Riding a motorcycle brings a thrilling sense of happiness and adrenaline rush. However, things can quickly take a dangerous turn if you are not adequately protected with motorcycle gear. Fortunately, motorcycle gear has advanced tremendously in recent years to focus more on comfort, performance, and, most importantly, safety. New technologies keep evolving to make motorcycling safer and minimize the risk of injury in case of an accident.
This article explores four innovative pieces of motorcycle gear that could save your life out on the open road. You will learn how these technologies work to maximize your safety as you enjoy the thrills of riding. Whether you are an experienced rider or just starting, understanding the latest gear innovations will help you stay protected while having fun on your bike.
#1 Multi-Directional Impact Protection System (MIPS) Helmet
Motorcycle Helmets have been available since 1914. Since then, they constantly protect riders’ skulls against impacts on hard surfaces, reducing the chances of concussion.
While traditional helmets are good at their jobs, it was later discovered that most crashes actually happen at an angle – called rotational or oblique impacts rather than straight on. Traditional helmets are limited in handling these types of collisions. This has led to the development of a new generation of motorcycle helmet types with a Multi-Directional Impact Protection System (MIPS).
How does the MIPS Helmet help?
Unlike regular helmets, MIPS helmets have a thin plastic layer inside that allows the outer shell to twist independently from the inner padding touching your head. By enabling rotation, this plastic layer redirects damaging twisting forces during angled impacts.
Rather than transmitting those forces to your brain and neck, MIPS helmets absorb them in the chassis instead. Studies show MIPS motorcycle helmets reduce your chances of concussion by up to 30% compared to regular helmets. Some experts call this one of the most meaningful innovations in motorcycle crash protection in 30 years.
So when you go to buy motorcycle helmets, check the labels for MIPS. This design will give your brain the best modern protection against rotational forces at high and low speeds and could save your life.
#2 Airbag Vests/Jackets
Do you know those inflated cushions that have protected drivers in car wrecks for years? Well, motorcycle riders are now getting the same treatment with airbag vests and jackets specially made for the open road. These innovative systems detect crashes before they happen and instantly inflate to pad your most vulnerable body parts.
There are two main types riders can choose from: Non-tethered and tethered.
- Non-tethered airbag vests have inbuilt mini sensors – accelerometers and gyroscopes – that continually monitor your bike’s movement and body position. When you start tipping or crashing, they instantly trigger cartridges to inflate the vest pouches faster than you can blink.
- Tethered airbag vests have systems that connect to your bike with a tether line, so they inflate when you separate from the vehicle in case of a crash.
These rugged airbags shield crucial areas like your chest, ribs, collarbones, shoulders, and back. Some professional racers even have airbags that shield their heads. Regular jackets will leave your core exposed. But airbag jackets could help you walk away from nasty crashes and keep on enjoying the open road for years more.
#3 Smart Gloves
Motorcycle gloves may not seem like an obvious candidate for advanced technology upgrades. But new “smart gloves” are helping riders ride bikes more safely. Smart gloves have electronics and sensors built right into the gloves’ fingers and palms. Examples include Bluetooth connectivity, on-board displays, voice control, and “air tap” gesture commands.
With smart gloves, you can now perform actions like receiving phone notifications, changing music tracks, and adjusting navigation without ever taking your hands off the handlebars or eyes off the road.
Other smart gloves go further by adding more safety features. For instance, gloves with haptics can send vibrations to alert about tailgaters. Gloves with fall detection algorithms can initiate automatic SOS calls for assistance after a crash. Some gloves even monitor heart rate and oxygen levels on long rides. Smart gloves are fast, providing safety, convenience, and connectivity benefits for the open road.
Conclusion
Riding a motorcycle means accepting higher risk. But new technologies like MIPS helmets, airbag suits, and integrated sensors in gloves are game-changers for rider safety. Continued innovation that helps bikers make it home safe means more journeys enjoyed. And more precious lives are preserved when the unexpected occurs on your Motorcycles. Ride on safely.
