Unsurprisingly called the D-air Street, the new system is based around the ‘Mkit’ which is fitted to the motorcycle. It comprises a pair of accelerometers that are mounted on the front forks and under the seat, a fall sensor and a dash panel display unit.
The Mkit communicates with the airbag garment(s) - which can be worn by both the rider and their pillion passenger - via a two-way radio link. Each garment houses two 12 litre airbags which, when activated, are filled by battery-powered gas generators in under 45 milliseconds. Once deployed, the inflated airbags limit neck movement and give additional protection to the spine, chest and upper abdomen areas.
When UK sales begin in spring 2012, there will be a choice of three clothing styles: the £639.99 Waistcoat, the £849.99 Tex textile jacket with removable sleeves, or the £1,309.99 Gore-Tex jacket. All come with a built-in back protector, and the two jackets additionally feature shoulder and elbow armour.
Buyers will also have to purchase the Mkit separately, and its price has been set at £389.99.
Not cheap then, and the high cost may limit the customer base to professional riders for now. But, as with many innovative technologies, in time it will probably become more affordable. Who knows, in a few years motorcycle airbag clothing could be as commonplace as helmets?
Related post:
Dainese D-air Racing suit
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