Honda debuts air bags on motorcycles

[underpants]

http://money.cnn.com/2005/09/08/Autos/honda_airbag.reut/

Honda motorcycles to sport airbags
Company debuts the world's first airbag on a motorcycle

TOKYO (Reuters) - Honda Motor Co. on Thursday unveiled the world's first airbag system to be mounted on a production model motorcycle, with plans to offer it on the new Gold Wing touring bike to hit U.S. showrooms next spring.

The airbag module is built in between the bike's handles and activates when four crash sensors detect a severe frontal collision, creating a buffer as the rider is flung forward on impact.

Officials said Honda aimed to offer the airbag on more motorcycles in future, but acknowledged a number of hurdles.

Because the airbag works by absorbing kinetic energy from the forward-flying rider, the motorcycle itself needs to be heavy enough not to tip over, otherwise the driver would be thrown over the deployed airbag.

The airbag also needs enough space to blow up safely in front of the rider, meaning the system can't be mounted on a sporty bike where the driver leans forward into the handle.

[commander bunnypants]

1. I am still trying to get my mind around this time

CB

[SoCalDem]

2. So.. the airbag deploys and knocks you off the bike,onto the pavement?

and a car runs over you??

Back to the drawing board

[DS1]

3. An airbag suit sounds more effective

something that blows you into a big ball so you can bounce off trees and stuff.

[billyskank]

4. You'd be using it all the time

You'd jump off buildings and stuff just for the thrill of it.

[DS1]

5. screw hitchhiking,just throw yourself in front of a truck

[calico1]

6. I know of 3 guys who got killed on their bikes.

All of them got thrown. How would an airbag help with this? I don't see the point of them on bikes.