Honda is working on a system of seatbelts for motorcycles

csv8 · 13-04-2011, 08:08 PM

I posted this herem instead of Two Wheels,to give the car guys a laugh!!!! Yep, you read it right. Honda is working on a system of seatbelts for motorcycles.

Seems crazy, but it looks like a serious project from the patents Honda has filed for the system. Designed for bikes like the Goldwing, where the rider won't be hanging off or moving around much in the seat, the belt arrangement is designed to make sure an airbag can work more and to reduce the chances of injuries, particularly in the sort of accident where the bike comes to a sudden halt.

However, the firm has recognised that in a lot of accidents it's better to be away from the bike rather than attached to it, so it's new seatbelt system also has elements of ejector seat in the mix. When the computer senses that the bike is irretrievably tipping over it releases the entire seat, with the rider still attached, and inflates an airbag backrest. The idea is that having ejected you slide down the road in a sitting position, with the seat betwixt your hide and the asphalt. Sort of extreme tobogganing.

To be fair, when bike airbags were first mooted the idea seemed mad, and they've worked out pretty well on the Goldwing even if the idea hasn't spread elsewhere yet. Perhaps with enough development this could turn out to be a real safety boon. But we don't suggest you throw out your leathers just yet.

Scott · 13-04-2011, 08:12 PM

Sounds crazy to me but I guess crumple-zones were hard to grasp once.. Someone needs to invent airbags for leathers - maybe then my wife would stop trying to stop me from buying a bike.

phillyc · 13-04-2011, 08:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scott

Sounds crazy to me but I guess crumple-zones were hard to grasp once.. Someone needs to invent airbags for leathers - maybe then my wife would stop trying to stop me from buying a bike.

Already done. Jackets / suits upper torso only. Been out for ~5years. Use the mini CO2 cannisters. Same type as that used for motorbike tyre repair kits.

Essentially, clip yourself to the bike. The tether needs to be pulled at a certain 'jerk' rate. This stops inadvertent Bibendum-ing (Michelin man-ing) if you park and hop off the bike without detaching! Clever.

Scott · 13-04-2011, 08:22 PM

^^ An argument is about to start at my place - if I'm not back in 5 call the cops.

csv8 · 13-04-2011, 08:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scott

^^ An argument is about to start at my place - if I'm not back in 5 call the cops.

http://www.bikebone.com/Air-Vest-Mot...ag-Hit-Air.htm

Scott · 13-04-2011, 08:33 PM

Nup. No bike for me. They need to invent a bike with 4 wheels, a steering wheel and a spot for a baby seat - then I can have one in whatever colour I want apparently.

Kryton · 13-04-2011, 08:33 PM

Id rather airbag clothes than a a seat belt on a bike.

csv8 · 13-04-2011, 08:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scott

Nup. No bike for me. They need to invent a bike with 4 wheels, a steering wheel and a spot for a baby seat - then I can have one in whatever colour I want apparently.

They have..its called a Can Am Spyder

Road_Warrior · 13-04-2011, 08:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by csv8

They have..its called a Can Am Spyder

Which is a three wheeled waste of time.

I'd imagine that this Goldwing seat belt idea is designed for the American market where a rider's skill level is generally outweighed by chrome and bling.

fat4D · 13-04-2011, 08:53 PM

interesting that they are trying the seat belt idea, although they have had air bags on the gold wing for the last few years. suppos it was only a matter of time considering the gold wing really is a car missing a couple of seats and wheels

04redxr8 · 14-04-2011, 09:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scott

Nup. No bike for me. They need to invent a bike with 4 wheels, a steering wheel and a spot for a baby seat - then I can have one in whatever colour I want apparently.

With the exception of the baby seat, they have.

http://www.arielmotor.co.uk/full_screen_v2.html

pertuan · 14-04-2011, 09:42 PM

Interesting concept. I guess with the seat ejecting and keeping you strapped in, it would help reduce the risk of spinal injury which is a very good thing.

Yellow_Festiva · 15-04-2011, 04:21 AM

I'm in Europe at the moment. I have seen a few scooter style bikes with a roof, windscreen (and wiper) and belts. They were more like a racing style harness, crossing both shoulders and going down to the waist.

I'm told they also have zip on sides, making the bike an almost all weather proposition.

Actually.... bit like this: