OK, the general consensus in the comments seems to be this: it's actually possible to enjoy a motorcycle ride EVEN IF it does not have a super complex TFT dashboard! Speedometer, tachometer, odometer, fuel gauge, heat gauge, time. These 6 items seems to be enough. Well, we may be biased here for smaller simpler bikes... But still it looks like a TFT dashboard is more of a marketing thing.
That's what I think too. I have two cars: one is an older Toyota without dashboard screen and the other one is a brand-new that has a massive "tablet PC" right on the dashboard. I hate this tablet PC! Even switching a radio track used to be so easy with dedicated buttons, but now I have to distract from driving to "touch" the needed virtual buttons... I programmed one button to turn off the screen when I get in - and that's that. Just a big black rectangle in my car. But screens in the car are more acceptable. On a motorcycle? No, thank you! Just a basic dashboard is ok for me.
I underwent a procedure a while back to have the “constant dissatisfaction with my stuff” chip removed and have spent way more time riding and working on improving my all around skills. It is quite enlightening really. I caught myself browsing for a “more capable” no road bike than my XT250… then I reminded me that me can’t even ride a wheelie on the XT consistently yet…
That's exactly the "chip" that needs to be removed for proper enjoyment of life and what you have! I went through a similar experience. I have to be disciplined though: it's easy to fall for the never-ending marketing drivel and start wanting "more engine, more power, bigger TFT screen". I watched too many Tenere 700 videos (and my brother in law just bought one), so I was all set on buying it this summer too. And then I was on my XT250 in some tough terrain - and I knew there was no other bike I would rather be on! So I cooled down for Tenere for now. Maybe when I polish my offroad skills on my XT250 more or when I start going really long distances.
I had a ‘96 KLR 250 before my XT 250. It had analog speedo, tach, and temp gauge. I really liked having the tach and temp gauge. The temp gauge would never get into the too hot range, but when it was near there I knew to back off a bit. I love the XT 250 display. Everything I need with no clutter. I think a tach would simply confirm what my ears are telling me. I seldom even look at the speedo. I don’t ride fast so I’m not worried about tickets and it’s irrelevant when I’m off road, which is my preferred place. I have my phone mounted on the bars with gps cued up for new routes. I often make wrong turns by not paying enough attention to the display. I’d rather concentrate on the road. So I agree less is more.
I agree. I remember a cool dashboard on Suzuki GSX1000 - and when riding I was just checking the speed (you don't feel speed on that bike, it just flies). Even the most basic dashboard would give me that. Less is more!
My CRF is simple, like your XT. All I need to know is my speed and whether it's time to find gas. My BMW (2017) doesn't have a TFT, but the screen is quite complex, and I can't set it to the way I would like, so I rely on my GPS display for speed, and the dash shows mileage and a few other parameters. I've gotten used to a digital speedometer, so the analogue requires a second or two of attention more than glancing at the digital readout on the GPS. I want to keep my eyes on the road as much as possible. I've never felt I was missing anything from not having a fancy TFT. But then again, I'm old enough to remember when computers had little black and white screens and at the time I wasn't pining for the big colour display I use now.
That's a great point about computers! That's why I don't fully complain about the new technology - it mostly leads us to a better place overtime. Just somehow for me a huge Tablet PC screen on a motorcycle feels so wrong. Motorcycle, "the ultimate freedom machine", the "machine to get away from it all and enjoy the road"... now this amazing creation of humankind has a permanent massive TV screen in front of you at all times. Add Zoom and Teams meetings, calendar notifications, Gmail, ability to edit Excel, Word, PowerPoint - and it's like you never left the office! Anyway, when I am in the forest - I don't care about the dash at all. Great comment!
Ive also noticed this shift towards implementing "tv's" onto each motorcycle. Im a returning motorcyclist coming from an era with analog instruments. I think the dash is simply a byproduct of all the additional electronics. I own a simple cb500x and laugh at the "new" model with the tft dash. The same bike with more things to fail and distract us from the real riding experience. Give me analog and ABS.
Exactly this! We spend too much time in front of various screens every day - when I ride I want a refuge from all of that. I feel it's harder for me to fully "connect" to a bike that's full of electronics. When it comes to bikes, I like simple analog experience where I control the machine and I know what happens when I accelerate or brake. And this simple setup does not require a "tablet PC" and a complicated software. Thank you for the comment!
My first bike 1982 Yamaha dt 50 Mx, had Speedo neutral, high beam and turn signal lights on the dash nothing else it was enough you don't need anything else, and if anyone needs traction control they need a smaller bike. I had a Kawasaki ninja 600 no traction control no abs you learn that's half the fun.
You hit the nail on the head: "if anyone needs traction control they need a smaller bike". Exactly this! It's SO much fun to learn, improve the skills and grow with the motorcycle. And when you are eventually ready for a bigger bike - you don't need a traction control. It's in your skills and the throttle control. As for your 1982 Yamaha - I think my first bike in early 1990s also had a similar dash. I had a blast riding it! Thank you for the comment!
All I need from a dashboard is speedometer, Fuel gauge and Heat cause I live in a place where even in winter bikes and cars tend to overheat the rest is just extra for me.
I never thought about temperature gauge. That one IS important! Anyway, it looks like the minimal set of indicators is all that's needed to enjoy a ride. Thank you for the comment!
I have no problem with analog gauges. The functionality matters the most: once I get the information I need - the rest is just marketing fluff for me. I used to drive cars with analog gauges - I still miss them. It's not just the gauges, it's the rest of the package too - no power steering, no ABS, no automatic transmissions, etc. It's a time long gone, but I miss it. Thank you for the comment!
Yes, that could come useful. I use my phone. I plan to buy a tank bag with a transparent cellphone pocket - I think that should do the trick for my Yamaha XT250. Thank you for the comment!
I've had 2 bikes, the first had the dashboard stolen.. twice (XT660R). On the second one there's only a semi-functioning clock and a tachometer ( funduro 650). didn't bother me on either bike. Even the tachometer feels niche. Although I'd appreciate a fuel gauge on any bike if I had to chose one instrument to keep😅
Yes, fuel gauge is one item I would love to have on my XT250. I have to keep an eye on the odometer and when it comes close to 200 km from my previous refill - that's the signal to visit the gas station. But for dual sport riding, 200km on the pavement burns much less gas than 200 km offroad, so I would really welcome a fuel gauge for an extra piece of mind. Thank you for the comment!
True! The target audience for simple solid reliable bikes won't be easily lured by a shiny screen with colorful graphics. We have the bikes to ride - not to play with an electronic gadget.
That's a great set! XT250 does not have fuel gauge - that's the one thing I think is needed. I have to reset the Trip odometer when I refuel and just keep an eye on it. When it comes close to 200km - I stop for gas. It can go further, but I ride offroad a lot, so 200km on 1st-2nd gear offroad burns a lot of gas. Other than that, it's dashboard is all I need. Thank you for the comment!
Actually, my XT250 doesn't show RPM. Overall, I can feel the rev range with the good torque and that's where I keep the engine. After a certain point the power falls off, so no use to rev it past that point. Anyway, some things can be useful. Gear indicator, tachometer. But not a full-blown tablet PC in front of you with layers and layers of complicated menu. Massive distraction and often a big headache to fine-tune it.
Well, one thing I've noticed with the dashboards on 4 motorcycles I've ridden is how inaccurate the speedometers are! They all read about 5-8 mph faster than you're actually going. I'm starting to think it's a gentlemen's agreement for safety but it's stupid and just makes people follow too close behind you which is arguably more dangerous. Of course you can just ride faster but I don't want to do math while I ride, just tell me exactly how fast I'm going for pete's sake!
Spot on! I should have mentioned it. Yamaha's speedometer is about 10 kmh higher than actuals speed at 110 kmh. I also would prefer an actual speed read. I don't want to do mental gymnastics reconciling the speedometer with the actual speed. Good point, man! Your comments here are great.
That's pretty much it! Gas gauge would be useful though - I always reset the trip meter when refueling to know when I'm running out of gas... but it's such an inconsistent measure: 20 km of highway on 5th gear is not the same as 20 km in extreme offroad on 1st gear. And I really hate range anxiety, especially when I am deep in the woods with no gas stations around. Thank you for the comment!
OK, the general consensus in the comments seems to be this: it's actually possible to enjoy a motorcycle ride EVEN IF it does not have a super complex TFT dashboard!
Speedometer, tachometer, odometer, fuel gauge, heat gauge, time. These 6 items seems to be enough.
Well, we may be biased here for smaller simpler bikes... But still it looks like a TFT dashboard is more of a marketing thing.
I generally like simple displays.
Modern cars and motorcycles are so elaborate that they can be difficult to use.
That's what I think too. I have two cars: one is an older Toyota without dashboard screen and the other one is a brand-new that has a massive "tablet PC" right on the dashboard. I hate this tablet PC! Even switching a radio track used to be so easy with dedicated buttons, but now I have to distract from driving to "touch" the needed virtual buttons...
I programmed one button to turn off the screen when I get in - and that's that. Just a big black rectangle in my car.
But screens in the car are more acceptable. On a motorcycle? No, thank you! Just a basic dashboard is ok for me.
Analogue dials are king level 👑
I underwent a procedure a while back to have the “constant dissatisfaction with my stuff” chip removed and have spent way more time riding and working on improving my all around skills. It is quite enlightening really. I caught myself browsing for a “more capable” no road bike than my XT250… then I reminded me that me can’t even ride a wheelie on the XT consistently yet…
That's exactly the "chip" that needs to be removed for proper enjoyment of life and what you have! I went through a similar experience. I have to be disciplined though: it's easy to fall for the never-ending marketing drivel and start wanting "more engine, more power, bigger TFT screen". I watched too many Tenere 700 videos (and my brother in law just bought one), so I was all set on buying it this summer too. And then I was on my XT250 in some tough terrain - and I knew there was no other bike I would rather be on! So I cooled down for Tenere for now. Maybe when I polish my offroad skills on my XT250 more or when I start going really long distances.
I had a ‘96 KLR 250 before my XT 250. It had analog speedo, tach, and temp gauge. I really liked having the tach and temp gauge. The temp gauge would never get into the too hot range, but when it was near there I knew to back off a bit. I love the XT 250 display. Everything I need with no clutter. I think a tach would simply confirm what my ears are telling me. I seldom even look at the speedo. I don’t ride fast so I’m not worried about tickets and it’s irrelevant when I’m off road, which is my preferred place. I have my phone mounted on the bars with gps cued up for new routes. I often make wrong turns by not paying enough attention to the display. I’d rather concentrate on the road. So I agree less is more.
I agree. I remember a cool dashboard on Suzuki GSX1000 - and when riding I was just checking the speed (you don't feel speed on that bike, it just flies). Even the most basic dashboard would give me that. Less is more!
My CRF is simple, like your XT. All I need to know is my speed and whether it's time to find gas. My BMW (2017) doesn't have a TFT, but the screen is quite complex, and I can't set it to the way I would like, so I rely on my GPS display for speed, and the dash shows mileage and a few other parameters. I've gotten used to a digital speedometer, so the analogue requires a second or two of attention more than glancing at the digital readout on the GPS. I want to keep my eyes on the road as much as possible. I've never felt I was missing anything from not having a fancy TFT. But then again, I'm old enough to remember when computers had little black and white screens and at the time I wasn't pining for the big colour display I use now.
That's a great point about computers! That's why I don't fully complain about the new technology - it mostly leads us to a better place overtime. Just somehow for me a huge Tablet PC screen on a motorcycle feels so wrong. Motorcycle, "the ultimate freedom machine", the "machine to get away from it all and enjoy the road"... now this amazing creation of humankind has a permanent massive TV screen in front of you at all times. Add Zoom and Teams meetings, calendar notifications, Gmail, ability to edit Excel, Word, PowerPoint - and it's like you never left the office!
Anyway, when I am in the forest - I don't care about the dash at all.
Great comment!
If i wanted a fancy dashboard I'll stare at my computer instead
Lol, exactly! I ride a bike to get away from the screens, endless menu settings, software updates, etc. Don't need another computer in front of me
Ive also noticed this shift towards implementing "tv's" onto each motorcycle. Im a returning motorcyclist coming from an era with analog instruments. I think the dash is simply a byproduct of all the additional electronics. I own a simple cb500x and laugh at the "new" model with the tft dash. The same bike with more things to fail and distract us from the real riding experience. Give me analog and ABS.
Exactly this! We spend too much time in front of various screens every day - when I ride I want a refuge from all of that. I feel it's harder for me to fully "connect" to a bike that's full of electronics. When it comes to bikes, I like simple analog experience where I control the machine and I know what happens when I accelerate or brake. And this simple setup does not require a "tablet PC" and a complicated software.
Thank you for the comment!
My first bike 1982 Yamaha dt 50 Mx, had Speedo neutral, high beam and turn signal lights on the dash nothing else it was enough you don't need anything else, and if anyone needs traction control they need a smaller bike. I had a Kawasaki ninja 600 no traction control no abs you learn that's half the fun.
You hit the nail on the head: "if anyone needs traction control they need a smaller bike". Exactly this! It's SO much fun to learn, improve the skills and grow with the motorcycle. And when you are eventually ready for a bigger bike - you don't need a traction control. It's in your skills and the throttle control.
As for your 1982 Yamaha - I think my first bike in early 1990s also had a similar dash. I had a blast riding it!
Thank you for the comment!
In the (good old days) you got something more useful than a TFT display, you got a rear rack as standard.
All I need from a dashboard is speedometer, Fuel gauge and Heat cause I live in a place where even in winter bikes and cars tend to overheat the rest is just extra for me.
I never thought about temperature gauge. That one IS important! Anyway, it looks like the minimal set of indicators is all that's needed to enjoy a ride. Thank you for the comment!
I have to chuckle... All of my bikes and cars have original analog gauges. The only thing digital on ANY of my vehicles is a clock...
I have no problem with analog gauges. The functionality matters the most: once I get the information I need - the rest is just marketing fluff for me.
I used to drive cars with analog gauges - I still miss them. It's not just the gauges, it's the rest of the package too - no power steering, no ABS, no automatic transmissions, etc. It's a time long gone, but I miss it.
Thank you for the comment!
Tbh navigation is the only thing I need cause I hate phone mounts and the sound directions are useless
Yes, that could come useful. I use my phone. I plan to buy a tank bag with a transparent cellphone pocket - I think that should do the trick for my Yamaha XT250.
Thank you for the comment!
I've had 2 bikes, the first had the dashboard stolen.. twice (XT660R). On the second one there's only a semi-functioning clock and a tachometer ( funduro 650).
didn't bother me on either bike. Even the tachometer feels niche. Although I'd appreciate a fuel gauge on any bike if I had to chose one instrument to keep😅
Yes, fuel gauge is one item I would love to have on my XT250. I have to keep an eye on the odometer and when it comes close to 200 km from my previous refill - that's the signal to visit the gas station. But for dual sport riding, 200km on the pavement burns much less gas than 200 km offroad, so I would really welcome a fuel gauge for an extra piece of mind.
Thank you for the comment!
I wonder why XT250 doesn’t come with a tach. Probably because it’s designed for people who don’t get carried away by the dashboard gauges haha.
True! The target audience for simple solid reliable bikes won't be easily lured by a shiny screen with colorful graphics. We have the bikes to ride - not to play with an electronic gadget.
My bike just has 4 things on it speedometer, odometer, fuel gauge, and gear indicator. Thats pretty much all you need.
That's a great set! XT250 does not have fuel gauge - that's the one thing I think is needed. I have to reset the Trip odometer when I refuel and just keep an eye on it. When it comes close to 200km - I stop for gas. It can go further, but I ride offroad a lot, so 200km on 1st-2nd gear offroad burns a lot of gas.
Other than that, it's dashboard is all I need.
Thank you for the comment!
I only need RPM coz i dont have engine limiter😝 lol ....old bike
Actually, my XT250 doesn't show RPM. Overall, I can feel the rev range with the good torque and that's where I keep the engine. After a certain point the power falls off, so no use to rev it past that point.
Anyway, some things can be useful. Gear indicator, tachometer. But not a full-blown tablet PC in front of you with layers and layers of complicated menu. Massive distraction and often a big headache to fine-tune it.
Excellent video. I hate TFT’s, ride modes, and all of this unnecessary nonsense. Simple is best.
Well, one thing I've noticed with the dashboards on 4 motorcycles I've ridden is how inaccurate the speedometers are! They all read about 5-8 mph faster than you're actually going. I'm starting to think it's a gentlemen's agreement for safety but it's stupid and just makes people follow too close behind you which is arguably more dangerous. Of course you can just ride faster but I don't want to do math while I ride, just tell me exactly how fast I'm going for pete's sake!
Spot on! I should have mentioned it. Yamaha's speedometer is about 10 kmh higher than actuals speed at 110 kmh. I also would prefer an actual speed read. I don't want to do mental gymnastics reconciling the speedometer with the actual speed.
Good point, man! Your comments here are great.
Dig it. All we need is a gas gauge. On hiway, are you going slower, faster than traffic? Go have fun.
That's pretty much it!
Gas gauge would be useful though - I always reset the trip meter when refueling to know when I'm running out of gas... but it's such an inconsistent measure: 20 km of highway on 5th gear is not the same as 20 km in extreme offroad on 1st gear. And I really hate range anxiety, especially when I am deep in the woods with no gas stations around.
Thank you for the comment!
Speedometer, RPM, time, fuel gauge, temp. That’s it.
Sounds reasonable to me! Honestly, when I ride a bike - anything else beyond what you listed is not only optional, it's unnecessary.
more things to fix😂
Exactly!