Most people don’t think about airbags when they think about motorcycles.
But maybe they should.
Airbags are becoming more common for motorcycle riders, and for a good reason.
Image Credit: Rainmaker47/Wikipedia Commons
Here’s what you should probably know about motorcycle airbags.
Do Motorcycles Have Airbags?
Yes, there is, but as an aftermarket addition for the most part.
The Honda Goldwing is the only motorcycle with a standard airbag feature.
The Goldwing is the Cadillac Fleetwood of motorcycles.
It’s no surprise it would have the world’s first production motorcycle airbag system.
This standard feature became available in 2006check out the original launch in the video above.
How Do Airbags Work?
A motorcyclist has less than two seconds to complete all collision avoidance actions in an accident.
The circuit is attached to an airtight cylinder.
In the event of a collision, a chemical explosion occurs within the cylinder.
On impact, a heating coil is used to heat a chemical called sodium azide.
This chemical turns into a gas when heated at more than 300 degrees Celsius.
The downside of the earlier airbag designs is that sodium azide gas is toxic.
Potassium nitrate and silicon dioxide are now used to neutralize the gas, making it safe.
While all are designed to protect you, in terms of motorcycle airbags, which is the best?
So if you’re serious about staying safe on your motorcycle, an airbag jacket is a must-have.
There are airbag vests and jackets.
Airbag vests use a tether connected to the frame near the seating area.
The other end is connected to the CO2 cartridge on the vest.
The areas protected by the vest are the chest and back.
Many videos on YouTube show how this vest has saved riders from injury during a motorcycle wreck.
A lot of thought goes into a built-in airbag system for a motorcycle.
These include the size and shape of the airbag to account for different speeds and various impact riding positions.
Honda’s built-in system operates the same as a car.
Motorcycle airbags lack a firm support surface behind them.
To solve this issue, Honda uses tether straps to secure the airbag to the frame.
The best option depends on your budget and if you require extra safety.
So, ensuring you wear all your gear is always a good practice when riding.
Finding thebest roadside assistance serviceis also a benefit worth having just in case the unfortunate happens.
Do Motorcycle Airbags Save Lives?
Many people are unaware that airbags on a motorcycle workbut they do.
The devices are also becoming more advanced and can protect both the rider and passengers.
Honda’s airbag is forward-thinking and a great safety feature.
It’s a benefit every motorcycle rider should be aware of.
Instead, they could develop an airbag ideal for various applications.
This means more airbags would be available, protecting more people.
Why Don’t More Motorcycles Have Airbags?
There are several benefits to having motorcycle airbags.
So why don’t more motorcycle manufacturers make airbags standard on their bikes?
Simply put, it’s expensive to make them.
Consequently, riders may be unable to afford them or the custom airbag systems needed for installation.
