LCD (Liquid Crystal Display)

An LCD (liquid crystal display) is a flat screen in which liquid crystals change how they pass light when a voltage is applied, forming numbers, symbols and bar graphs. Many motorcycles have used segmented LCD dashboards since the 1990s, often combined with an analogue rev counter.

Simple segment LCDs are cheap, use little power and are easy to read in sunlight. Colour TFT screens are also a type of LCD, but with a full pixel matrix that allows graphics, menus and navigation.

Very cold temperatures can make an LCD slow to respond, and strong heat or sunlight can darken it temporarily; both usually return to normal. Fading segments or moisture inside the display point to a failing unit or seal.