Via Forbes, Deutsche Presse-Agentur reports that Honda will start selling an onboard navigation system for motorcycles this April:
Japan's Honda Motor Co. said Wednesday it will release Japan's first navigation system for motorcycles on April 28 in the domestic market.Similar systems for cars ("car navi") are commonplace in Japan, much more so than in America or Europe. Most of the time, if you take a cab in Tokyo, the driver will track his way to your destination on his navi system. The higher-end models have large color displays with 3-D graphics. Some even have touchscreens for easy use while driving.
The navigation system, with a 3.8-inch touch-panel screen, will be installed for Honda's Forza large scooters. It is attached to the center of the handlebars. In addition to showing a map, the navigation has a voice message to tell directions, Honda said.
Setting the price at 173,250 yen (1,665 dollars), Honda aims to sell 2,000 units annually.
They're quite cool, and I've often thought about bolting one on to my bike. But I wasn't sure they could handle the vibration and exposure of motorcycle use. It'll be interesting to see how Honda solves those problems, and if its system can be used with bikes other than its Forza scooters.
4 comments:
I don't have a car or motorcycle licence, but the impression I get (from having been a passenger on both) is that you have to concentrate a bit harder on a bike. (Partly because many people in cars have that feeling of invulnerability and are a hazard to non-car road users.) Do you think that the distraction caused by a navi would be problematic?
Posted by onaballoon@hotmail.com
I wouldn't want to look at it while the bike is actually moving. But at a stoplight, it could be handy for checking your position and the route ahead.
Posted by GaijinBiker
Yeah, I see what you mean. I wonder if Honda will try to enforce that automatically, like those navis that won't show video from a DVD until the car stops.
Posted by Matt
I love Honda Very Much.
Posted by rohit garg
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