/ Featured Article
4 reasons why you should consider getting an airbag vest
Whether you ride on the street or the track, it’s always a good idea to be prepared for whatever comes your way.
Airbag vests are a relatively new type of safety gear designed to protect motorcycle riders in the event of an accident. Similar to the airbags in cars, airbag vests use sensors and inflators to detect a crash and inflate a protective airbag around the rider's torso. The purpose of the airbag is to absorb the impact and reduce the risk of serious injury to the rider's chest, neck, and back. While still a relatively new technology, airbag vests are gaining popularity among motorcycle riders as a potentially life-saving investment.
There are several popular brands of motorcycle airbag vests available on the market today, including Alpinestars, Helite, Dainese, Hit-Air, and MotoAir. These vests use airbag technology to protect the rider's chest, neck, and back in the event of an accident. Each brand offers a range of options designed to fit any rider's needs and preferences, and while they may vary in price and design, they all serve the same purpose of improving rider safety on the road.
Increased safety
Motorcycle airbag vests are meant to safeguard riders by adding an extra layer of protection to their chest, neck, and back in case of an accident. When a motorcyclist wearing an airbag vest is involved in an accident, the sensors in the vest detect the impact and activate the airbag. The inflated airbag then acts as a cushion, absorbing and distributing the force of the hit, lowering the risk of significant harm to the rider's vital organs, spine, and neck.
The additional protection provided by airbag vests can make a significant difference in the outcome of a motorcycle accident. In many cases, wearing an airbag vest can help prevent serious injuries or even save the rider's life. This highlights the importance of investing in safety gear like airbag vests to protect oneself while riding a motorcycle.
Versatility
One of the benefits of motorcycle airbag vests is their versatility. Unlike traditional body armor or protective gear, airbag vests can be worn over any type of clothing, from a t-shirt to a heavy jacket. This makes them a convenient and flexible option for riders who may need to adjust their clothing based on weather conditions or other factors.
Airbag vests are also designed to be adjustable and customizable, meaning they can be easily fitted to the rider's body. Most airbag vests have adjustable straps and fasteners that allow for a snug and comfortable fit, which is essential for ensuring that the airbag inflates properly in the event of an accident. Some vests even come with additional pads or inserts that can be added or removed to further customize the fit.
Another advantage of airbag vests is that they can be used on any type of motorcycle, whether it's a sportbike, cruiser, touring bike, or adventure bike. This is because airbag vests are not integrated into the motorcycle itself, but instead are worn by the rider as a separate safety accessory. This means that riders can switch between different motorcycles or riding styles without needing to invest in different types of safety gear.
Longevity and reusability
Yet another advantage of motorcycle airbag vests over traditional body armor is that they are reusable. In a crash, the airbag will inflate and absorb the impact, protecting the rider's chest, neck, and back. After the airbag has deployed, the vest can be reset and used again, as long as there is no damage to the vest or airbag system.
This is different from traditional body armor, which can be damaged or compromised in a crash and may need to be replaced. If a rider's traditional body armor is damaged, it may not provide the same level of protection in future accidents. This can be costly and inconvenient, as riders may need to replace their gear more frequently.
With airbag vests, however, riders can continue to use the same vest after a crash as long as there is no damage to the vest or airbag system. This can save riders money in the long run and provide peace of mind knowing that they have a reliable and reusable safety accessory. Additionally, some airbag vest brands offer replacement airbags or repair services, further extending the life of the vest.
Airbag vests are becoming more affordable
While the initial cost of a motorcycle airbag vest may seem high, it's important to consider the potential cost savings in the event of an accident. Injuries resulting from motorcycle accidents can be severe and can result in extensive medical bills and lost wages. By investing in a motorcycle airbag vest, riders can reduce the risk of serious injury and potentially avoid these costly expenses.
In fact, studies have shown that riders wearing airbag vests experience significantly lower rates of severe chest injuries compared to riders who do not wear them. This can translate into significant cost savings in terms of medical bills, lost wages, and other related expenses. Overall, while the upfront cost of a motorcycle airbag vest may be higher than other types of protective gear, it's important to consider the long-term cost savings and potential benefits in terms of injury prevention.
Related Articles
-
How does a slipper clutch in a motorcycle work? / Featured Article
Slipper clutches are awesome as they make for more forgiving downshifts and a lighter clutch lever. Let’s take a closer look at them and see how they work.
-
Do adventure bikes really need to have big engines? / Featured Article
Adventure bikes are commonly associated with big engines and a hefty stance. Does it really have to be this way?
-
Make sure to check or replace these 6 things on a used motorcycle / Tips & Advice
Here’s a list of 6 must-check maintenance items on a used motorcycle, especially if it’s a bit higher in terms of mileage.
-
5 seemingly minor modifications that can change the way your bike rides / Featured Article
Here are 5 easy upgrades you can make to your motorcycle if you want to get the most performance out of it.
-
Yamaha Tenere 700 versus Honda Transalp XL750 - Head to head / Featured Article
The middleweight ADV segment has been disrupted by the 2023 Honda Transalp 750–but how does it fare against the Yamaha Tenere 700?
Latest Features
-
How does a slipper clutch in a motorcycle work? / Featured Article
Slipper clutches are awesome as they make for more forgiving downshifts and a lighter clutch lever. Let’s take a closer look at them and see how they work.
-
Are motorcycles really “greener” than cars? / Featured Article
Yes, motorcycles are more fuel efficient and space-saving than cars, but are they more environmentally friendly?
-
Do adventure bikes really need to have big engines? / Featured Article
Adventure bikes are commonly associated with big engines and a hefty stance. Does it really have to be this way?