- It is different from the existing system on the Goldwing
- Patent drawings show a life jacket-like airbag
- It gets wrapped around the rider and detaches from the bike
Honda has filed a patent for a new airbag system for its future motorcycles. Interestingly, the overall design and mechanism of this system are different from the one Honda already has on its touring motorcycle, the Goldwing Tour.
On the Goldwing, the airbag deployment action is similar to those in cars and it protects the rider from the front. The system design is such that it can only be used on large motorcycles which have a bulky front end. However, the new patent reveals that Honda’s upcoming airbag system can be fitted on more conventional naked motorcycles as well.
The newly patented airbag system, as per the leaked illustrations, is mounted at the rear section of the fuel tank. It is accompanied by sensors which, in the event of a crash, will send a signal to the airbag system about deployment. Now, what makes this system unique is that the airbag will spread out in a ‘W’ shape. The central portion will sit against the chest while the outer two limbs of it will go under the rider’s arms extending till the back. The end result should look like a life jacket.
Another distinctive aspect of this airbag is that it will come off the motorcycle, seal itself to remain inflated, and continue to be wrapped around the rider to save them even if they get thrown off the bike. Of course, this entire action will happen in a fraction of a second.
Honda has been filing a lot of patents related to motorcycle and car safety systems which is in line with its vision to completely eliminate fatalities involving its vehicles by 2050. Also, given the fact that Honda has already filed multiple patents related to the aforementioned airbag system, it won’t be long before it makes it to production.
