Harley has teamed up with Dainese to produce the D-Air Smart Vest – an airbag-equipped vest which provides protection to the chest and back areas. The D-Air tech uses a series of sensors (number unspecified) to monitor the rider and processes the data to decide whether an impact is about to happen. It is powered by a rechargeable battery with up to 26 hours of life, charged via USB. Some clever tech means the system is activated by sensing a running motorbike engine, or if speed goes above 6mph. This means that the airbag won’t be deployed if the rider trips or falls while off the bike.
The vest itself comes in ladies’ and men’s versions, both made from black heavyweight leather, which is perforated for ventilation. Stretch side panels are fitted for comfort, and there is an LED fitted on the chest which indicates the status of the airbag system. The ladies’ version comes in sizes XS to 2XL, while the men’s version comes in sizes S to 2XL, for an SRP of £754.
Harley-Davidson; 0208 891 9088;Â www.harley-davidson.com