For seasoned motorcycle riders, the old adage rings true, “it’s not if you go down, it’s when you go down.” It’s because of this fact that motorcycle gear is becoming more and more technically advanced. From carbon fiber helmets to Kevlar reinforced jackets and pants. Riders are getting a chance to ride with gear that will not only protects them in the event of a crash, but also to prevent the crash in the first place. Here are a few motorcycle jackets that take different routes to keep riders safe on their bikes.
Impulse Jackets
One of the most dangerous things that motorcyclists have to deal with while riding has nothing to do with how they ride. Other motorists pose a huge risk to riders and the main reason is because they just do not notice the bikes. Impulse Jackets is a new company that is taking aim at this problem. The company recognized that the signal lights on motorcycles are often too low and hard to see from a behind in a car or truck. They wanted a way to move the lights up higher to be seen easier and decided the best place would be on the rider’s motorcycle jacket.
The Impulse Jacket features built in LED strips on the back with one on each shoulder for the turn signals and two in the middle for the brake lights. The lights work automatically when you either use your turn signals or brakes through a built-in wireless transmitter and receiver. The LEDs are able to last through six days of normal use and be recharged by simply plugging in the jacket when you’re not riding.
These jackets are still new to the market so they are only available on one style of jacket, but if they prove to work, there will surely be more styles in the future. While the lights won’t alert all distracted motorists, something is definitely better than nothing. The lights are not that obtrusive on the jacket and could potentially save your life.
Hit-Air Jackets & D-Air
Other than putting a roll cage and a seat belt on your bike, the Hit-Air motorcycle jackets are probably the as safe as it gets for a rider involved in an accident. When the rider is ejected off of the bike the jacket inflates with the built in air bag to protect the rider on impact. The air bag inflates to provide protection to the chest, sides, and back and also creates a neck roll to prevent whiplash.
A tether is attached to your motorcycle, which then clicks into another tether on the jacket. The end on the jacket is connected by a key ball that, when released, releases stored CO2 that rapidly inflates the air bag system. If you forget to disconnect the tether and try to get off of the bike, you shouldn’t worry about it going off. The key ball has a tensile strength of 30kg so it will only activate the system when it is needed.
Unlike the Impulse Jackets, the Hit-Air motorcycle jackets come in a variety of styles because they have been available for a couple of years now. You can choose the jacket that fits your style and still be safe.
For a more technical system, there is the D-Air protection system. The D-Air deploys using sensors that predict that the motorcycle is going to crash. This system solves the problem of when the rider crashes and is still in contact with the bike. It also eliminates the physical connection to the big that could become a nuisance. It also allows for the system to be used on multiple bikes.
While these advancements in motorcycle gear greatly improve the safety of riders, they are still not the cure-alls. The best way to stay safe on your motorcycle is know your personal riding limits and to be absolutely aware of your surroundings. You can’t rely on all other motorists to notice you and to drive safely around you.
He continues to enjoy learning and sharing about powersports with others in his role as a Web Content Analyst and writer for Dennis Kirk, a role he's been in since 2015. You'll find articles written by Ryan that range from product overviews, how-tos, tech tips, lifestyle articles, and more.
When he's not writing about powersports, Ryan is often enjoying them himself. It doesn't matter if the machine has four wheels, two wheels, or a track, he finds enjoyment in it all.
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