Goldwing 2006 Gets Airbag
Honda Motor Co. unveiled the world’s first airbag system for production motorcycles, and plans to offer it on the 2006 Gold Wing touring bike in the U.S. market. The airbag equipped Wing is expected to arrive in the UK and Europe a year later.
The airbag module is built in between the bike’s handlebars, according to business press sources, and activates when four crash sensors detect a severe frontal collision, creating a buffer as the rider is flung forward on impact.
Honda, the world’s top motorcycle maker, said the airbag would be effective in significantly reducing fatalities and serious injuries, citing data which shows that most occur during frontal collisions, where riders are pitched over the handlebars.
Officials said Honda aimed to offer the airbag on more motorcycles in future, but acknowledged a number of technical problems would limit its application. One concern is believed to be that a smaller, lighter motorcycle might tip over itself suring a head-on collision, crushing the rider upon the inflated airbag which has just saved his or her life. The airbag also needs enough space to blow up safely in front of the rider, which means that the system can’t be mounted on a sports bike, where the rider leans forward much more.
(this article was taken from insidebikes.com)