autoevolution
 

BMW and Alpinestars Team Up for Bike-Independent TechAir Airbag Jackets

Alpinestars has finished testing their airbag jackets last fall, and the TechAir gear was in the last straight line to production, with the Valparaiso and Viper jackets being the first ones to roll out the factory. Alpinestars and BMW Motorrad inked and agreement for offering the TechAir technology as Beemer-branded gear.
BMW to offer Alpinestars TechAir motorcycle jackets 1 photo
Photo: Alpinestars
One of the biggest advantages of the TechAir technology is that it is bike-independent. Dainese, with whom BMW also has a long-term agreement, has introduced D|Air years ago, but the system relies on sensors which are present on the bike.

Ride any bike, be protected by TechAir airbags

So far, Dainese's D|Air only works with Multistrada bikes equipped from the factory with the specific sensors, or with bikes on which the M-package (sensors) are installed.

Alpinestars TechAir comes with its own sensors and nothing to install. The rechargeable battery powers the system for around 25 hours of riding before needing a fresh charge. Once you donned your TechAir jacket, you're good to go.

BMW will be offering customers Alpinestars TechAir technology in branded jackets, enhancing the active road safety measures they can use during their rides. However, unlike when using Dainese's D|Air airbag riding gear, BMW owners will be able to remain protected even while throwing a leg over other motorcycles, as long as they retain their jackets.

Dainese's airbag remains the benchmark in the segment, activating in 45 milliseconds, while the Alpinestars TechAir needs 59 thousandths of a second. The actual air bladder inflates in 25 ms, and crash tests have shown that the TechAir is fully inflated before the rider impact the obstacle.

No word on prices and availability have made it to the press so far, but we are expecting these jackets, male and female, to his the dealerships before the summer begins.
If you liked the article, please follow us:  Google News icon Google News Youtube Instagram X (Twitter)
 

Would you like AUTOEVOLUTION to send you notifications?

You will only receive our top stories