Kawasaki launches voice command for motorcycles, but requires an annual subscription for the feature (Instagram @kawasakiusa)
Kawasaki is launching a new voice command system for motorcycles, developed in-house and integrated with Cerence software.
The goal is to allow riders to perform various functions without taking their hands off the handlebars, such as making calls, playing music, accessing navigation, and checking motorcycle statistics.
However, this feature will not be free: Kawasaki plans to charge an annual subscription, tied to the owner and not the motorcycle, allowing the same user to use the service on different vehicles from the brand.
To use the system, a compatible Bluetooth headset will be required, along with a smartphone with at least 3 GB of RAM and 2 GB of free storage, running Android 11 or iOS 15 or later versions.
Although many modern motorcycles already offer voice commands via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Kawasaki’s approach raises questions about the need for a recurring payment for something that other solutions already offer for free. Additionally, there are safety concerns, as even without using their hands, the rider would still need to divert their attention to interact with the system.
Ultimately, this innovation could be seen as Kawasaki’s attempt to build customer loyalty and encourage service adoption, even among used motorcycle buyers. While some may find it useful to interact with the bike by voice, others may see this technology as an unnecessary distraction or an unjustified extra cost.
Source: Ride Apart | Photo: Instagram @kawasakiusa | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team
