Harley-Davidson Smart Vest: airbag powered by Dainese

The new Harley-Davidson Smart Vest combines comfort and style with advanced airbag protection that offers riders maximum safety. Featuring Dainese Technology's proven D-air, the Harley-Davidson Smart Vest is designed to instantly deploy in the event of a collision, protecting the chest and mid-back area and adding potential impact absorption. Dainese's D-air airbag technology is backed by more than 30 years of research. An series of sensors monitor what's happening around the rider more than 1,000 times per second and constantly processes the data in real time. The airbag is designed to deploy instantly upon impact in the event of a collision with objects, other vehicles, or in the event of a rear-end collision.

The airbag covers the chest and central area of the back and form-seals with the rider's helmet. The system is powered by a rechargeable battery with a range of up to 26 hours, and recharges with a common USB plug. Both the men's Harley-Davidson Smart Vest (part number 98017-24VM, sizes S to 2XL) and the women's Harley-Davidson Smart Vest (part number 98021-24VW, sizes XS to 2XL) feature rugged perforated black cowhide leather that promotes airflow, along with stretch side inserts for optimal comfort. Both designs have zippered hand-warmer pockets, 3M™ Scotchlite™ Black Carbon reflective material to enhance nighttime visibility, and are embossed with Harley-Davidson branding on the back shoulders.

The slim design limits bulk, so the vest can be worn under or over a motorcycle jacket. (If you wear it underneath, you need to leave about two inches of space in case it deploys.) An indicator light on the left chest indicates the status of the vest. When the vest is zipped up, and the push-button power switch is activated, the colors of the indicator light show the battery status and flash blue when the vest is ready to deploy the airbag if needed.

The vest also vibrates to indicate that it is on. The vest will deploy when it detects the vibration of a moving motorcycle engine or a speed above 10 km/h. The device will not open when away from a moving motorcycle, such as if the wearer were to trip and fall. If the vest deploys, the airbag and the two gas generators should be replaced by an authorized Harley-Davidson dealer.