I think KTM would be interested in a bike with two-way comm with a smartwatch. KTM does new and quirky things from time to time. I would say that there are many factors of hardware that can limit or enhance the abilities of a smartwatch being a powerful tool. There are a few pieces of hardware that need consideration: Battery, Radio (RX/TX), and a computer unit.

The battery is the most important. Consider adding a second or a backup. If the electronics that connect with the smartwatch are not components that use very very minute amounts of power, then you will burn through a battery quick. Adding a second battery, or using components that sip on power and not chug, would be a solution to this potential problem. Some bikes have extra storage under the seats and in airboxes for batteries, it would depend if the customer actually utilized those spaces for a wallet or storage of something.

Your Radio (RX/TX) is second in terms of importance. You want to run a radio unit that can: * Run on a super, super low mAh. * Operate within long distances. * Comply with FCC regulations.

Why are those important? Having a connection is part of the purpose of this concept. Doing it legally and conveniently, that's for if/when this concept twists the throttle. I would suggest fitting in two radios: * Bluetooth (v4.2 or greater) - Short range, within 33 feet, Low energy consumption. * Wifi (802.11 2.4Ghz b/g/n) - Longer range, within 100 feet.

Both frequencies can connect without having to fumble around on the smartwatch when properly set up the first time. Bluetooth has the ability to function as a remote (start the bike to warm it up, turn on certain light features, sound an alarm, and PA if you are in the coffee shop and you see people taking pics of your bike). Bluetooth can also function as a quick form of data transfer, wherein, if you are on the bike and there is a problem but you don't know for sure, the computer module that can be added onto the bike for the smartwatch could send the watch bits of information that can be displayed as a graphic, icon, warning, vibration, or sound.

Wifi, can do close to the same features as Bluetooth, but within 100 feet. Wifi is suitable when your bike is outside or if it is in the garage. This way, you don't have to leave your couch to check the tire pressure since your bike has been sitting all winter. Not only that, but there are lots of other things you can do with wifi. I would say, that wifi is more superior for the security aspect. If someone moves your bike, sits on it, or the bike falls over, the bike can use wifi to connect to your office, university, or the wifi in your humble abode, to notify you. "Need to figure out where you parked your two-wheeled sex machine? No problem, the bike can use a wifi connection to message you that it is parked somewhere else on a map that fits on your wrist." Silly things like that, but helpful nonetheless.

The brain of it all is the more intricate aspect. Consider the many abilities a computer module can have, things like: *Sensor Input - Gyroscope, Accelerometer, Temperature, Pressure. *Output - Signals sent to radio antenna(e), Solid-State Relay and other connections.

A suite of sensors can give your computer module on the bike the data needed to make sure that the bike is fine, or if it's tire pressure is low, and more. The computer module can put that info into graphic data and send it to the radio chipsets.

Outputs such as alarms, PA, lighting, and disabling can be a good feature. (Having a mechanized part that grabs a brake caliper to stop the bike from rolling is a good idea.) Lighting would help you find the bike at night in a dark area. Public Address would let you hit on girls as they walk by (Bluetooth is best for this).

As for the smartwatch itself, inclusion of similar radio chipsets (BT and Wifi) is ideal, of course. But keeping the smartwatch up to the standards of today's smartwatches will be a tricky game to play. Keeping your costs low is really important, but if you look at the Bill Of Materials lists for smartwatches out there, Apple's watch costs about $83.70, and I can't find much on the Samsung models, but those would be similarly priced out BOM's as well, considering Apple and Samsung sometimes (historically) share similar component manufacturers. Expect your BOM to be north of $100. I say this because parts in a BOM from tech giants are quantity discounted by the manufacturer to the tech giant. Plus you have to get the components together and make them work. Lots of man-hours spent too.

Features of the smartwatch that I would recommend: * No surprise here... Durability - Make it tough (IP68 is the sweetspot), make it resilient (shockproof) * Distraction-Free - Make it a great tool, but don't make it to where it is what you fixate yourself on while riding or walking. * Long life battery - Make it last 2-3 days per charge, that's your goal (Anything less, and it becomes annoying to charge).

Durability is number one here. In the event of a crash/spill/slide, some riders may not have gauntlet gloves on, so consider making the smartwatch components in a rigid shell with a raised bezel to protect the screen, then add a layer or two of shock absorption. Reinforce that watch band too. You don't want to lose that.

The battery life would be a real PITA if you had to take the smartwatch off every night. So aim for 2-3 days before it needs a recharge. Combat this problem by using an E-Ink display and a single LED to provide a 10-15 second backlight in low-light conditions (No need for a fancy, RGB LCD/OLED display right now, you are early in the process).

Make the smartwatch not the centerpiece. Make it like every other watch, in that it sits on your wrist and does nothing until you either look at it or it alerts you.

Additionally, wireless charging methods should be explored to preserve the ability to have an IP68 rating, otherwise, you may have to deal with the product design that is this charging door on a GoPro Hero 4 Session. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

I hope this helps kickstart some conceptual exploration. I would be happy to clarify anything for you if need be. I was in the Interior Architecture Product Design program at Kansas State University for a couple years, so I have an idea of what you are going through/about to go through. The worst thing you can do is to not give your idea/concept 100% of your attention. Document everything such as changes and your reasoning for those changes. Write down ideas that come up in your mind as you move through the process. Utilize your every resource. The school library, the public library, 3D printers, CAD software, modeling clay, paper.

Final thoughts: * Looks can be deceiving: Make a note of your thoughts if something doesn't look right to you. * Take feedback from anyone and everyone: The more audience input, the better you can shape your ideas and concepts. * You may feel moments of stress or regret but keep that pencil moving, because nothing was ever accomplished by quitting.

Lastly: A quote from Big Hero 6- "View things from a different angle." I can't tell you how important this is. Sit a 3D printed model of the smartwatch on a glass table and look underneath it. Take that model, put it on your wrist, and grab the handlebars of a bike. Wear the model to know what it's like.

I wish you pure success on this project. And like I said, I can clarify anything I said, or I can explain anything to you if you need. :)