Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/1189298
VOLUME 56 ISSUE 48 DECEMBER 3, 2019 P91 S TANDOUT FEATURE Cutting-edge airbag technology RIDER AN ALYSIS IIf you're like me, you probably watch MotoGP as much to see the unob- tainium hardware as you do for the race itself, and while most of us will never have the opportunity to ride a MotoGP bike, thanks to Alpinestars, we can at least have MotoGP–level safety gear. Composed of gyros and sensors capable of detecting an accident and automatically deploying in less than 25 milliseconds, this system isn't cheap. But when compared to other high-end gear, it's not completely unreasonable, especially when you consider that this is the only system of its kind that can detect and deploy an "envelope of protection" in such a wide range of crash scenarios, even a rear-end colli- sion when the rider is stopped and hit from behind—that's if you're wearing the Tech-Air Street. Alpinestars also offers a race version that has differ- ent deployment parameters specific to the race environment. Either system is available for sale, but the outer gar- ment compatibility varies for each ver- sion. Once you've ponied up the cash for the version that best fits your needs, I think you'll be pleased with the prod- uct, although there were some things that I found to be less than ideal. In typical Alpinestars fashion, the Andes Pro Drystar Jacket is beautiful, well-appointed gear with Italian style. Personally, I love the look and fit of this jacket, which is cut a little higher on the waist than typical adventure gear. The Tech-Air vest, which zips into the jacket, is then connected electronically with two electrical plugs. The system must be turned on before each ride LOWDOWN and turned off when you're not rid- ing. It's armed and made ready for use via a hook-and-loop clasp over the sternum on the jacket itself and must be positioned precisely in order to activate the system. A series of lights on the left sleeve indicates the status of the system and informs the rider if the jacket needs charging and whether or not it's armed and ready. On more than one occasion during my two weeks of riding with this gear, I noticed, while riding, that the sys- tem was not activated due to the hook-and-loop clasp not being con- nected properly. The manual says that the system must complete a "stability check," which can take up to 60 seconds before you ride, so perhaps I just needed to wait for that to happen. On each occasion I had just stopped for one thing or another and then resumed riding without rechecking the status of the Tech-Air System. I'm sure that as I use the gear more and more, I'll learn to wait and make sure the system is ready before I take off. Speaking of the manual, there are also printed warnings about who should and shouldn't wear the Tech-Air, which includes people with heart conditions and people with "neck and back problems" as well as women who are pregnant. In reading the manual, I was surprised to learn that Alpinestars only recommends off-road riding with the Tech-Air in very limited conditions and on "gravel roads only." Their definition of a gravel road is: an unpaved road surface with gravel, which is a minimum of 13 feet in width, and no gradients of +/- 30% and with no ruts, steps List Price: Andes Pro Drystar Jacket $549.95, Tech-Air Street Airbag System $1149.95 Website: www.alpinestars.com JACKET AND TECH-AIR AIRBAG SYSTEM or holes greater than 19.5 inches in depth. I understand that much of this language is likely mandated by their legal department, but you should keep this in mind if you do a lot of off-road riding and you're considering an investment in this system. You should also consider that Alpinestars recommends that this equipment be serviced by Alpin- estars or an authorized service provider at least every two years. Again, that's the minimum service interval. According to the manual, it could be as often as every six months for someone who rides "extensively." Another thing to remember is that the Tech-Air Sys- tem must be completely charged in order to work. A typical charge will last about 25 hours, according to Alpinestars, and it cannot be charged while in operation. If time is limited, a one-hour charge will give you approximately three to four hours of use. Alpinestars should be applaud- ed for their efforts to improve rider safety both on and off the racetrack. The Tech-Air System and the compatible Andes Pro Drys- tar Jacket, along with the other compatible Tech-Air garments, are beautifully constructed, very stylish riding gear that provide the wearer with the highest level of modern safety apparel, but you do have to pay close attention to charging, servicing and making sure that the system is armed and ready every time you put the kick- stand up. And, if you're a hardcore adventure rider and you do a lot of off-road riding, make sure you read the fine print. CN