding a bit less stressful if you tend to forget which gear you’re in, or constantly worry you’re going to stray over the limit.
If you’re the sort of motorcyclist who appreciates having all your data and connectivity available, then you can connect the BMW Motorrad ConnectedRide Smartglasses to your phone via Blueooth and an app. You can adjust where the data is displayed before you head off, and also when you’re riding via a multicontroller on your handlebars.
They’ve been designed to work with various helmets and face shapes, and come with two sets of certified UVA/UVB lenses, with one set 85% transparent if you already have an integrated sun visor in your crash helmet, and the other with tinted lenses. You can also get an RX adaptor if you already wear classes, up to 4.5 diopters.
And they don’t look particularly different from typical glasses or goggles. Which is an advantage if you’re not trying to show off your tech at the local bike meet, or leave them on the pub table by mistake.
The new BMW Motorrad ConnectedRide Smartglasses are available in two sizes with M for pupil distance 53-67mm and L for 59 to 73 mm, and they come with a USB charging cable. The claimed operation temperatures are from -10° to +50°C, so they should work in all normal riding conditions, and you can only get them in Anthracite.
But the big thing may be the cost. At a recommended retail price of €690.00, it’s quite a lot of money just to avoid looking at your sat nav and speedo occasionally. But if you have the budget, and maybe do a lot of touring in new places, the investment might pay off. Especially if you’ve always dreamed of being Arnold Schwarzenegger riding around on a 1991 Harley-Davidson Fat Boy in Terminator 2. Although obviously, you’ll need to switch to a BMW R 18 instead…
Find more coverage of the latest and most interesting motorcycle glasses, goggles, helmets and more, here. And if you need an R18, then check out the selection for sale at the moment on eBay.
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