Airbags are required kit

... are they worth it?

Author

Arthur F
September 30, 2024

🧠 Need to know this week…

  1. ❗️🛞 đŸ›ž New Two Wheel Tuesday location this week (10/1) at Corto in Brooklyn

  2. 🎀 Storm King Highway is OPEN! Get your routes here.

  3. 🤖 Get ready to swerve out of the way of self-driving Cybertrucks

  4. ⛈️ Hurricane Helene has claimed Ohlins USA as a victim in North Carolina

  5. 🖥️ Who thought this was a good idea? Keep AI away from motorcycles Ducati.

  6. 🏁 Herrin claims the MotoAmerica Superbike title for Ducati over the weekend

  7. ⛑️ Eddie still needs our help. Please consider donating if you haven’t already.

  8. 🙏 SA1NT (best damn riding gear out there) has donated $10 gift cards for all new NYC MOTO Riders Club members

  9. 💫 MotoSweeper: Roadside assistance for riders is HERE!

Airbags are required kit now

I know they’re expensive but it’s cheaper and less painful than hospital bills/recovery

Airbags for motorcycle riders? Yeah, they’ve been around for a while—about 30 years, actually. Brands like Alpinestars and Dainese have been leading the charge, evolving these systems from being built into jackets to standalone vests you can throw on over your gear. Now, there are even subscription models—because apparently, everything has to be subscription-based these days.

At this point, enough people have been testing airbags the hard way—by crashing. A lot. Anyone that has crashed in one swears by them, and if you speak or know anyone that has, you’ll see why. Most have walked away from some nasty situations with little more than a sore shoulder, thanks to their airbag vest. If that’s not a solid endorsement, I don’t know what is.

Key Players in the Game

This one’s a beast. It’s got protection for your hips and thighs, which most other systems don’t offer. It goes under your race suit (yeah, I’d save this one for the track unless you’re always in leathers), so getting in and out of it can be a hassle, especially if you’ve got broad shoulders.

2. Alpinestars Tech-Air 7x (good luck finding it in-stock anywhere)

The Tech-Air 7x is Alpinestars’ newest entry and is a serious piece of kit. It’s got some serious coverage, so you’re protected where it counts. Keep in mind these are better for sportbikes since the tail coverage expands to just below your tailbone.

More versatile and easier to wear, the Tech-Air 5 fits under most jackets and what works best for most people. Get this one unless you have specific needs.

Dainese went for portability. Their Smart Jacket folds up and can be worn over or under your gear. It’s got solid coverage for your chest and back, though the fit can be tight, especially in the Hi Viz version. One problem with this one is that it’s built into the jacket and you’ll need one for cold and another for hot riding.

There are other models out there from Helite, Klim, and REV’IT! but the ones above is what I’ve seen most people wear and considering that Alpinestars have sold more airbags than all the others combined, I tend to trust them. With that said, I have friends that wear the other manufacturers and they’re happy with them.

Are They Worth It?

Airbags aren’t cheap—prices start around $500 and can go up to over a grand. But if you think about what an ambulance ride or hospital bill costs, the price tag seems a lot more reasonable. If you’re serious about safety, it’s worth considering.

Bottom line? The best airbag is the one you’ll actually wear. So pick one that works for you, and hopefully, you’ll never need to see it in action.

😇 MotoSweeper is AAA for motorcycles

I’m no stranger to being stranded on the side of the fucking road. My best friend and I have launched MotoSweeper, a roadside assistance membership for riders. We’ve got a few packages starting at $89.

Why us? Between the two of us, we’ve got half a century (ffs we’re old) of professional experience launching companies, advertising, servicing, and logistics. We’re the combination of break shit and launch and that pain in the ass guy in the room that thinks too far ahead. Put together, we’ve got a balance and MotoSweeper can only succeed if that balance is maintained.

🥇 The NYC MOTO Riders Club

For a limited time, SA1NT has graciously donated $10 gift cards for the next 20 members to sign up.

Here’s what being a member of The Riders Club means:

🌟 You’re supporting the only newsletter for riders in NYC. I work hard as hell bringing you this content and hunt down brands, routes, gear, and stories I know you’ll love. It’s a full time job and subscribers to the NYC MOTO Riders Club make it possible.

🔗 All of the Google Maps links & .GPX from our ride guides. Simply click on the links and follow the same turn-by-turn directions I did. I include .GPX links as well.

🛣️ A new route every week. There is an email blast that goes out on Thursdays to only those that subscribe to the Riders Club. It features one new spectacular route every week.

🤑 Exclusive discount codes to the 🔥 hottest gear. Some of the discounts are higher value than the free subscribers and you’ll also see some exclusive gear/brands entirely.

Give it a shot with a 7 day free trial:

We’ll shoot you the SA1NT gift card after your trial’s done.

Or if you’re the non-committal type, buy me a cup of ☕️ coffee. Honestly though, I’d probably just spend it on a pair of gloves.

🙏 Join the NYC MOTO Free Facebook Group

Go ahead and hit up the NYC MOTO Community to keep the convo going.

Until next time!

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