R1200GS Forum banner
Cancel
Create thread New Forums

TFT dash option?

1 reading
Jump to Latest
55K views 37 replies 21 participants last post by  gustavoclimaco  
B
#1 ·
It appears that the updated 2018 R1200GS Adventure will be available with the option of a trick colour TFT dash.

Is it likely that it could be retro fitted to my 2017 non Adventure GS? For me it would be a very desirable option.
 
#2 ·
The reality is that even if the new TFT IP was offered as a retrofit through BMW (which there is no word on as of yet) with the analog instrument cluster costing nearly $1300 the retrofit TFT kit is surely to be incredibly expensive, so much so that most would-be adopters will be turned off.

On the other hand I would buy it in a minute so long as they keep the price point around there, I hate the analog instruments so badly that anything has got to be an improvement.

My best guess is that this TFT IP will not ever be offered as a retrofit option due to the fact that most (I have never heard otherwise) dealers are unable to program actual odometer readings into a new cluster if you have one that fails, they place a stick on the bike indicating the odo reading when the new cluster was installed.
 
#3 ·
JetSpeed said:
dealers are unable to program actual odometer readings into a new cluster if you have one that fails, they place a stick on the bike indicating the odo reading when the new cluster was installed.
Click to expand...
Ya, know...when I plug the GS911 into my RT or GS one of the first items it shows is the mileage of the bike. This leads me to believe that the mileage is kept in one of the many controllers in the bike. So, might the instrument cluster just be a display? Of maybe the GS911 is reading it from the instrument?

I do know this, another "famous manufacturer" of motorcycles sells all number of speedometer upgrades, when you get one you plug it into the service port with the provided cable, turn the bike on and in a few seconds the new speedometer (and odometer) have the existing mileage transferred.

It would be truly cool if the TFT display could be retrofitted to earlier motorcycles, but somehow I doubt this will happen.

- Bumblebee
 
B
#4 ·
Bloody hell! $1300 for an replacement instrument panel? I guess if it is possible to retrofit a TFT panel it would cost even more.

When the instrument panel of my 2010 Ducrapi Multistresser 1200 went wrong the existing mileage couldn't be transferred to the new panel. Even worse the service interval display was out of sync.
 
#6 ·
Instrument cluster

For me, the standard instrument cluster is adequate. Along with the GPS display, I can get all the information that I need.
The instruments are there to tell you what you should already know.:smile2:
 
Save
Reply Quote Like Like
R
#9 ·
You can't swap clusters without ISTA coding at the dealer. Mileage is stored in the cluster as well as ECU and require ISTA sync. I was told you would be able to retrofit the TFT cluster, but definitely require dealer coding. I believe the bracket is different too. Personally prefer the current cluster for a bike like the GS, but I get the appeal of the TFT.... it won't be cheap.
 
B
#11 ·
Looking at a recent BMW Motorrad video on YouTube entitled 'New colours and model updates 2018' it is obvious that the TFT is a optional extra on the new updated Adventure model. The racing red model in the video had it, but the white and blue version didn't.

I guess the standard GS will soon be offered with the same (expensive?) option.
 
#14 ·
Since I am in the market to purchase a new one soon, I asked the question and these are the facts:

The TFT screen will be an option that can be added at the time of ordering but no retrofitting as the handlebar controls are also different. The menu system is different and the wheel operation can be focused on the TFT or the GPS.

Personally I prefer the analogue dash as it suits the bike better (more classic). Most of the TFT functions depend on the mobile phone app, which is not a good idea as phone coverage is not always there. Without the functions from the phone, it has the same functionalities as the standard dash.
It would be a good instrument panel to have on a sports bike though!
 
#15 ·
One thing for sure is that at this stage in the game as far as retrofitting the TFT goes nobody knows what the deal is yet because BMW hasn't said a word about, the moment they do a BMW magazine will print it online, beside that dealers would rather promote the purchase of a new bike than a retrofit kit.
Not to mention that some of the worst (as in inaccurate) information I have ever gotten has been in dealerships.
And then the whole nonsense about the hand controller could be right but when you think about it what other functions can they really add to that thing before the controls become so complex that you can't ride and manipulate features and functions at the same time, a lot of riders already report that this is an issue, my only question is how you would go about controlling the TFT AND a Nav GPS device if you were inclined to add one.
 
A
#16 · (Edited)
I've asked BMW dealers if retrofitting cruise control was possible. That and the NAV wheel. In both cases I've had responses varying from "No can do" to "no problem". Last one I asked was in between, "it depends on the bike". Knowing I had a 2014 LC, and having the VIN before his eyes, he clearly just couldn't be arsed to look it up properly. So, my thoughts are :
- Yep, be wary about what BMW dealers tell you (that's true anywhere, but one wouldn't expect that from a dealer)
- Not optimistic about retrofitting a TFT dash, if something as simple as NAV wheel / cruise control is already doubtful. Anything can be done in theory, but at what cost... I suspect it would be cheaper to sell the bike and buy a new one.
 
#27 ·
RSD does have separate and different diagrams for installation of the instrument cluster and connectivity unit. The diagrams are not very interesting for this discussion though as they do not answer whether TFT aka connectivity is retrofittable. They simply show a different connection in the dash: there is a wire connecting the TFT to the dash frame and no wire for the traditional cluster.

What is interesting is that instructions/diagrams for removing/installing/replacing the main wiring harness ask whether your bike has D-ESA, keyless, navi, passenger package, RDC, DWA (alarm), and style 1, but do not need to know if you have connectivity. This suggests that the wiring harness is the same for connectivity option as for the traditional cluster.
 

Attachments

#28 ·
I came across a couple of reviews by The Missendon Flyer, in my opinion, that are pretty good...
One is on the new GSA--note the bigger footpegs and enhanced handguards-- and one is on the TFT display, a really nice walk through

the GSA

The TFT


NB I did a quick search and I don't think these links have been posted before???, if so my apologies
 
R1200GS Forum
posts
130K
members
33K
Since
2005
A forum community dedicated to BMW R 1200 GS motorcycle owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about maintenance, performance, classifieds, troubleshooting, and more!
Full Forum Listing
Explore Our Forums
General chatter Maintenance and Modifications Accessories New Member Introductions Tires (Tyres)