Wearable Motorcycle Air Bags

[GGely]

I picked up a Helite Turtle earlier this year from a fellow who was getting out of riding after receiving it as a gift. Unused and the right size for a great price.

Pretty much all of my riding this year has been with it, to the point that like the rest of my gear, I can’t imagine not having it on. The few times I rode without it, I felt uncomfortable, as if something was missing.

It hasn’t triggered accidentally, though I have done my absolute, unintentional best to fire it off. No matter how quickly I got off the bike when refueling or parking it, the tug from the lanyard has firmly reminded me to stop.

Obviously I have absolutely no desire or intent to find out how effective or ineffective the Helite is in a crash. I expect that, should it be required to do so, that the Turtke will function as designed and provide what protection it can under the circumstances.

For me, it’s part of the risk mitigation strategy that I employ in enjoying this pastime. And like the rest of my gear, one that I can’t, or won’t, give up.

And that’s my $0.02 USD or $0.02726 CDN

 

[amorley]

I have been riding with my Helite Turtle vest all year.

- Yes it is a hassle to remember to attach the vest to the strap on the bike. I have often had to do it while riding but I am lucky as KBiK has a wonderful cruise control so I can use both hands!
- Yes it does restrict the air flow through my Aerostich Roadcrafter suit primarily by blocking the rear vent. The underam vents work fine.
- No, I have not accidentally inflated the vest. The tether is set so I can stand on my pegs. Yes, I have dismounted without disconnecting the tether but the tug has always reminded me before I go BANG!
- No, I have not tested the Helite Turtle vest in action because although I might ride long distances, and like to ride fast in the twisties, I hope that I am also a careful rider.

I am very happy with my investment. Not cheap, but VERY cheap compared to an ER visit followed by major surgery. ....and I do know all about those costs!

My Helite Turtle vest is now like my seat belt in my cars, I feel uncomfortable not wearing it.

Just my 2c review

 

[STraymond]

I have been riding with my Helite Turtle vest all year.

- Yes it is a hassle to remember to attach the vest to the strap on the bike. I have often had to do it while riding but I am lucky as KBiK has a wonderful cruise control so I can use both hands!
- Yes it does restrict the air flow through my Aerostich Roadcrafter suit primarily by blocking the rear vent. The underam vents work fine.
- No, I have not accidentally inflated the vest. The tether is set so I can stand on my pegs. Yes, I have dismounted without disconnecting the tether but the tug has always reminded me before I go BANG!
- No, I have not tested the Helite Turtle vest in action because although I might ride long distances, and like to ride fast in the twisties, I hope that I am also a careful rider.

I am very happy with my investment. Not cheap, but VERY cheap compared to an ER visit followed by major surgery. ....and I do know all about those costs!

My Helite Turtle vest is now like my seat belt in my cars, I feel uncomfortable not wearing it.

Just my 2c review

Thanks, and Merry Christmas, Andy!

I just ordered a Helite Turtle 2:

Helite Turtle 2 Airbag Vest. Available in Black or Hi-Viz + FREE SHIP

Helite Turtle 2 Airbag Vest. Available in Black or Hi-Viz + FREE SHIP

www.advdesigns.com

from ADVdesigns at a year-end discount that is good until Dec. 31.

Ray

 

[AV8R]

I want to get one that doesnt require a tether. But batteries is a concern

 

[Daboo]

I noticed on an email today from webBikeWorld, that Alpinestars will be coming out with an airbag vest.

My concern with it, will be that it does away with the tether and uses sensors. Call me old-fashioned, but I like the tether. I've been jerked back when I've tried to walk away from my bike wearing my Hit-Air vest and I've forgotten to disconnect. But I've only done that 3-4 times in probably 60,000 miles. I've dropped my bike in a stop-n-drop situation...and it has always been deployed when I hit the ground. So the tether seems to work as intended. When you want it to deploy, it does. When you've made a simple mistake...it doesn't.

When I have deployed the airbag, it only takes a new CO2 cannister (@ $22) and about 5 minutes to get everything back operational.

How much time and effort will it be to recharge the battery on one of the hi-tech airbag vests? Especially when on the road? Camping. Or in an old motel with limited plug-ins? And when it does deploy because you do something like I've done and dropped your bike...can you return it to service yourself? Or will you need to send it in for service? How long will it take to get it back to you? And at who's cost? We're all attracted to gadgets and tech, but sometimes the simple designs are better.

Chris

 

[jspringator]

The electronic versions are significantly faster with a huge improvement in safety. In a crash with the side of a car that pulled out in front of me, If I was lucky enough to fly over the car, my tethered Helite airbag would (hopefully) be inflated before I landed on the ground on the other side of the car. If I had the misfortune of impacting the side of the car, it wouldn't have time to inflate at all. An electronic airbag would have time to inflate. At speeds, milliseconds are critical. My GW airbag is designed exactly for this scenario.

I would like an electronic wearable airbag with shoulder protection. So far, the Tech-Air is the only one I can find that does.

 

[AV8R]

I have to get on and off my bike at almost every intersection. This is why I took the pains to work out BT wireless 2-way radio comms and filtering out the ST’s formidable power and ground noise. A wireless airbag suits my needs, but what indication do you get if it’s low on power?

edit: I guess this answers that...

 

[jspringator]

IIRC, the Alpinestars has a low power indicator on the sleeve. The current generation are kind of flakey with their start up procedure and don't work if you are stopped at a light. I'm sure advancements will come with time.

 

[Daboo]

The electronic versions are significantly faster with a huge improvement in safety. In a crash with the side of a car that pulled out in front of me, If I was lucky enough to fly over the car, my tethered Helite airbag would (hopefully) be inflated before I landed on the ground on the other side of the car. If I had the misfortune of impacting the side of the car, it wouldn't have time to inflate at all. An electronic airbag would have time to inflate.

That's a lot of "ifs" and assumptions. But if that's what it takes to justify the cost in your mind, go for it.

I noticed Alpinestars offers financing for their airbags.

Chris

 

[ST Gui]

But if that's what it takes to justify the cost in your mind, go for it.

That's SOP for all of us with any safety gear. Most of us would always wear helmets even if/though not required by law. Some of us will only ride with full face helmets and some of us use modular or still use 3/4 hats. Some of us are ATGATT some of us are not. That has several permutations of should have and have never needed it. So you pays yer money and takes yer chances.

The risks of motorcycle riding start with getting on one and only increase from there. So you do what you think is reasonable to best mitigate them. You'll only know if you've made the right (or wrong) decision when something bad happens and you survive it.

I won't be getting an airbag bike and very unlikely to get an air-vest but I have to acknowledge their potential to save a life.

 

[AV8R]

So you’re saying that while you acknowledge the life saving potential of bike airbag tech, you’ll not be getting one because why?

 

[ST Gui]

So you’re saying that while you acknowledge the life saving potential of bike airbag tech, you’ll not be getting one because why?

If you're talking to me- did you not read anything I wrote before that last paragraph?

The why is probably the same reason every single member here and every motorcyclist everywhere isn't getting one or doesn't have a bunch of lights on their bike or carry a firearm when riding or wear a full face helmet or ballistic Kevlar with trauma plate or carry a defibrillator or $1Million in insurance.

I'm playing the odds that I won't need all of the above. Ok I do have a couple of extra lights on the back. No one can prepare for every eventuality though many think have. I take precautions I think are reasonable for me.

And I just don't like the idea of wearing another bit of kit that needs more tending than just zipping up. So there's that.

 

[SMSW]

A wireless airbag suits my needs, but what indication do you get if it’s low on power.

Not sure about this vest, but at least one of the electronic (it had accelerometers, iirc) vests required that you send it back to the mfr every two or three years for a complete checkup. This cost around $125(?) including postage. The problem for me would be giving up the vest for the roughly one week door to door servicing. The don't give you a loaner. Of course, you could skip this....

 

[Daboo]

I just don't like the idea of wearing another bit of kit that needs more tending than just zipping up. So there's that.

That's why I like the tethered airbag vests. One click, and I'm done.

Chris

 

[AV8R]

If you're talking to me- did you not read anything I wrote before that last paragraph?

The why is probably the same reason every single member here and every motorcyclist everywhere isn't getting one or doesn't have a bunch of lights on their bike or carry a firearm when riding or wear a full face helmet or ballistic Kevlar with trauma plate or carry a defibrillator or $1Million in insurance.

I'm playing the odds that I won't need all of the above. Ok I do have a couple of extra lights on the back. No one can prepare for every eventuality though many think have. I take precautions I think are reasonable for me.

And I just don't like the idea of wearing another bit of kit that needs more tending than just zipping up. So there's that.

oh i got what you said, just wanted to verify your position as while its not Spock logical, its Kirk gutsy. I do use a modular helmet, so I get the risk value proposition we all face

 

[AV8R]

Not sure about this vest, but at least one of the electronic (it had accelerometers, iirc) vests required that you send it back to the mfr every two or three years for a complete checkup. This cost around $125(?) including postage. The problem for me would be giving up the vest for the roughly one week door to door servicing. The don't give you a loaner. Of course, you could skip this....

i had no idea about the maintenance aspects to an un-tethered air vest. This may change my decision not to go tethered

thanks

 

[SMSW]

i had no idea about the maintenance aspects to a tethered air vest. This may change my decision not to go tethered
thanks

I just spent a frustrating 15 min exploring the Dainese website. What I remember is what I posted above about returning the vest to the mfr. for checking. Last time this subject came up, I was able to find the info regarding the servicing of the unit very easily. Not so now. I was able to find this on the Dainese website under FAQ: Can the airbag be replaced?
"Certainly! The D-air® Street system can be replaced following deployment.
D-Air® Street garments (i.e. the Gilet or Gore-Tex® jacket) must be sent to Dainese by an authorised Dainese D-Air® Street dealer. N.B. The M-kit (electronic accident detection system fitted to bike) must be checked by an authorised Dainese installer as it is vital to ensure that system is working properly."

I don't think many of the CO2 tether actuated vests need to be sent back - its the ones with a battery and electronics that need their expert servicing. Another q I would have should the unit use batteries, is what do you do if you go on a long trip and either leave the battery charger behind (or in a motel) or the battery discharges?

Read this thread. Both are elsewhere on our website. The more you read, the smarter you get (well, maybe only the more informed you are....(grin)).

 

[migresch]

Here is a real-life SMIDSY (Sorry Mate, I Didn't See You) test of a Helite Turtle Airbag vest.

The following is from my accident report of 2 weeks ago:
The southbound passenger vehicle was proceeding straight then suddenly attempted a left turn into the northernmost entrance of the Esso gas station located on the east side of the street. I was traveling approximately 25 to 30 kph in a straight line, northbound, on Milner Road, on my side of the road, just passing said entrance. The driver of the vehicle claimed he did not see me. He struck my motorcycle with the left front bumper, fender and headlight assembly of his vehicle. My motorcycle was struck on the left side, just below my left foot. The left foot peg was broken off. The frame of the motorcylce may have been bent. The left side case is heavily damaged as is the exhaust pipe. The bike and myself were thrown sideways and spun through about 45 degrees. The right rear wheel of my motorcycle then hit the curb, causing the motorcycle to crash onto it's right side. This caused me to be thrown off the motorcycle. At that time, my Hi-vis inflatable airbag jacket deployed. This cushioned my landing at a point about 8 feet from the motorcycle. My full-face helmet, Hi-vis armored jacket, armored overpants, heavy motorcycle gloves and motorcycle boots also cushioned the impact. The right side right side of the motorcylce is also heavily damaged. This includes but is probably not limited to: the side-case, handlebar, mirror, fairing and exhaust pipe on the right.

The insurance placed 100% of the fault on the driver of the car. Damage to the bike was estimated by the adjuster to be over $7,500.00CAN. They paid out what they deemed fair market value: $5,400.00CAN. They will also pay for 100% replacement value of my SHOEI Neotec2 helmet (just under $1,000.00CAN) and 100% of replacement value of my airbag vest (also just under $1,000.00CAN).

My injuries: a scrape to my left shin; a scrape to the back of my right hand; a scrape to my right wrist.

I give credit to 3 things for my relatively minor injuries:
1) Practice, practice, practice of evasive manouvers; in this case, I swerved right and accelerated to try to get away from the car. Had I not done so, he would have hit me at a 45 degree angle to the front left of my bike with the middle of the front of his car. Had I stopped, he would still have hit me.
2) ATGATT which included
3) The airbag vest which deployed while I was in the air after "high-siding". I landed on the right side of my back, my right shoulder, my right hip and on the right rear or my helmet.

I can 100% recommend the Helite Airbag vest.

I will close with: No matter how Hi-Vis you THINK you are, you are INVISIBLE. Ride accordingly.

 

[GGely]

Hey, migresch, glad to hear you’re ok. Bikes and gear, easy to replace. You, not so much.

I‘m wearing a Helite as well and hope I never, ever, find out how well all this gear works.

And that’s right, I can’t see you!

 

[MaxPete]

Here is a real-life SMIDSY (Sorry Mate, I Didn't See You) test of a Helite Turtle Airbag vest.

The following is from my accident report of 2 weeks ago:
The southbound passenger vehicle was proceeding straight then suddenly attempted a left turn into the northernmost entrance of the Esso gas station located on the east side of the street. I was traveling approximately 25 to 30 kph in a straight line, northbound, on Milner Road, on my side of the road, just passing said entrance. The driver of the vehicle claimed he did not see me. He struck my motorcycle with the left front bumper, fender and headlight assembly of his vehicle. My motorcycle was struck on the left side, just below my left foot. The left foot peg was broken off. The frame of the motorcylce may have been bent. The left side case is heavily damaged as is the exhaust pipe. The bike and myself were thrown sideways and spun through about 45 degrees. The right rear wheel of my motorcycle then hit the curb, causing the motorcycle to crash onto it's right side. This caused me to be thrown off the motorcycle. At that time, my Hi-vis inflatable airbag jacket deployed. This cushioned my landing at a point about 8 feet from the motorcycle. My full-face helmet, Hi-vis armored jacket, armored overpants, heavy motorcycle gloves and motorcycle boots also cushioned the impact. The right side right side of the motorcylce is also heavily damaged. This includes but is probably not limited to: the side-case, handlebar, mirror, fairing and exhaust pipe on the right.

The insurance placed 100% of the fault on the driver of the car. Damage to the bike was estimated by the adjuster to be over $7,500.00CAN. They paid out what they deemed fair market value: $5,400.00CAN. They will also pay for 100% replacement value of my SHOEI Neotec2 helmet (just under $1,000.00CAN) and 100% of replacement value of my airbag vest (also just under $1,000.00CAN).

My injuries: a scrape to my left shin; a scrape to the back of my right hand; a scrape to my right wrist.

I give credit to 3 things for my relatively minor injuries:
1) Practice, practice, practice of evasive manouvers; in this case, I swerved right and accelerated to try to get away from the car. Had I not done so, he would have hit me at a 45 degree angle to the front left of my bike with the middle of the front of his car. Had I stopped, he would still have hit me.
2) ATGATT which included
3) The airbag vest which deployed while I was in the air after "high-siding". I landed on the right side of my back, my right shoulder, my right hip and on the right rear or my helmet.

I can 100% recommend the Helite Airbag vest.

I will close with: No matter how Hi-Vis you THINK you are, you are INVISIBLE. Ride accordingly.

Hey, migresch, glad to hear you’re ok. Bikes and gear, easy to replace. You, not so much.

I‘m wearing a Helite as well and hope I never, ever, find out how well all this gear works.

And that’s right, I can’t see you!

Interestingly (given the relatively small number of Canadians in the forum), I have also just gotten a Helite Turtle Airbag Vest - and very much hope to not use it.

Having said that, it is great to hear that it worked and that you’re OK migresh!