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Airbags in Motorcycle Clothing

Motorcycling is an exhilarating experience, offering riders a sense of freedom and adventure.
However, it also comes with inherent risks, and safety should always be a top priority. One of the most
significant advancements in motorcycle safety gear is the integration of airbag technology into
clothing. Motorcycle airbags, whether incorporated into jackets, vests, or suits, provide an added layer
of protection in case of an accident. But are they truly effective? Are they worth the investment? In this
article, we'll explore the pros and cons of airbag-equipped motorcycle clothing to help you decide if it's
the right choice for you.

airbag without a tether. protection before hitting the
They are often faster and ground or another object.
more sophisticated than 4. Protection for Key Areas
tethered systems.
Unlike traditional protective gear,
The Pros of Motorcycle which focuses on abrasion
Airbags resistance and padding, airbag
systems actively protect vital
1. Enhanced Protection
areas such as the chest,
One of the most significant shoulders, back, and even the
What Are Motorcycle benefits of motorcycle airbags is neck in some models. This
Airbags? the level of protection they coverage can be crucial in high-
provide. Studies have shown that impact crashes.
M o t o r c y c l e a i r b a g s a r e airbags can reduce the impact
specialized protective systems force on vital areas such as the
designed to deploy in the event c h e s t , s p i n e , a n d n e c k ,
of a crash, providing additional significantly lowering the risk of
impact protection for the rider. severe injuries or fatalities.
These airbags can be found in 2. Increased Survival Rates
jackets, vests, and full racing
suits, and they work by inflating Motorcycle accidents often result
rapidly upon detecting an in serious trauma, particularly to
accident. The two primary types the upper body. Airbags absorb a
of motorcycle airbags are: significant portion of the impact, 5. Reusability (in Some Cases)
reducing the likelihood of broken S o m e a i r b a g s y s t e m s ,
1. Tethered Systems – ribs, internal injuries, and spinal
These require a physical damage. Riders equipped with particularly tethered models, can
connection between the airbags have a higher chance of be reset and reused after
rider and the motorcycle. surviving severe crashes. deployment with minimal
When the rider is thrown maintenance, making them more
from the bike, the tether 3. Rapid Deployment c o s t - e ff e c t i v e o v e r t i m e
triggers the airbag's Modern airbag systems deploy compared to single-use airbags.
deployment. within milliseconds of detecting 6. Improved Confidence and

2. Electronic Systems – an accident, meaning the Peace of Mind
These use sensors and protection is instantaneous. This Knowing that you have an extra
algorithms to detect quick reaction time ensures the layer of protection can boost
crashes and deploy the r i d e r r e c e i v e s m a x i m u m confidence while riding. This can

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LHR Motorcycle Magazine Issue 12 April 2025