Page 8 - July 2025 Edition.cdr

When it comes to motorcycle gear, few innovations have matched the impact of
electronic airbag systems. Among the most advanced is the Alpinestars Tech-Air
5 Plasma, a wireless, self-contained airbag vest designed for road and touring
riders. This next-generation piece of riding tech combines MotoGP-derived data
with real-world safety to deliver a powerful promise: maximum protection
without needing external sensors or tethers.
But what's it like to actually live with the Tech-Air 5 Plasma on South African
roads? Does it justify the R15,000+ price tag? And how does it hold up over time
in the Cape's variable climate and often unpredictable road conditions?
We spent over two months riding with the Plasma-equipped Tech-Air 5 across
urban streets, rural highways, and mountain passes—from Cape Town to
Ceres—to bring you a full breakdown of its fit, features, tech, and real-world
deployment readiness.