Head-up displays have been applied on aircraft avionics systems for decades, allowing pilots to obtain crucial information without looking away from their usual viewpoints. In recent years, HUD systems can also been found increasingly on production cars, as well as helmets for motorcycle riders. Now BMW is bringing the technology to motorcycle goggles with the BMW Motorrad ConnectedRide Smartglasses.

The newly launched ConnectedRide Smartglasses are not much bigger or heavier than a pair of standard sunglasses, but data including speed, speed limit, gear and navigation can all be shown on the Smartglasses in real time thanks to the connection to smartphone via Bluetooth and the dedicated app. Riders can have the projection position and settings selected before the ride, but these can also be easily adjusted during the ride on the motorcycle handlebars. The display for navigation can be simply shown as arrows, or in details with street names, intersections and precise directions, suiting different needs of users.

The frame of the ConnectedRide Smartglasses comes in two sizes and are designed to fit numerous helmets and face shapes. Two sets of certified UVA/UVB filtered lenses — one tinted and one 85% transparent — are included so that riders can wear them under helmets with or without integrated sun visors, while people who normally wear glasses can order an RX adapter for adding suitable prescription to the lenses. The Smartglasses are able to function under extreme weather range from -10° to +50°C, and the USB-rechargeable lithium-ion battery offers up to ten hours of usage per charge.