Skip to main content

Major boost for motorbike rider protection

Following the long-awaited release of Dainese’s D-air Racing suit earlier this year, the Italian brand says it is now ready to release the road-going version of the system, D-air Street, which is set to go on sale in the Spring of 2012. Specifically designed for use on public roads; the system is composed of the Motorcycle Kit (MKit) and either an outer waistcoat or jacket, to host the airbags. The MKit, fitted to the user’s motorcycle is the brain of the system. It features a pair of accelerometers - one u
April 26, 2012 Read time: 3 mins
RSSFollowing the long-awaited release of 5284 Dainese’s D-air Racing suit earlier this year, the Italian brand says it is now ready to release the road-going version of the system, D-air Street, which is set to go on sale in the Spring of 2012.

Specifically designed for use on public roads; the system is composed of the Motorcycle Kit (MKit) and either an outer waistcoat or jacket, to host the airbags. The MKit, fitted to the user’s motorcycle is the brain of the system. It features a pair of accelerometers - one under the seat, and the other on the front forks. There is also a fall sensor that is physically connected to a display unit on the dash, to show the rider system information. Inside the clothing garment is the airbag device, which features two airbags both with a volume of 12 litres. They also include two cold automotive-type gas generators run by battery powered electronics, with an average life of 30 hours, and a five-hour charging time.

The system has been designed to protect the spine in conjunction with a back protector, limit movement of the neck whilst rolling, and to protect the upper abdomen and chest. The unit automatically switches on when the ignition is started, and communicates with the airbags via a two-way radio link. Once activated, the MKit detects the airbags and the connection is signalled to the rider on the display, together with battery life information.

The system is set to identify head on collisions with a 45-degree angle impact or a slide, once trigged the airbags are deployed within 45millieseconds protecting the wearer. A pillion passenger can also be protected by the system if also wearing a D-air Street garment, this will link into the MKit and the rider will be able to see the status of the pillion’s system on screen.

D-air Street is available in three garment styles, an outer waistcoat, gore-tex jacket and a textile jacket, which has removable sleeves for all-round use. As well as the airbag system each garment also includes a fitted back protector, with removable shoulder and elbow protection, excluding the waistcoat. Standard features also include removable thermal liners, outside pockets and adjustable waistbands.

D-air Street is currently undergoing the TÜV SÜD certification process and Dainese is positive it will reach the levels required. The D-air Racing system is already certified by TÜV SÜD.

To see the D-air Street in action visit: www.dainese.com/uk_en/d-air/d-air-street

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Regulating Kenya’s boda boda business
    July 28, 2015
    Kenya’s many motorcycle taxis have an unenviably poor record for road safety - Shem Oirere writes. A state-owned road safety agency in Kenya is grappling with enforcement of new traffic regulations aimed at reducing the number of road accidents involving two-wheeled motorcycle taxis, popularly known as boda boda. The latest statistics indicate that fatalities relating to these vehicles shot up by 58% during the first four months of 2015. Experts have concurred with a previous study by the World Health Or
  • Powered two wheeler safety plan for Europe
    November 16, 2015
    A new road safety strategy for powered two wheelers in Europe has been set out jointly following discussions. The results of analysis have been set out in a joint position statement by the bodies FEMA, FIM and FIM Europe. In the draft report FEMA and FIM have identified seven major areas of great importance that are in accordance with the positions of the riders’ organisations in Europe and elsewhere. Key recommendations and statements from the OECD-ITF draft report highlight issues for the safety of powe
  • Safety barrier protection for motorcyclists
    March 9, 2012
    Moves are being made to develop barrier protection for motorcyclists. Many public highway authorities take little note of motorcycle riders at present, considering them a small minority and assuming that any additional safety measures will be costly and provide little gain in saving lives. In spite of this narrow minded attitude, some manufacturers have recognised that niche opportunities exist to improve safety levels for powered two wheeler users through developing innovative new products. Italian barrier
  • Protecting the roadway with guard rails
    November 10, 2015
    Tata Construction Products is a major player in the European road protection market and aims to boost its share of business - Mike Woof writes. Part of the massive Tata Group, Tata Construction Products is a major player in Europe’s business segment for steel guard rails. Rodney Rice, marketing manager, Tata Steel Construction Products, said, “Our market is predominantly Europe.”