[Sidewinder]

This seems really cool. An airbag jacket. So it's BMW partnering with Alpinestars to create this high tech jacket that has an airbag system to save you. Not too sure how much it'll cost but I'm kinda worried about it going off in an incident where it shouldn't be ?

BMW chose Alpinestars as partner in developing an advanced airbag system offering comprehensive upper body protection for motorcycling on or off-road. As in the Alpinestars MotoGP airbag leathers, sensors and a sophisticated algorithm detect the onset of an accident and trigger full airbag inflation in 25 milliseconds to provide a level of protection even in the case of a rear impact while waiting at traffic lights.

BMW, Alpinestars Collaborate in ?Street Air? Airbag Jacket | Cycle World

 

[SlickRick]

Would love to see a video of how these work. It sounds like a great idea, once it works as explained and doesn't malfunction. They look pretty nice as well. Wonder what the prices are for them.

 

[LiquidCool]

I can just imagine the inflated price tag. There are more affordable options out there that works just as well even if they aren't as stylish. Helite has an airbag vest for around $600.

 

[WoodWorks]

Hey! That's my BMW dealer here in southern Oregon. Why didn't I hear about this demo?

But were I to buy one of these contraptions, I can just see me dismounting the bike to fill up the tank and forgetting to unclip the tether.

POOF!

 

[EvryDayRide]

I can see that happening to me too when I take a break. I think you need to attach a small air canister to the jacket, but I have no idea how much each one costs. THat could add up for people like us. :grin2:

It's something you'll need to get used to for the added protection, maybe make the clip neon green for visibility. It definitely protects you from sever whiplash as it covers the back of your neck.

 

[SlickRick]

That would honestly make for a very entertaining situation though haha ! Just remember to keep a GoPro on at all times and I bet it'll go viral

 

[bmwrider]

i wish there was a bit more neck support, sort of along the lines of a neck pillow since if you go flying having your neck in a safe position can go a long way. Still, this is better than the level of safety most riders have out on the road.

 

[Sidewinder]

Neck support is always a critical thing. The slightest flick the wrong way, you're bound to have a bad day. The harness in that video though does look like it'll take a good level of force to get it to activate which is great. I'm pretty sure if you're casually getting off the bike, it'll hold you well without setting you off.

 

[LiquidCool]

The inflated jacket prevents your neck from whipping backwards as much as it could have without one. But for really good neck protection, you're going to have to shell out more money for something like Dainese D-Air.

 

[Sidewinder]

I see that they do have neck support braces as well, but I think that may be a bit extreme ? They're listed for track use and what not?

 

[EvryDayRide]

It's really down to what you're willing to pay and what kind of riding you do. The inflatable vest on top of your usual armored jacket should be enough in case of a slow speed crash, but it's a motorcycle so there's no telling what can happen. The most we can do is prepare as best as we can.

There are just some risks we take when we straddle our first motorcycles and I regret nothing!

 

[Sidewinder]

You can never tell what can happen which is true. It's always good to try and be as prepared as you can be but it's understandable that there's only so much you can prep. Some good gloves, boots, jacket, vest, and a **** good helmet.

 

[WoodWorks]

ATGATT! I've ridden in 119°F (48°C) heat in Death Valley in August. The German and Italian tourists (the only other people dumb enough to be in Death Valley in August) looked at me like I was nuts. But I have two unbreakable rules when riding: wear all the gear, all the time, and wait until I'm done riding for the day before I have that first (of many) beer.

 

[LiquidCool]

ATGATT all the way! I've ridden in the heat before as that was when my motorcycle course took place, hot with the beating sun on me. But there's no way I'm taking anything off even if I'm sweating buckets, just open up whatever vents I had on the jacket and took it. Not taking any chances with road rash and whatnot.

If it's really too hot to ride safely, may as well stay home that day and enjoy the AC.

 

[bmwrider]

You can get vented gear, just have to spend the time and money to get the correct gear. That sort of heat can impact your psychology, and when riding you want to be in the best state of mind, might as well set yourself up to be in the best position possible. Plus motorcycle gear will last you a long time unless you get fat or start building muscle.

 

[WoodWorks]

It's true, bmwrider. Money spent on good riding gear is never wasted, IMhO. And yes, heat, cold, hunger, fatigue can all lead to diminished capacity.

There are cooling vests you can buy that (in combination with a good, vented jacket) will act like a low-tech AC for about four hours under the right conditions. On hot rides I carry one around in a zip-lock bag, pre-soaked and ready to go. And of course there's heated gear. But I have no idea how well the alternator on the 310 will cope with that kind of load.

 

[Sidewinder]

Combine the cooling vest with the cooling neck collar, and the wristband, and you'll be hitting all the right points and they're really not all that pricey thankfully.

 

[bmwrider]

It's true, bmwrider. Money spent on good riding gear is never wasted, IMhO. And yes, heat, cold, hunger, fatigue can all lead to diminished capacity.

There are cooling vests you can buy that (in combination with a good, vented jacket) will act like a low-tech AC for about four hours under the right conditions. On hot rides I carry one around in a zip-lock bag, pre-soaked and ready to go. And of course there's heated gear. But I have no idea how well the alternator on the 310 will cope with that kind of load.

Sadly it's one area a lot of riders miss out on or don't think about as much. Lack of exposure and awareness is it hence why I advocate for going to shows and seeing what's out there, vendors want your money and moving 100's of vests, boots, pants, helmets with a team of 10 is not that hard.

Its insane to see how much of shows those vendors fill

 

[WoodWorks]

Unfortunately some of us (like me) live out in the sticks. And the nearest motorcycle shows this year are more than 700 miles away. Hey, at least I get semi-fast Internet speeds and can browse the vendor and review sites.

 

[Sidewinder]

Always better to look at it from the bright side of things

Sometimes I kinda wished I lived out in the farther ends away from everything, a lot more quiet, calm, relaxed?