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BMW launches airbag jacket

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BMW Motorrad and Alpinestars have collaborated to produce a textile jacket with an airbag for use on the road and in off-road riding.

The Street Air jacket follows a BMW and Alpinestars DoubleR RaceAir one-piece leather race suit in 2014.

If that is any indication, it could be quite expensive as the Alpinestars vest component, alone, costs about €2000 ($A2700).

Alpinestars says the system will need servicing every two years, costing another €200 ($A270).

And if the airbag deploys, it will have to be sent back to the company for a recharge service, costing €500 ($A685).

Ducati was the first with an airbag suit that was linked to its Multistrada with sensors that detect a crash and trigger the airbag in 45 milliseconds.

However, the BMW/Alpinestars race suit and Street System jacket do not require motorbike-mounted sensors.

The system uses G-force sensors and a sophisticated algorithm to detect a crash. Because it does not require bike-mounted sensors, it will detect imminent falls even when stationary, such as a rear-ender when waiting at the traffic lights.

The bag inflates in 25 milliseconds to protect the back, kidneys, chest and shoulders which are the most exposed areas in a crash.

The jacket is available for men and women in different colours.

BMW Motorrad Street Air airbag jacket for women
BMW Motorrad Street Air airbag jacket for women

There is no word yet on whether it will be available in Australia or when.

BMW Motorrad is the only motorcycle manufacturer to have developed a complete range of rider equipment since the 1970s – from motorcycle helmets to rider suits, boots and gloves.