Harley-Davidson Press release:
The new Harley-Davidson® Smart Vest combines comfort and style with advanced airbag protection to offer riders peace of mind. Powered by proven D-air® from Dainese Technology, the Harley-Davidson® Smart Vest is designed to instantly deploy in the event of a collision on the chest and central back area to add potential impact absorption.
Dainese D airbag technology has been developed over 30 years. A series of sensors monitor what’s happening around the rider more than 1,000 times per second and constantly process the data in real time. It’s designed to deploy instantly in the event of an impact with another vehicle, or with a rear collision. The airbag covers the chest and central area of the back and form-seals with the rider’s helmet. The system uses a battery that can last up to 26-hours and is recharged using a USB plug.
Both the Men’s Harley-Davidson® Smart Vest (P/N 98017-24VM, size S to 2XL) and Women’s Harley-Davidson® Smart Vest (P/N 98021-24VW, size XS to 2XL) feature a black heavyweight cowhide leather perforated shell for cooling airflow and stretch side panels for superior comfort. Both designs feature zippered handwarmer pockets, 3M™ Scotchlite™ Black Carbon reflective material to enhance nighttime visibility, and embossed Harley-Davidson branding across the back shoulders. The vest’s slim design reduces bulk and can be worn over or under a riding jacket.
The status of the jacket is indicated by an indicator light located on the left chest. The vest’s indicator lights flash blue to indicate that the vest has been ready for the airbag when needed. It vibrates as well to let you know it’s ready. The vest is activated when it senses the vibration of a running motorcycle engine or speed exceeds 6.2 mph (10 kph) – the vest will not deploy away from a running motorcycle, if the wearer were to trip and fall, for example. The airbag and the two gas generators will need to be replaced if the vest deploys. This can only be done by a Harley-Davidson authorized dealer.
