Motorcycle Airbags Exist - But No One Uses Them? 

The easiest way to convince someone to purchase a Helite Turtle is to show them that they can get it in black.

Just dropping by to say thanks. Your video probably saved my Fathers life. I showed it to him a couple weeks back and it convinced him to buy a Helite E-Turtle just ahead of his trip to Sardegna, Italy. On his trip there he ran front first into a Cow that came out of the bushes around a bend at around 110km/h. He survived with just a gash on his elbow, the paramedics could not believe it. Now he equipped all of us with it. So yeah, cool vid m8.

The fact that a retailer is this honest about the products they are selling is beyond refreshing. Please never change, Ryan and Aneesh.

1 week ago from today marks my first motorcycle accident, with my first bike. Came up to a line of cars stopped at a light, and the next moment I was staring at the sky, flipping backwards off my bike and slamming into asphalt because someone thought texting your friends is always more important than looking through your windshield to make a safe stop. Instead of breaking several ribs and making a trip to the ER in an ambulance, I sat up with the nice feeling of an air vest giving me a firm yet covering hug. I hadn't even realized the airbag had gone off. A little shocked, I got up, answered the "r u ok" question eight times in a row, and proceeded to explain how to shift a bike into neutral to the other five people that exited their cars to help remove the crash from an active lane during rush hour. The worst part about the entire crash is that I just fixed the bike the day before, and had gotten it all ready for riding season, just for the bike to be sent right into the car in front of me at 20 odd mph. I'm sad I can't ride at the moment, but looking at it glass-half-full, Im able to continue on with my life's dreams and passions, like riding. Some riders cannot say the same after their accidents, regardless of whose fault it was. *_I cannot express how strongly I recommend these if you ride. They will save your life, and according to my girlfriend, makes you look really hot, though I have a sneaking suspicion she just says that so I'll wear it every time I ride_*

cool, i got the Helite Turtle. Now i just need a motorcycle

25-years-ago, my wife, kids, and I were heavily involved in horseback riding competitions. After I had a bad fall breaking several ribs, on paper, I designed a CO2 inflatable riding vest activated by a tethered cord. My wife laughed at me, made fun of me, and said it was a waste of time, and no one would purchase it. I never pursued my idea. My wife and I ride motorcycles so I'm purchasing both of us Helite Turtle 2 Airbag Vests, and every time we get ready to ride, I'm reminding her of my idea 25-years-ago, lol. Thank you for the great review.

I've been saying that internet of things has gone too far for years but subscription airbag beats even my wildest nightmares regarding the misuse of technology.

I was in a crash with a Helite turtle at 50mph. 3 Spinal fractures, multiple facial fractures and right hand completely crushed. 1 month later I’ve recovered, the Helite vest was complemented by police and protected my spine and neck very well. Would recommend it saved my life for sure.

This man trying his best to keep us alive and well. Respect

I don't own a motorcycle, yet he convinced me to buy a motorcycle airbag.

I don't ride. I don't even like motorcycles. But this guys speaks well. Very well. I just watched the whole video without even knowing

Was out on a group ride and a guy lost it on a fast corner. His bike was totalled but because he had a Helite Turtle on all he suffered was a broken thumb, the ambulance crew that turned up couldn't believe it.

Imagine getting jumped and hear “Take his airbags too”

I don’t even ride a motorcycle but I still spent ten minutes watching Joffrey teach me about airbags

Having crashed with and without a Helite Turtle 2, I will never ride on the street without my airbag vest again. Crashing with the airbag vest was almost comfortable. None of that next day all over soreness. They really work and could save your life. I don't know about you but the deductible on my health insurance is more than the cost of the vest. Easy math for me.

I have the Helite 2 based on this video. Unfortunately, got to deploy it riding around in North Western Arkansas in early November. Nothing bad and landed in soft dirt, but the vest deployed before I hit the ground as I wanted. I actually am so used to wearing it that I did know what had happened at first!! What is this pressure all around my torso?? Got some lunch, replaced the CO2 cartridge, finished the day and rode the next day. OK, a minor fall cost me a $40 CO2 cartridge. Totally worth it!! I did have to unscrew the CO2 cartridge to deflate the vest so I could pick up my adventure bike (with it inflated I could not pick up the bike which illustrates how good it is a immobilizing your torso). I live in Texas and have not had a problem with overheating.

Was in a bike accident several years ago. The helmet saved my life but broke 7 bones and punctured the lungs. Busted my shoulder so I can’t ride anymore. Wish I had have one of these back then.

My family friend's nephew (edited, thought it was son) is Dustin, one of the faces of Helite. I remember his father showing me the Helite website and being proud of it a couple years back. By god have they come far

If there’s any RU-vid biker that can be quoted to be taken seriously it’s Ryan F9. I believe you have the capacity to change the industry for the better.

Appreciate the review and presentation of how effective these can be. After discussing this with my wife her reply was “I don’t care what it cost, get one”. That’s a Texas sized 10-4 good buddy.

I have a Helite leather jacket and I slid with my bike on gravel that I didn’t see on a very tight left turn. Did not feel a thing at all and stood up completely unharmed thanks to the airbag, even though I rolled in dirt and rocks. Two lessons learned: the air bag works and I’ll never ride without one from now on, and I’ll have to better scan the road.

I just watched a 10 minute add without complaining.

"Are they useful?" As a person who came off wearing the Helite Turtle - yes. Yes they are.

"Smart riders know the tethered airbag deploys in 36 milliseconds" Highly intelligent scientist plus comedian. You are truly a treasure to the motorcycle riding community! I hope you are making a good living making these videos because you definitely deserve it!

I fear death less than I fear a spinal cord injury which is why I got the Helite Turtle. I find it comfortable to ride with and easy to use and provides peace of mind that I’m doing my best to protect against injury. $1000 is a lot but I’m sure if I’m sailing off my bike at 100kph it will seem like a great deal then. We all assume risk as riders but we can use gear to reduce the risk of serious injury. Keep safe my friends.

Helite Turtle's gonna have a massive sale now thanks to this video. 😁 I'm going to at least check it out.

When I was rear ended by a car, thrown ten feet into the air and landed on my back, my hit-air airbag vest saved me from any serious injury, it was almost like landing on a water bed, I'm sure my back would have been badly hurt otherwise.

I had a motorcycle accident yesterday and this Helite Turtle Airbag saved me from breaking my ribs and hip. It also protected my neck and saved even my helmet from smashing against the road.

I've been using a Helite Turtle for 4 years now, it just becomes second nature like putting your helmet on. Great review

And thats 10 minutes without me even noticing

A guy at work had a motorcycle accident , 2 years latter he's just now walking with a walker and has 10's of thousands in medical costs , then take into account he hasn't worked for 2 years and had to piss into a bucket, if your looking at the cost of an air bad and saying i can't afford that, then you can't afford to get a motorcycle.

I think I watched this 6 or 7 times before I convinced myself to buy a Turtle 2. Funny thing is that I watched it 3-4 times more after I bought it to convince myself that I did a good purchase and indeed is one of the most useful protection items to have. Thanks a lot guys!

I wish I’d had that when I was at a red light in 1980. Guy hit me from behind sending me flying. I landed on the back of my helmet, folding me so hard it crushed my spinal column. I’ve been paralyzed ever since. Still love bikes but damn I wouldn’t ride without one of these.

I have the Helite, and I always use it. Research from the UK shows 60-65% reduction in serious trauma to neck and back. I'll take that. BTW, if you dont fancy the neon colours, the Helite is also available in black.

I heard about Helite shortly after I started riding. I did my research, then bought one from a local dealer. I've been wearing it for over two years and never accidentally triggered it. Yes, it's extra bulk, and it can get a little hot during the summer, but water is easier to replace than blood.

There are currently 14 colour choices on Helite’s UK online shop. Plenty of choice, whether you’re looking for your vest to blend in, or stand out.

I have absolutely no interest in motorcycles, but this dude is so charismatic that I watched the whole thing.

"Hey Biff, get a load of this dudes life preserver....the dork thinks he's going to drown!"

As a polytrauma orthopedic surgeon I can give one good advice to creators of this device- it would be much more sufficient if it would also cover pelvis. Pelvic ring injuries are one of most dangerous with lethality rate up to 67%. So it would be an overkill to lengthen protection to said area.

Bought my helite about a year ago. Got an extra tether for the second bike. Haven't had to use it yet, but I will say that I have had a lot of other bikers make fun of me. Only to get left in my dust on the s1000rr. All laughing aside, I have noticed more 4 wheelers seeing me earlier and giving me more space and respect. I really don't care what anyone thinks. If it gives me a little more safety without being a huge pain, then I'll use it. The helite gets 4 stars from me as I do feel like it has a few places it can be improved.

Helite also offers full jackets with the airbag inside. I've been wearing one of those for close to 4 years now and it probably saved my life.

Helite vests are great! I've had the original Turtle design for 5 years and nearly 100,000km of use. It has only deployed once in a minor low-side, no damage to it so I just ordered a new cartridge and kept on wearing.

Slams into a car Klim: Sorry bud you didn't pay your $12 subscription for this month. You're on your own, best of luck.

Never driven a motorcycle in my life. This was in my recommendations and i loved every second of it. Well done!

Bought a Helite Turtle five years ago. The salesman inflated it and then wacked me in the back with a lump hammer. I bought it there and then. The are around £420 in the UK. Thanks for confirming that I made a good choice.

I had a Dainese airbag vest and let me tell you it absolutely paid for itself, I got hit by a car that ran a red and it did exactly what it was supposed to. I'm lucky I got to walk away from that and i would've been far worse off had I not been wearing one.

I'm living in Belgium and I am wearing a Helite Turtle 2 for every ride the last 2 years. Since then I very rarely ever see other bikers wearing it. This video confirmed that I have made the right choice.

I just ordered a Helite Turtle yesterday after doing quite a bit of research. I just ran across this video today.. I picked the Turtle for all the same reasons Ryan talked about. Makes me feel good about my choice after the fact. My wife has been badgering me for a year or so to get one after one of her friends avoided serious injury after hitting a deer at over 60 mph. He was wearing a Turtle.

Sending this to all my friends who ride in a tshirt with a fake half helmet.

Great video! As the New Zealand distributor for Helite, I recognize that you answer the most common questions with great clarity. Good work Ryan, and thank you.

I told my friends 7 years ago, that an airbag for a motorcycle would be nice, they all laughed - don't Listen to other people

Many riders can't even be bothered to wear helmets, as is. Imagine asking them to wear an airbag.

The three wheeler on its side in the background is perfect

I don't like the risk, thank you very much. The barrier to my having one is lack of information boiled down for the lay human. This video solved that problem in Fortnine style.

This is definitely one of your best and most informative videos! Love it. I do have to say that I unfortunately am one of those hardheaded riders. I was the guy who hated manufacturers who put ABS on their bikes. I made fun of Honda and their "dumb gas bags". I saw these and laughed my ass off, "nope not a single guy would wear these. How stupid to be a bubble boy". Then I had one of my worst accidents ever. It was nothing I could have prevented with my 25+ years of riding prowess, intuition, wisdom, etc. I wasn't "stunting" or being a stupid head. I was just enjoying a nice day on the bike. 4 fractured vertebrae, two fused vertebrae, a fractured rotator cuff, brain bruising and bleeding, a shattered knee, and the nurse spending eleventy million hours picking dirt and rocks from my legs and ass, whilst naked, groaning, and my manhood open to the world to see, made me quickly realize I didn't want to go through that again. LOL. The airbag is also quite intriguing and can see my whiplash and upper and mid vertebrae fractures wouldn't have happened or been massively reduced had I been in an airbag. Yup. Safety matters and when I can talk my spouse into letting me buy another bike, I'll definitely be an air bubble boy.

Best motorcycle channel on RU-vid.

Just ordered the helite one a few hrs before i saw this and I'll be honest, i felt a little nervous thinking I'd bought the wrong one. Video suggests otherwise and rather relieved I've made a decent decision

I don't own a motorcycle... and I watched this whole damn thing. This guy is weirdly entertaining.

This is by far the most effective ad I have ever seen. Its cool what happens when you make a genuinely good product.

Here's hoping F9's observations lead to some much-needed changes in this rather stagnant portion of the market. Thanks Ryan!

"most riders dont buy them because the like the risk" Dude I'm poor XD

Helite is actually investing in electronic solution nowadays. I have their e-GP electronic airbag vest, and it's much better than Smart Jacket.

I remember these years ago, i worked at a ducati dealer and we stocked them for a short pwriod of time but no one ever bought them or even seemed interested. Even though we sold tons of armor, jackets, gloves and helmets.

Wasn’t expecting to see a 3-wheeler on its side during the discussion!

Always felt "finished already?" Eveytime Ryan says 'thanks' That 10 mins was gone so fast

I’ve had a Helite for a couple of years now and wouldn’t ride without it.

This video made me go out and buy a Helite vest. The only challenge was finding a size that fit. My first order was a bit on the large size. It's too bad no local shops had these for sale.

I didn't use motorcycle airbags because I didn't know they existed. Now I'm not using it because I'm already in debt.

I want an airbag, but they are expensive. I historically didn't want to tether, but I'm thinking the inconveniences aren't that serious. I just ordered a vest. I'll do a review on it once I wear it.

My Hit-Air MLV-RC saved my ass in a 60 mph high side. I will never ride without an airbag vest again.

I have the Helite black leather jacket with the same technology built in. It is the only jacket I wear, and I never ride without it. I used to use a yellow vest like the Turtle, over a regular jacket, but I got tired of the two-step process. One note: the technology was invented by a Japanese company called Hit-Air, and they are still selling vests with the same technology, for about $100 less.

You: it's just $900! HOW MUCH IS YOUR LIFE WORTH BRO Me: according to my employer who pays me, and my government who taxes me, not that much

Loved the review. Let me tell you that from an emergency doctor and also rider point of view, what shouts immediately for my attention is the lack of neck protection in all airbags vest, beside the Helite that apparently makes a god protection around your cervical area and provides great restriction on the helmet. Great video.

I have always been interested in motorcycling. Eventually when I someday I get into it I am definitely getting a good airbag. I would love to ride a bike but not because it’s unsafe, because riding a bike of any kind is fun. And I most defiantly getting a tether one, as much as I like technology, having a tether feels right.

I like the Alpinestar TechAir 5. I charge it after every ride with my Cardo. Charges quickly, charge has held for a month while I was gone on vacation and charge has lasted for a 12 hour ride. GREAT performance.

Damn, this channel has the most honest reviews I know. And this one in particular is corageously honest. I'm italian, here Dainese is believed to be the best, but often is just showoff. Thanks for telling the thruth

this guy is like what a cool college Professor was when he was young, but young. Basically he will evolve into a Cool college Prof.

F9 could make a lot of money with selling safety equipment that “does the job”😂

Hey, this video saved my life. I got a helite airbag and it helped to save me during a 165mph crash where I went through a car. If this airbag didn't stabilize my neck as I used my head as a battering ram, I would have likely pulverized my neck and died. Thanks for content like this.

Gonna have to disagree with you here Ryan. Sensor airbags are definitely superior. Yes, the Helite turtle is a huge upgrade over a conventional jacket. And yes, it does have the best actual airbag. However, it has major drawbacks not touched upon- a tether doesn't foreseeably protect against all crashes. For example, a sportbike rider could easily lowside without ever leaving the bike. Without this the Helite vest would not inflate leaving the rider prone to injury as they slide into, most likely, a guardrail, another car, or a ditch. In contrast, like you said, sensor based airbags are constantly learning and improving and will protect against far more types of crashes. The other problem is that you mention that with enough speed a rider will clear the bike fast enough, ripping the cord at 36 ms at 50 kph. This assumes that the most likely motorcycle fatalities happen at high speed. However, the vast majority of motorcycle fatalities happen at lower speed in urban areas-where I would definitely want a fast inflating airbag compared to the low speed and therefore activation of a tether airbag. In addition, it assumes an inflation time not advertised- you don't know for sure that just because the ripcord is deployed at 36 milliseconds that the airbag itself will deploy immediately. This is why helite doesn't advertise that low of a time, rather a 100millisecond inflation time. Again, not something I would settle for considering the most likely crash is in a low speed urban environment. I agree that you should be able to charge the airbag as you ride. However, for a commuter, where the danger is highest, who would just charge the vest every day anyway, the Tech-Air 5 easily makes the most sense. In fact, they're priced the same as the Helite 2 vests- the Tech Air 5 at $700 and the Helite turtle 2 at $650-679. The Tech-Air 5 (Or Klim AI-1 if you have the money) easily make the most sense for the most safety, especially so if you gain the ability to charge as you ride.

What about hit-air - the latest I have from them is tethered, 20ms inflate time and have full drop panel to protect the cox’s bone.... and due to webbing design that cuts out excess panels - means you actually get pretty normal air flows in hot weather - used airbag from hit-air for last 8 years and it’s saved my neck on two occasions - never ride without it on. ALSO please note I have also had a low speed drop due to a high kerb catching my side stand in Cornwall backroads --- and having tethered means it did not blow unnecessarily --- lets be honest this is about a serious kick at speed where the bike leaves you... not having it blow at very low speeds unnecessarily

Always a good day when we get the top tier content from f9

This came back up in my queue, so I came back to leave another comment. I'm sitting here with a broken arm and knee after highsiding at 55mph and bouncing down the road. Bike is dead Arm hurts Knee hurts Everything else is fine Paramedics were amazed and doctors did the CT scan twice as they were expecting spinal damage. Thanks to the inflating C-colar keeping my neck in place I didn't have a thing. Best £500 I ever spent, and I wouldn't get on a bike again without one. ETA: I have the Helite Turtle.

Top work as ever Ryan - although as ever you took your usual thorough scientific approach (and I just blagged it) I'm glad we arrived at the same conclusion about which airbag is best!

Been wearing this exact vest since some years for my commute. After a while it feels like wearing a seatbelt. You just don’t feel safe on the highway without it. Helite does recommend you send it in for checks after 2 inflates though, which seems reasonable.

have had and worn my Hitair vest for the past 6 years. 1 deployment in a muddy driveway, replaced the CO2 and glad to know this everything worked as it was supposed to. Great vid.

I'm watching this in bed two weeks after crashing on my motorcycle and ending up in trauma icu. Pneumothorax, fractured vertebrae, broken ribs and a fractured scapula. I had most my protective gear on, they had to cut my jacket and helmet off. My jacket had that exact ce 1 back pad. Laying in the hospital I realized the blunt force trauma would of been significantly less had I been wearing a airbag vest. As soon as I can move and breathe without screaming. I plan on buying and wearing one... Thanks for making this video!

I currently own a alpine stars tech air 5 and I can honestly say that I never had a issue with not being charged, yes once I forgot to charge and I plugged in and delayed my ride for 30 min while it charged, lasted all day and although it’s a bit bulky it makes you feel protected. I am 40 years old now, I don’t care about how I am perceived, I only care for my safety and enjoyment while riding.

Started riding 2 years ago mid 40s....One of my 1st expensive accessories was a helite vest.

8:35 Ryan being Ryan, holding no punches and why I will seriously be looking into a Helite jacket for this season.

It is proven two times for me and it works. Easy repair as well. Helite thank you.

I've been riding for 16 years and have been in two major accidents. Danger is an allure, but I'd rather have safe these days. Definitely gonna pick up one of these.

I have the helite and unfortunately had to use it when I highsided 😖 Thanks to the helite I walked away with no injuries to my torso, only bruises on my legs 👍 would highly recommend them.

I wish I had an airbag back in 2015 when I was shunted from the rear by an asshole in a van texting rather than looking at the road. I’m willing to bet I wouldn’t be in a wheelchair now.

This video saved my shoulder! It is the reason that I chose the Tech Air over the Dainese and the shoulder coverage was the difference between a month in a cast and six months of rehab.

One of the best adverts I've ever seen. If only adverts on TV were this good, I might still be watching it.

Hands down the best motorcycle content on RU-vid. It´s like watching a realy well done documentation everytime he uploads a video.

I love how the three-wheeler is on its side in the background.

I work in a hospital, yesterday I treated a professional racer involved in a 160 mph horror crash. Honestly I don't know how she's alive and so well, but she has her gear to thank for that!

I'm never going to ride a motorcycle, and I am not even into motorcycles as a hobby, I just enjoy this channel for its excellent production value.