Coming soon: An airbag in a suit for motorcycle racers

A new type of technology may make racing motorcycles a little safer.

In September, Dainese, an Italian company whose North American headquarters are in Costa Mesa, will release its Misano D-air Racing suit to customers in the United States. It is the first such suit to have a wireless airbag system.

The airbag will deploy if the system detects that a crash is imminent, according to the company. The leather suit houses seven sensors, three accelerometers, three gyroscopes, a GPS and a lithium battery.

The rider’s movements are monitored constantly, and when a crash is detected, a gas generator opens the 4-liter airbag in 45 milliseconds to protect the shoulders, neck and collarbones. The suit also can monitor downloadable information about lap times, speed, acceleration, braking distances and cornering.

The company said the airbag doesn’t deploy with every mishap — an algorithm can distinguish what type of fall it is and whether the airbag is needed.

The D-air Racing system, which is intended for track use, has been available in Europe since 2011 and has been updated since the prototype was launched in 2000.

A road version called D-air Street is still in the works for the United States, though it is available in Europe.

Ronnie Jones, senior director of flat track competition for AMA Pro Racing, the top professional motorcycle racing organization in North America, said the technology is too new for the association to decide whether to endorse it, but “we will be monitoring the progress and would certainly allow riders to test these products as they come online.”

In Costa Mesa, Tom Monroe at D-Store Orange County said customers have already been asking about the suit and have placed orders.

“It’s a quantum leap forward in protection,” Monroe said.

Monroe said the suit’s price, $2,499, is reasonable, given the technology.

“There’s nothing really to compare it to,” he said. “A regular racing suit, a leather piece, will cost you $2,000 very easily. Adding the airbag for $500 more is really a bargain.”

He added that racers may pay thousands of dollars in medical costs if they’re injured.

Mike Guerin, president of Ducati Newport Beach, said the suit will increase safety for racers.

Though helmets help protect the head, the neck has been an exposed area. The airbag suit “protects your skin,” Guerin said.

He believes his store will carry the suit once it’s available.

“Not a lot of people wear full suits,” Guerin said. “More people should though.”

The suit will be available online through Dainese, at the D-Store, at D-Corner dealerships and through Dainese resellers.