In one form or another, airbags have been mitigating the force of impacts for decades. From stuntmen performing epic falls for action movies to multiple compact devices hidden in cars, airbags take the forces, so your body doesn't have to. Cars have used airbags since the early seventies, but its taken a while to develop suitable systems for motorcycles. Arguably, Honda was the first to attempt an airbag solution for motorcyclists in 2006 by including a bike-based system on the Goldwing. While the Honda served a purpose, it didn't deal with the fact that in most accidents, the rider is separated from the motorcycle, and frequently in spectacular fashion.
It wasn't until 2007 that we saw personal airbags in use on the world stage. At the Valencia round of the 2007 MotoGP season, both Marco Simoncelli and Simone Grotzky experienced Dainese's D-Air technology for the first time. During a free practice session, the cameras zoomed in on Marco Simoncelli, getting to his feet in the gravel, with a vast squidgy airbag protruding from his leathers and wrapping around his shoulders. Things have come a long way since 2007, and personal airbags have been mandatory for MotoGP riders since 2018.
However, whilst we may dream of it, we're not MotoGP riders, but that doesn't mean we can't similarly protect ourselves. Following the success of Dainese's D-Air system in competition, the Italian firm started work on a range of consumer products. Shortly after, Alpinestars stepped into the arena with its range of Tech Air products. As things stand today, there's a vast range of airbag solutions from Dainese, Alpinestars, RST, Revit, Klim, and many more. While the technology and implementation vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, a decent airbag system is capable of absorbing an impact seven or eight times greater than typical passive protection, such as a back protector.
With so many products covering different applications and using varying technology, how do you know which is the right product for you? Let's take a quick look at some of the technology and products available.
Tethered and Untethered
A tethered airbag system is one which you connect to the bike via a cord. When the cord is pulled with enough force, it pierces a CO2 cannister within the vest or jacket, which then inflates the airbag. An untethered system uses an electronic brain and series of sensors within the vest or jacket to determine if an accident has occurred and, if it has, inflates the airbag. As with anything, there are pros and cons for both systems.
Tethered
Pros
- Generally cheaper to buy with some systems available for under £300.
- Cheaper to maintain as, if there's no damage to the item, you can simply replace the gas canister and be good to go.
Cons
- Slower to react and inflate than an untethered system as it relies on the rider being thrown from the bike, with deployment times between 200-350ms.
- More hassle as you'll need to remember to tether and untether yourself whenever you're getting on and off the bike.
- A limited selection of products when compared to untethered systems, so they are not guaranteed to suit your type or style of riding.
Untethered
Pros
- Incredibly quick to react and activate, with deployment times under 45ms.
- Once switched on, you don't have to faff about with tethers when getting on or off the bike.
- Greater choice of products to suit different applications and riding styles
Cons
- Items which don't require a subscription can be expensive. Items which require a subscription (or one-off charge) can make the total cost more expensive than it first appears.
- Maintenance and system resets may require a return to the factory or authorised retailer and aren't necessarily cheap.
On balance, it's arguably the untethered, smart systems which provide the greatest level of flexibilty. With untethered systems, you have the choice of 1-piece leathers, leather jackets, textile jackets or vests, which can either go under or over your existing gear. You also have a choice of styles, so whether you ride an R1, an Africa Twin, a Hypermotard or a Harley, you'll find something that blends in with your scene.
What should I buy?
As with all motorcycle gear, I recommend going to your local motorbike gear retailer, seeking their advice and assistance, and trying stuff on until you find the right product. Getting the right product in the correct size is essential, especially when dealing with your own safety. This is never more true than when purchasing airbag products. If you buy an airbag product that's too small, that's going to smart a bit when it activates. If you buy one too big, it will be significantly less effective at protecting you.
So, while I can't tell you which product to buy, I can give you a quick overview of some available products.
RST Pro Series Airbag CE Leather Suit
CE-certified AAA protection for a reasonable price. The RST Pro Series suit is delivered with the In&Motion untethered airbag system and comprises a raft of CE Level 2 protectors. Available for under £800, this one-piece represents fantastic value for money and is worth considering!
Dainese Smart Jacket 2.0
If you want an untethered system, which you can use with your existing gear, the Smart Jacket 2.0 by Dainese is a great option. You can wear it either under or over your jacket, too. Although it's a little over £700, there are no ongoing subscription fees, so the total cost of ownership isn't too bad.
Dainese Smart LS Textile Jacket
For riding in warmer climes, Dainese offers the Smart LS jacket. Containing an untethered airbag system, the Smart LS is a full standalone jacket complete with CE-certified Level 2 protectors in the shoulders and elbows with the airbag handling protection of the back and chest.
Moving quickly
Airbag technology for bikes has improved in leaps and bounds over the last decade and progress continues. New products appear each year with better technology, leading to better outcomes in the event of an accident. If you're considering an airbag, get yourself down to Bike Stop and explore the options.
