Motorcycles Have Airbags Now, Too

[x635 4,066]

News to me, who woulda thought? Just another thing to look out for at accident scenes....

"Goldwing 2006 Gets Airbag"

Honda Motor Co. unveiled the world's first airbag system for production motorcycles, and plans to offer it on the 2006 Gold Wing touring bike in the U.S. market. The airbag equipped Wing is expected to arrive in the UK and Europe a year later.

The airbag module is built in between the bike's handlebars, according to business press sources, and activates when four crash sensors detect a severe frontal collision, creating a buffer as the rider is flung forward on impact.

Honda, the world's top motorcycle maker, said the airbag would be effective in significantly reducing fatalities and serious injuries, citing data which shows that most occur during frontal collisions, where riders are pitched over the handlebars.

Officials said Honda aimed to offer the airbag on more motorcycles in future, but acknowledged a number of technical problems would limit its application. One concern is believed to be that a smaller, lighter motorcycle might tip over itself suring a head-on collision, crushing the rider upon the inflated airbag which has just saved his or her life. The airbag also needs enough space to blow up safely in front of the rider, which means that the system can't be mounted on a sports bike, where the rider leans forward much more.

[JohnnyOV 2]

they also came out with motocylce airbag vests a little while ago.

http://www.airbagvest.com

[IzzyEng4 427]

And this is gonna protect you how??? I ride and this is the most riduculos <sp> thing I have seen. I have gotten into an accident before and there is no way this is helpful in my opiniton, infact I think this would rally hinder the operator more by

1. partially blocking the view of the operater while it is inflating and also the fact of "airbag" dust.

2. injuring the operator or causing the operator to be "thrown off" the bike

3. loss of control off the bike due to the bag hitting into the arms of the operator and possibly causing the operator to take his/her hands off the controls.

4 Most morotcycle accidents involve operators landing to one side or being ejected off the bike when they are hit or hit into an object.

I see a lot of problems and saftey concerns to the operator with this. The only way to stay safe on a bike is to wear the appropriate saftey equipment, be very aware and vigilant when you driver like you are taugh during the saftey courses and educate other drivers about watching out for motocycles.

Just my point of view