Motorcycle dashboards are starting to look suspiciously like smartphones bolted to handlebars. CHIGEE knows this because it is partly responsible for the trend. But the motorcycle accessories maker also understands that not everyone wants a cockpit that looks like the NASDAQ trading floor during market hours. So, for the XR-1, it decided to go in the opposite direction.
The new CHIGEE XR-1 is a motorcycle dash cam that does not come with a display. No touchscreen. No extra screen competing for your attention. No temptation to fiddle with settings at a traffic light. It simply records every ride and speaks up when it needs your attention.
The XR-1 automatically starts recording the moment the motorcycle powers on, capturing footage from both front and rear cameras at up to 1080p and 60 frames per second. Loop recording continuously overwrites the oldest clips, so there is no need to play digital janitor every few weeks.
What makes the XR-1 stand out is its voice guidance system. Instead of relying on blinking lights and cryptic indicators, the camera verbally confirms recording status, warns of SD card issues, reports camera connection problems, and alerts riders to system errors. Available languages include English, Japanese, Traditional Chinese, and Korean.
Like any respectable dash cam, it also has your back when things go sideways. Emergency Lock automatically saves footage when it detects an impact or unusual movement, while Parking Guard keeps watch when the bike is parked, recording knocks, tip-overs, and hit-and-run incidents.
The hardware itself is built to survive life on two wheels. The main unit carries an IP69K rating, while the cameras are rated IP68. Rain, heat, vibration, and even high-pressure washing are all part of the job description.
Footage can be transferred to the CHIGEE GO app over a dedicated 5 GHz Wi-Fi connection, making it easy to review clips before you have even taken off your helmet. An optional GPS Remote Control adds ride tracking and handlebar-mounted controls for those who want additional functionality.
The CHIGEE XR-1 is available now for US$219. It may not have a screen, but that is precisely the point.
Images: CHIGEE.