Hit Air bag for motorcyclists

[rkasal]

What do you all think of the Hit Air bag system for motorcyclists? Here's one on eBay with a video and a link for more information. No, it's not my listing nor anyone I know.

I've heard of this system and it seems interesting.

Regards,


Randy Kasal

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Motorcycle-Safety-Vest-BMW-Hit-Air-bag-NEW-TO-USA_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ6750QQihZ008QQitemZ 180172181849QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWD1V

[jdmetzger]

I saw these demonstrated at the '06 MOA rally. I don't like them being that if there is a flaw in the bag (or if you manage to fall and not pull the line that triggers inflation), you are basically wearing a very thinly padded jacket. The single point of failure in a safety device bothers me. Even in a car you still have a seatbelt if the airbag doesn't deploy.

I DO like seeing that people are working on technology to make riding safer, though. It's still a good start.

[glwestcott]

Looks to me that the jacket is padded and has armor so perhaps even if the air failed, it would be of assistance. Then again, seems like the vest courl be worn under another piece of equipment.

[jdmetzger]

Looks to me that the jacket is padded and has armor so perhaps even if the air failed, it would be of assistance. Then again, seems like the vest courl be worn under another piece of equipment.

I'm sure it gives you at least abrasion protection. I dug around their site a bit for info on armor but didn't find it. That doesn't mean I might not have missed it. :)

The only thing I keep thinking about it a low-side; you would hit the ground before you pulled the cord enough to inflate the jacket, I think. Of course, added armor would make it equal to other jackets out there, already.

What I'd really like to see is a combination of the BMW back protector-2 (Which I've considered buying) and the BMW/KTM designed neck brace. I know the brace might be a bit bulky, but I like the idea of having the added neck/spine protection, and then integrating it with the back protector would be great. Better yet, make it a modular system so you can use one or the other or both. That way I could wear both when I'm out GSing and more prone to tipping over, and then I could just wear the back protector to work if I didn't feel like getting all that other stuff on.

I may be biased on the need for the neck protector, though. I dealt with some major neck problems after a serious head-on car accident some years ago.