Bonneville America Forums Forums Rider Safety Forums Helmets and Gear Are the inflatable vests worth the money

Hi,

I'm so new to riding the bubble wrap is still on. I've taken the MSF new rider course and bought all the safety gear (level 3 armor jacket, tactical gloves, etc). Oh, I also bought a 2012 America that I will pick up next week.

So, I saw airbag vests at SaferMoto. I'm looking at the MLV-RC and am wondering if they are worth the investment.

i wouldn't buy one.

Kudos for setting off on the right foot and taking riding seriously. I doubt these new fangled air vests are worth the money. Serious riding gear is! And welcome to the site and the bike!

I don't know anything about them, David but I do welcome you to this site and the world of Triumph! It sounds like you're taking all the right steps towards a successful life of riding.

Common sense and a clear mind where you anticipate the traffic all around are the best items you can have when on your bike. Ride your bike with the attitude that anyone on four wheels is out to kill you...they just haven't done it yet especially in the intersections. If you want something truly valuable that will protect you the most, then incorporate that into your ride thinking each and every time you are rolling down the road.

If they are those things that you have to attach to the bike so they'll activate, then I think they are a waste of money.
All you have to do is park up, get off the bike thinking about something (e.g. the reason you've parked up) walk away forgetting about the attachment and it'll activate.

Like others have said, decent gear helps, but the best safety device on the bike is you.

BTW, welcome to the site, and the best bike money can buy

For me, good boots, good leather with armor at least in the sholders and elbows and a good helmet, decent size rear mirrors and of course good riding habits. When i ride i am a mr bobblehead, i always know whats behind me and beside me and of course where i am heading, if practiced it becomes second nature, also experieince will tell you when a cager is about or can cut you off or cause grief, it will be come instictive after a bit. Don't think i would ever consider an air bag or anything like that.

Not worth the the money. The best safety is YOU!! Know your limits and be aware of your surroundings.

Welcome to the only site you'll ever need. And welcome to the Triumph life.

i would crash trying to figure out a way to pop the thing

Like others have said, the best safety device on your bike is you. You are obviously off to a good start with a good attitude, however, it is also up to you to decide to get better with experience or to begin to make compromises. The best balance between situationally aware at all times and riding within your means is most crucial.

The next most important item is to maintain your steed. She can't help you if you neglect her and she might go so far as to bite back. Keep the brakes up to snuff, the chain cleaned and lubed, and the lights functional.

Another item that I think is important is TO BE SEEN. I wear a hi-viz jacket. I've also installed Hyperlites on the rear as there have been too many close calls with locked brakes behind me. www.hyperlites.com

It sounds like you're off to a good start. Where you go now is mostly up to you.

Maybe late seeing the date of your post, David.
I bought an airbag jacket when got my first bike. I sow some videos of the results in case of accident and some police departments in Spain include it in their equipments.
I think it's useful in the city if, as in Madrid, traffic is busy.
Honestly, i don't wear it any more because it's heavy and i'm not sure for how long the charge is efficient.

Something to think about. 80% of motorcycle fatalities happen in the first year of riding. Still, be careful, wear the gear even when it is hot or inconvenient and everything else the guys on here have said. And, Have fun! And, finally, welcome to the site and the Bike!