Dainese was the first major motorcycle suit maker to bring airbag-equipped technology to the masses, and later this year it’s raising the bar — both figuratively and literally.
The latest D-air racing suit takes the system Dainese released in 2007 and gives it a safety boost with a new inflatable chest protector. Combined with the neck and shoulder airbags on the outgoing D-air, the new thorax-protecting system hugs the racer’s body, limiting movement and providing additional cushioning beyond standard body armor.
The new D-air Racing Thorax has been tested by Luis Salom in the Moto3 racing series this year, and Dainese has passed the 800 tests required to obtain the hyper-stringent Tüv Süd safety certification. The standard airbags have been modified to accommodate the new chest protector, while the gas generator that inflates the suit when the system detects the rider has sustained an impact has been increased in size.
For now, the system is only available on the D-air Racing suits, but Dainese says the D-air Street version should be available to road-going consumers next year.