Photo: Harley-Davidson
Motorcycle riding has always been a tad more dangerous than driving. In a car, the amount of available space allowed over the years for the creation of impact protection systems like seatbelts and airbags, but none of them can easily be included on a bike. And that's why companies in this business have turned their attention to the riders instead.
For several decades now airbags for motorcycle riders have been a reality of our world. These safety systems are not included in the motorcycle design, but rather in the clothing people wear while on motorcycles.
One of the companies producing rider airbags is Dainese, one of the heavy-weights of the industry. Its D-air technology, described as the "most advanced protection ever for motorcycle riders," can automatically deploy when its sensors tell it of an imminent danger, shielding the rider from some types of harm resulting from accidents.
D-air is included in a number of jackets and vests sold the world over, and as of this week it is also offered on a Harley-Davidson product, simply called Smart Vest.
The tech is "designed to instantly deploy in the event of a collision on the chest and central back" and relies on a number of sensors to get details of what's going on around it. The thing does this 1,000 times per second, and if it determines an impact occurred (be it with objects, other vehicles, or a hit from behind), it deploys the airbags.
The airbags are meant to cover the chest and the corresponding area on the back of the rider, and when deployed they form a seal with the helmet. Because so many variables need to be considered, the system is not a death-proof design, but it certainly gets the job when it comes to preventing certain types of injuries.
The D-air comprises, aside from sensors, two gas generators to help deploy the airbags (these need to be replaced at an authorized dealer if spent), and a rechargeable battery that can be plugged in a common USB plug. A full charge of the battery should last for up to 26 hours.
The system is not always on, and only activates itself when it feels the vibrations of the bike, or when the speed exceeds 6.2 mph (ten kph). It was designed to not deploy when the rider is away from the motorcycle.
The active status of the system is indicated by an indicator light fitted on the left chest. When you see it flashing blue that means the vest is ready to deploy the airbags in case it needs to. To make sure the rider knows this, the vest also vibrates when ready for action.
Harley installed the D-air in vests that are meant both for men (sizes S to 2XL) and women (sizes XS to 2XL). Both designs come with a black heavyweight cowhide leather perforated shell that allows for both cooling and stretch.
Both vests are equipped with zippered handwarmer pockets, 3M Scotchlite Black Carbon reflective material, and are embossed with Harley-Davidson branding on the shoulders. They are slim enough to be worn both over and under a riding jacket.
Harley is selling both men's and women's vests for $850, and both of them are already available for purchase.
One of the companies producing rider airbags is Dainese, one of the heavy-weights of the industry. Its D-air technology, described as the "most advanced protection ever for motorcycle riders," can automatically deploy when its sensors tell it of an imminent danger, shielding the rider from some types of harm resulting from accidents.
D-air is included in a number of jackets and vests sold the world over, and as of this week it is also offered on a Harley-Davidson product, simply called Smart Vest.
The tech is "designed to instantly deploy in the event of a collision on the chest and central back" and relies on a number of sensors to get details of what's going on around it. The thing does this 1,000 times per second, and if it determines an impact occurred (be it with objects, other vehicles, or a hit from behind), it deploys the airbags.
The airbags are meant to cover the chest and the corresponding area on the back of the rider, and when deployed they form a seal with the helmet. Because so many variables need to be considered, the system is not a death-proof design, but it certainly gets the job when it comes to preventing certain types of injuries.
The D-air comprises, aside from sensors, two gas generators to help deploy the airbags (these need to be replaced at an authorized dealer if spent), and a rechargeable battery that can be plugged in a common USB plug. A full charge of the battery should last for up to 26 hours.
The system is not always on, and only activates itself when it feels the vibrations of the bike, or when the speed exceeds 6.2 mph (ten kph). It was designed to not deploy when the rider is away from the motorcycle.
The active status of the system is indicated by an indicator light fitted on the left chest. When you see it flashing blue that means the vest is ready to deploy the airbags in case it needs to. To make sure the rider knows this, the vest also vibrates when ready for action.
Harley installed the D-air in vests that are meant both for men (sizes S to 2XL) and women (sizes XS to 2XL). Both designs come with a black heavyweight cowhide leather perforated shell that allows for both cooling and stretch.
Both vests are equipped with zippered handwarmer pockets, 3M Scotchlite Black Carbon reflective material, and are embossed with Harley-Davidson branding on the shoulders. They are slim enough to be worn both over and under a riding jacket.
Harley is selling both men's and women's vests for $850, and both of them are already available for purchase.
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