You don’t have to be a secret agent to know that airbags are a good idea for motorcycle protective gear. WPS is bringing the RST D3O Essential Airbag Vest to U.S. riders. Powered by In&motion’s smart airbag system, this trick bit of Brit kit is designed to protect what a helmet can’t. Meant to be worn as a base layer under a compatible jacket or suit, the vest adds airbag protection for the chest, spine, neck and abdomen without asking riders to replace the gear they already own.
“We’ve talked to a lot of riders who are interested in airbag technology, but they don’t necessarily want to start over with all new gear,” explains Cole Siebler, Director of Rider Gear, WPS. “For many, they already have a jacket they like and trust. The Essential Airbag Vest gives them a way to add that extra level of protection without changing the setup they already ride in. As airbag technology becomes more accepted in the U.S., we felt it was important to offer a straightforward, affordable option that makes it easier for more riders to take advantage of the safety benefits airbags can provide.”
Inside the vest, In&motion’s “In&box” reads the rider’s movement 1,000 times per second and inflates the airbag in under 60 milliseconds when it recognizes a crash, from low-sides and high-sides to frontal and rear impacts. It’s trained on more than 300 million miles of real-world riding and updates over the air. “Most riders already protect their head. The Essential vest lets them protect everything else, under the jacket they already love,” adds Pierre-François “Pef” Tissot, co-founder and Chief Business Officer of In&motion and general manager of In&motion Inc. “The best protection is the one riders actually wear. With RST, and with our U.S. team in Carlsbad and Brooklyn, we want to make that easy for every rider who puts one on.”
According to Siebler, the Essential Airbag Vest was built to be forgotten once it’s on. Quick-dry stretch mesh and Lycra wick moisture whether riders are on a long road ride, track day, off-road adventure, or motocross session, and a silicone grip at the hem keeps it in place under riding gear. It includes a CE Level 2 D3O back protector and a pocket for an optional chest protector (sold separately). The vest is CE-certified as a protective undergarment and declared compliant with FIM requirements for Category 2 (Superbike and Endurance) and Category 3 (Motocross).
Contact Agent 99 or your WPS rep for ordering details.
