Honda has come out with the first airbag for motorcycles.
From Honda Press Release:
Honda Motor Co., Ltd. today announced it has succeeded in developing the world’s first production motorcycle airbag system. The new system, which can help lessen the severity of injuries caused by frontal collisions, is to be made available on the new Gold Wing motorcycle scheduled for release in late spring of 2006 in the US.
The Motorcycle Airbag System is comprised of the airbag module, which includes the airbag and the inflator; crash sensors, which monitor acceleration changes; and an ECU, which performs calculations to instantly determine when a collision is occurring. When a severe frontal collision occurs, the four crash sensors mounted on the front fork measure the change in acceleration caused by the impact and convey this data to the airbag ECU, which determines that a collision is occurring and whether or not it is necessary to inflate the airbag. If the calculations performed by the ECU indicate that airbag deployment is necessary, the ECU sends an electronic signal to the airbag inflator, which instantaneously responds by inflating the airbag. Inflating rapidly after the impact, the airbag can absorb some of the forward energy of the rider, reducing the velocity at which the rider may be thrown from the motorcycle and helping lessen the severity of injuries caused by the rider colliding with another vehicle or with the road.
By conducting extensive crash tests at its indoor omni-directional Real World Crash Test Facility, applying advanced computer simulation technology, and leading the way with the introduction of motorcycle rider test dummies, Honda has gathered and analyzed a wide array of data on the behavior of motorcycles during collisions. Honda has also taken full advantage of the experience of its automobile operations in the development of airbags, applying its expertise in the development of the Motorcycle Airbag System.
The Kneeslider: Honda Gold Wing for sale
hoyt says
I had an idea in ’95 for an inflatable motorcycle jacket that would inflate by means of a rip chord attached to the bike. In the event of a sudden ejection from the saddle, the “airbag” jacket would inflate around the riders’ shoulders, back, & back of the head.
Dainese was ahead of me and I eventually saw their concept in Cycleworld’s “What’s New” section several years ago….bummer for me – awesome for motorcycling.
Dianese calls it “D-Air”. Very cool. Check out the Dianese site (http://www.dainese.com/pre.asp)….
kneeslider says
There’s also the Hit Air jacket I mentioned a little while ago.
electricmotorcycles.net says
Call me when they get side impact air bags. Hoyt’s jacket would come in handy for high-sides! 🙂
Johnny Huh? says
Is it just me or does that airbag look like a big butt coming out of the handlebars?
kneeslider says
The internet is already filled with Photoshop “adjustments” to that image.