Best Motorcycle Airbags

Tethered vs Algorithm-Based Motorcycle Airbag Systems

Before choosing the right option for you, it’s important to understand the two main types of motorcycle airbags: tethered systems, sometimes referred to as mechanical systems, and algorithm-based systems sometimes known as non-tethered, or untethered systems. Tethered systems are connected to the motorcycle and inflate when the rider is separated from the bike during a crash. The simplicity, and associated cost-savings, of this style are its main strengths. However, the simplicity comes at the expense of fine-tuning. Tethered systems won’t deploy until a rider is removed from his or her bike; so low-sides, for instance, where a rider crashes but remains in or very close to the cockpit may not trigger the system.  

Algorithm-based systems are wearable items that deploy when an integrated computer, utilizing gyroscopes and accelerometers, has detected the conditions of a crash. While this is a more complex system, it can detect a wider variety of crash conditions, and deploy nearly instantly before the rider makes impact with a hard surface. Non-Tethered systems are far more complex than tethered systems, and that complexity generally comes with increased cost. Another draw-back of algorithm-based systems is that they have to be reset by the factory after deployment, while tethered systems can have their cartridges replaced by the user, so long as no damage was done to the airbag itself during the crash.

Alpinestars has been a pioneer in the motorcycle airbags space from the very beginning. The Tech 3 Air System puts that knowledge to use, along with decades of experience making premium motorcycle jackets and vests, to create a comfortable, practical, and affordable option for riders looking for airbag protection. Top-of-the-line materials, an intuitive interface and an easy-to-sync app all come together to make this high-tech piece of kit our favorite in the category.  We also love that Alpinestars released their Stella Tech Air 3
system, which offers all of the same features along with fitment considerations specifically for women.
 
Keep in mind, the Tech 3’s algorithm is only available for street use. Other systems (Like our honorable mention pick, also from Alpinestars) have options for either street or track use, in which the algorithm fine-tunes its criteria to account for the different needs of a track user (More on that in the Considerations section below.). The tech 3 also only provides as much coverage as a standard vest, so it needs to be worn either over, or under a jacket to provide full coverage of your upper body.

The Tech 10 from Alpinestars is a truly revolutionary piece of technology for the consumer market. This gear brings MotoGP level protection to us mere mortals, offering coverage from the thighs to the neck, separate modes for the track and street, and a nifty app that can even put the system’s gyroscopes and accelerometer to use to track your ride metrics like acceleration and lean angles. Alpinestars also makes a whole host of base layers to be worn underneath, and race suits designed to expand with the airbags to be worn over top. The system can be used under a variety of jackets and suits, though, so long as there’s enough room for the airbag to fully deploy.

With all that tech and protection, why is this only an honorable mention? Well, all the bells and whistles come at a price, and riders may have a tough time paying for the most premium features when a more modest system like the Tech 3 above might do.

When it comes to tethered motorcycle airbag systems, Helite makes our favorite product on the market. The Helite Turtle 2 Airbag is designed to be worn over the top of any jacket or riding shirt, and offers protection of the chest, back, neck and collarbone when deployed. Of course, tethered systems have some drawbacks, like we mentioned earlier, compared to the more advanced algorithm-based systems; but they still offer a reliable way to beef up your protection when riding, and don’t require charging, accompanying apps, or complimentary gear to work as intended.  

The Helite GP Air Track Airbag is the aforementioned Turtle 2’s race-oriented cousin. With a cut-out for a race hump, 1.2mm cowhide leather construction, and an even faster deployment-time compared to the Turtle 2 (75 milliseconds compared to 100 milliseconds), this gear is designed for the specific needs of a track-rider

Things to Consider

Does a moto airbag ever accidentally deploy?

We get this question a lot. The answer is, while nothing’s impossible, it would take a lot to trigger an accidental deployment. With tethered systems, the amount of force required to deploy is much greater than what you’ll typically exert just getting off your motorcycle on your own, so it’s unlikely (But not totally impossible) that you’d trigger the system if you forget to detach after parking. Algorithm-based systems are even tougher to trick. Keep in mind, these systems were designed for use in the high-speed, high-stakes world of MotoGP, where accidental deployments would be an utter disaster for everyone involved.

Can I re-use a Motorcycle Airbag after it has deployed?

Each system will be different, but all of the systems we chose are designed to be multi-use. The alpinestars systems need to be re-packed and reloaded by a certified Alpinestars vendor, either at a Track Day event where they’ve set up, or through mail, which generally offers about a one week turnaround. The Helite Tethered systems can be deployed up to six times, only needing a cartridge reload after each deployment, assuming no structural damage was done to the vest itself. After that, a mail-in inspection by Helite’s experts is required. Always check with the manufacturer regarding the details of a specific system, or reach out to the experts here at RevZilla, and we’ll get you the answers you’re looking for.

What types of Riders should get an airbag?

With technology improving, and prices coming down, there’s never been a better time to add an airbag to your kit than right now. Track riders can enjoy the same protection as the pros, mitigating a significant chunk of the risk that comes with their high-speed hobby. Street riders, too, can benefit from the added protection of these systems. The neck immobilization and additional collarbone protection from airbag systems reduce the risk of some of the most common injuries from motorcycle crashes.

Are motorcycle airbags worth it?

Like any piece of gear, the value a rider gets from an airbag will depend on the specific outlook of the riders themselves. What we can say for sure is that these systems have come down in price to the point where they’re comparable to a nice helmet or jacket, which many riders already purchase without hesitation. There’s no question that the additional protection you’ll get if you crash with an airbag is a major improvement compared to crashing without one. Whether that improvement is “worth it” is up to you.

Are motorcycle airbags compatible with any bike?

Algorithm-based systems just need to be charged and activated to protect you while you ride. Whether that's on grandpa’s scooter or grandma’s ‘Busa, it doesn’t matter. Tethered systems will need a sturdy frame rail to attach to, which technically could be a challenge depending on the set-up of the bike, but it’s pretty safe to say most machines will be compatible.

Can an airbag system be worn under a motorcycle jacket or race suit?

Tethered systems must be worn over the top of everything else, just by the nature of their design. Non-tethered airbag systems offer more flexibility, and can be worn under a jacket or race suit, you just need to make sure there’s enough room or stretch to accommodate the airbag when it’s deployed. If you’re having fitment concerns, our expert Customer Service team can help guide you through the sizing considerations for the specific gear you have in mind.

Can an airbag system be worn with a backpack?

Different manufacturers will offer different guidelines on compatibility with backpacks. Sizing and fitment always have to be considered with the additional flexibility to accommodate the fully-inflated system. If you’re looking at a specific airbag/backpack combination, we’d strongly recommend you reach out to the manufacturer or our customer service experts to help ensure you get the best, safest results.

What’s the difference between Street and Track modes?

While this will depend on each manufacturer’s specific, proprietary algorithms, the modes offered in our Alpinestars picks feature one main difference: in track mode, the system will not deploy at speeds under 37 mph. The idea is to avoid deployment in the event of a low-speed tip-over on the paddock. Street mode will deploy when the algorithm detects a crash at any speed, to ensure protection even in the event you’re rear-ended while sitting still at a red light.