The Ride Command functions
The
Ride command is basically a 7" Touchscreen that works even when you are
wearing your rider gloves. There are five buttons below the screen. The first button allows you to customise your
rider screen. There are three sets of screen and you can choose whichever suits
you.
The
second button is your audio button. Here you have an option for your radio both
FM and AM and also your Bluetooth and USB audio. The button in the middle is to
switch on the your screen.
There
is also a Bluetooth button where you can pair your phone. A compartment above
the screen allows you to attach your phone to a USB cable and you can charge your
phone there.
The
last button is the navigation button.
You can with your gloves on move the chart, pinch it and tap it to
decrease or increase the size of the chart. Once you tap down on the screen,
you have an option for dimming your screen or brightening it. There is also a
settings button which once pressed will allow you to change the language, the
speed units, the temperature units, the volume
and tyre pressure units.
There
are also buttons on both sides of the handlebar. The ones on the left are for
volume control and also for adjusting your windshield. On the right of the
handle bar are buttons for cruise control along with a hazard light button and
the power and the kill switch.
Then
you have these tiny lever-like triggers on both sides of the handle bar with their respective functions. The left
hand one allows you to navigate your screen and the right hand trigger simply
sets it or gives a confirmation. The information displayed on the screen for a
rider is more than plenty and these are displayed on the touch screen and the
two analog metres for speed and rpm and two small screen within these two
analog dials.
Everything
from your clock, ambient air temperature,
audio information display, tyre pressure, voltage, engine hours, oil change, speed,
fuel range, RPM, gear position, fuel range, distance, average fuel economy, average speed and
various aspects of ride data are all accessible on these screens.
Performance
This
motorcycle is powered by a V twin Thunderstroke III, 1811cc, electronic fuel
injection engine which delivers a peak torque 151Nm @ 3000 rpm and a peak power
of around 100hp. As long as the weather is cool and nice and the traffic is
smooth as butter, this bike can cover distances like nobody’s business. But the
moment it gets warm and the traffic begins to pile up, you can feel the heat
near your calf muscles and your under thigh. I was riding the old Classic but
for 2019 model onwards, it’s a different ballgame altogether.
New
ride-enhancing technology like selectable Ride Modes and Rear Cylinder
Deactivation are features that have been incorporated on all Thunder Stroke 111
models. One can select between Tour, Standard or Sport mode on the fly. Rear
Cylinder Deactivation means that the rear cylinder will automatically
deactivate when the bike is at a standstill for more comfort in slow-moving
traffic. When throttle is applied, the rear cylinder will instantly reactivate
for a seamless transition to full power.
Also,
for 2019, the Roadmaster gets additional upgrades. The premium audio system now
features 2-way speakers for enhanced clarity. A dynamic equalizer automatically
adjusts for speed so you get crystal clear audio at all times. The lowers have
also been redesigned to provide significantly more airflow to the rider. But we
have to wait till a new model comes into India.