Airbag for Motorcycles - Helite Turtle Review, Inflation Demo, and Reinstallation

Motorcycling is dangerous, but Helite's airbag vests and airbag jackets make it less so. They're not going to make it safe, but they still could save your life. And that's worth it to me.
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Bikes: • Motorcycles
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Graphics by Skyler Benn.
This video was filmed with in-ear, binaural microphones, so if you listen with headphones, it will sound like you're sitting in the driver's seat!
#helite #airbag #motorcycle

[@DailyMotor]

Get 10% off your Helite product with the code "dailymotor" ! Check them out: helitemoto.com/

[@MTJoe406]

Thanks for the good review. Hi viz gear works. Drivers don't see motorcyclist wearing normal colors because they blend in with the background. Hi viz gear works, because they are unnatural colors, and the brain quickly recognizes that. There's definitely science behind it. After 5,000 miles of city driving and having drivers pull out in front of me, I realized they couldn't see me. Once I just switched to a high viz vest, I instantly noticed that drivers see me, and the close calls dropped significantly. I think I'll be upgrading my standard vest to this air bag vest as an added safety measure. The high viz look can be perceived as dorky, but I'd rather be an alive dork vs the alternative.

[@hibob841]

Absolutely. What's funny about the "loud pipes save lives" crew is that they're invariably the same folks who wear essentially ZERO actual safety equipment-because they don't want to look like dorks. Most of them won't even wear a helmet unless their state requires one, and in that case they're probably rocking a "novelty" lid that's not even DOT-rated, just to keep the cops off their back. Rarely do I see them in gloves or a riding jacket. They usually wear boots (HD-branded, naturally), so at least their feet will make it to the casket intact. They certainly wouldn't be caught DEAD in hi-viz anything! Essentially, their safety ranks somewhere below their vanity-but higher than your right to sleep or relax. Interesting priorities all around. I don't get it, but...'Murrica.

[@henryslager9406]

Yes, I don’t have an airbag yet but always wear a light hi viz vest on top of my jacket. Recently I made a short ride across town without my hi viz vest. During that 20-30 minute ride I had a car swerving in my lane because they didn’t see me. A situation which is fortunately very rare for me. Then on the way back it happened again. I’m not riding without my hi viz anymore..

[@MTJoe406]

@@henryslager9406 I recently upgraded my Hi-Viz vest to the Hi-Viz Helite air bag vest. It's expensive, no doubt but when you put into perspective the level of safety it provides versus the cost of the motorcycle and other essential gear, its worth it.

[@manray005]

@@henryslager9406 Can confirm high-viz works really well. Last summer I was wearing my mesh jacket. It does have high-viz on it but it's an accent color. Most of it is dark grey (almost pavement color for some stupid reason). I could tell people couldn't see me that well. Had quite a few people stop, look, and pull straight in front of me. Compared to last fall and now when I am wearing my rain shell for wind protection I haven't had a single close call. I have even seen people start to pull out then stop because they actually see me. Just got the turtle in high-viz so even with my mesh jacket I'm (hopefully) very visible.

[@manray005]

I had the same experience. My original jacket was this dark grey asphalt color. Had a few close calls from people merging and pulling in front. Switched to a white and highviz yellow jacket and haven't had a single incident since in over 3000 miles. It's insanely effective.

[@jonlobello7151]

I'm 72 now and have decided to sell my 88 Honda Hawk GT because I can't afford to be badly injured (or killed). I think one of those could enable me to ride with confidence for two or three more years. Fortnine Ryan also gave the Turtle a big "thumbs up" for all the reasons you mentioned. I already wear a contruction vest over my riding jacket so the flourescent yellow color would be an asset for me. I also boat fish and the dog gone thing the way it's set up, could double as a emergency life jacket by connecting the lanyard to the boat or motor.

[@hibob841]

Great review and info, thanks! I just bought one of these today. I hope to never "use" it, but with two young kids to feed, I can't justify riding at all unless I am going to take *every* reasonable precaution. I'm already an "ATGATT" rider-if it's too hot or too short a ride or I'm too lazy to put it all on, I just take the car. But it seems to me now that if you don't have an airbag, you don't really have "all the gear". According to Fortnine these are 50 times more effective than traditional D3O armor. 50 times! Plus it functions as a neck brace, and almost nobody wears one of those on the street. Huge improvement to safety all around.

[@biondanishgenomeinstitute8193]

I got a model 1, which saved me. Its back shield also works many times better, because the air is between it and the body and thus distributes the blow much better. The cartridge should be weighed once a year, +- 3 grams. One can get Helite air pants now too.

[@HyadumHH]

Ha, exactly the same thing happened to me. Same scenario, same environment, same excuse. You are spot on with the comment about registering the potential danger. Even if you are right in front of a driver, he did not have any alcohol or drugs, he is not texting and driving, he might still not "see you" because he expects a car. Active and passive protection from each rider is very important.

[@DailyMotor]

Hope you're okay! Very frustrating, but yeah, all we can do is protect ourselves and then recognize riding is dangerous

[@illiyakuryakin3092]

I suggest shortening the lanyard by tying it differently to the bike. Did you notice how far away from the bike you were before the vest activated? I have the same vest and had mine activate last year in a slow moving fall. I also rearmed mine in a matter of minutes. This year I purchased the electronic version of the vest and plan to use it between my bikes. The only hesitation is the E-version only activates if you are moving beyond a certain speed. So the lanyard vest is more protective in situations like standing at a stoplight and getting rear ended by a driver. Be safe, but again - shorten your lanyard.

[@stuipooey1]

Excellent video, the Helite Turtle is a great piece of kit. I have multiple bikes so went for the electronic version and have used on several multi day tours. Even in high temperatures i didnt find wearing it an issue. You get about 25 hours of actual use before you need to recharge it and it charges quite quickly. A big advantage is that it will trigger faster and yiu dont have to separate from the bike. A couple downsides are that the cylinders are more expensive and it doesn't protect you at low speed ie less that 22mph. You can add a fork sensor that pairs with the jacket via Bluetooth and triggers immediately upon impact. Quite a common item in our riding club, the majority go for the lanyard version.

[@RossGoneRogue]

Since I started riding it always felt wrong to just get on a seat and go (without buckling in). This is pretty much the equal for a bike. Your 10% off code pushed me over the edge to get it. Comes in a week.

[@afonsocarneiro]

you had no accident with this vest on ;) but the product is amazing and everyone should have it!

[@mannyechaluce3814]

"If I were to fall on the ground or something",, walked over where there is soft Grass :D he he he

[@rightlanehog3151]

Charlie, I think we are going to have to start calling you 'Super Dave' .

[@andrewshore262]

I’ve been motorcycling since the mid 70’s had a few minor scrapes and one big one, I always buy the best gear I can afford and I’ve learnt through experience you just can’t rely on other road users to be predictable. I think something that is criminally overlooked by motorcycle manufacturers is the fitting of really powerful horns, they save money and give you what must be the absolute minimum on a vehicle costing £20,000 or more. Regarding your accident where you say you were watching him and sure enough he just pulled out didn’t see you etc., I’d be pressing the that horn even if I only suspected he was going to pull a move on you - loud sounding horns on a prolonged push really get the message over. Here in the U.K. that’s actually considered correct use of the horn to alert other road users where you are. They may give you a hand gesture but who cares you didn’t crash & burn. As for the airbag vest - yes every time 💯 great review ride safe

[@nikhillewis7294]

Charlie of all the dead bodies I saw when I was a paramedic, the only thing they had in common was that NONE of them were wearing a turtle airbag vest. Make of that what you will

[@TheParaxore]

Their are also multiple videos on KZbin of people getting in nasty high speed crashes (70mph) and walking way relatively unscathed, thanks to these vests, great gear that will likely be mandatory in the future.

[@BK-cs8lm]

Hurt report was published in 1981 and air bag vests weren't sold back then as far as I know. An extensive study on airbag effectiveness would be good though.

[@sandilemajiya7831]

This is a very cool vest . It's looks very good in you it is a gear itself very well designed.

[@steve00alt70]

I dont trust electronic airbags but I do trust thethered ones to your bike. Dont expect a grom to slow down as quick as a bike that has a much bigger abs disc brake.

[@lukimy2704]

I am picking one up tomorrow. Thanks!

[@massimoadriano1210]

Good video, well done. Got the Helite turtle 2 last month to go with my BMW F900R :-)

[@Supersnakeridah]

Great video outlined every aspect of the helite vest 👍✌️ note: im picking the stealth black vest tommorow ❤❤❤

[@jbean530]

I think the brain does not consider a motorcycle as a threat and does not “see” them. I’ve had people cut me off in the middle of an intersection after sitting right next to them for five minutes at the stop light. High viz can’t hurt, I’m not surprised if you still get cut off. Just assume they don’t see you. Stay safe.

[@clay1883]

I bought two of these several years ago. The first problem is the spine protector. Very few people will be able to wear the turtle with the spine board in place. I had to remove them before me or my Wife could wear the turtle. I was told to do this by a company rep at Helite. Fit is terrible. They should come in different lengths for shorter people. Yes, I spent $1300 on them and we do wear them. But that is a far cry from being satisfied. The turtle rides up under my helmet making a very uncomfortable ride.

[@markkitaoka8783]

I just wrote a comprhensive review of the Turtle 2 on Web Bike World. It's a great device.

[@jimdandy4329]

Good video, just ordered their air mesh jacket

[@MrHappyZorro]

I bought one for use on my electric scooter. Some insurance in case a car sends me into flight.

[@thatguy8005]

I thought about getting one of these… but haven’t bit yet.

[@knutwagner9766]

Great job Charlie.

[@BoopSnoot]

Seems like a viable solution until we can implement German style driver's license laws in the US, where driver's education isn't just a instant stamp that even the absolute most incompetent people can still pass, and where most driving infractions are actually enforced by the government (when is the last time you saw an American pulled over for not using their blinker or passing on the right for example)? Ideally, I'd like it to be managed like a pilot's license, where not only are rules strictly enforced but at least 10% of potential drivers that are the absolute worst can't pass, and where driving without a license which is REALLY common in Texas with our large number of illegal people that also have no insurance results in immediate arrest and towing of the vehicle, preferably to be auctioned off to go towards road taxes for repeat offenders like triple DUI drivers that still end up driving anyway.

[@MukisaSS]

I agree but also our road infrastructure is horrible to compared to other countries such as Germany. If that can be improved, driving would be way safer too.

[@hibob841]

Most Americans have this idea that the Autobahn is some kind of free-for-all, when (as you allude to) there's actually fairly strict enforcement overall, just no fixed speed limits. Instead of speed traps, they have "tailgating traps"-vans on the side of the road that automatically measure your following distance and ticket you if you're too close. I wish we had those here! Your average American driver doesn't even *know* not to pass on the right!

[@BoopSnoot]

@@hibob841 The other alternative I would entertain would be completely lawless highways, so that we could follow Mad Max designs to make morning commutes far more interesting, and cull the herd of the weak.

[@JimmyHamAnp]

I am sold, thanks!

[@emmanuelblanco4301]

Great review! Thinking of getting one but can't decide between a hi-viz or not... I guess it really wouldn't matter once it activates!

[@hibob841]

Get the hi-viz. Sure, doesn't matter once it activates-but wouldn't you rather avoid the crash in the first place, if you could? Hi-viz gear helps with that!

[@henryslager9406]

I don’t have an airbag yet but always wear a light hi viz vest on top of my jacket. Recently I made a short ride across town without my hi viz vest. During that 20-30 minute ride I had a car swerving in my lane because they didn’t see me. A situation which is fortunately very rare for me. Then on the way back it happened again. I’m not riding without my hi viz anymore..

[@lesevickv]

What is your proportions and what size is youre vest? does it fit Helite size chart rekommendation ?

[@Wildman-zh8lg]

If I had a motorcycle I would buy that

[@RedMoonRising24]

Where else do you recommend mounting the tether? If you don’t have easy access to take off the seat.

[@SuperArty02]

I have an oporutiny buying Helite turtle but version 1, its like new, its from rider who stop ride last few years and now he decide to quit for good, do you think there can be a problem with older version? Like i mean its few years old, but unused, seems that Turtle 2 have only few details (like more hiden the straps and airbomb), but should work the same way. (btw its like for half price)

[@SurferBobbyLew]

I’ve been in a couple motorcycle accidents where I never left the bike what if your still on and pinned?

[@fredzuccarelli]

Mind sharing your ht/wt and the size you purchased?

[@TopherDrives]

Dang, somebody likes Fords

[@DailyMotor]

☠️

[@acehanson7231]

Great video and explanation !!

[@bobbysands5385]

Thanks a lot for this!

[@nomadismileseeker6611]

Let’s be clear about the “subscription” services that come with these airbags. You buy the airbag vest but the module that goes in it belongs to them until you either buy the module or you give it back to them when you cancel your subscription. I for one, will stick with a tether.

[@DailyMotor]

Not the case with Helite. But tether is always a good move.

[@iggymach]

Would it be detrimental for the functionality of the vest (a k.a. less safe) if you wear a rucksack on top? I like the helite h-moov, but the vest seems to have you better covered (specially around the hips) Also, helite doesn't have an hi-vis h-moov.

[@DailyMotor]

I don't think it would be a big deal. The airbag has lots of force

[@iggymach]

@@DailyMotor Cheers mate

[@tonymcflattie2450]

Could you do a video on fun of cars vs bikes? Are bikes worth the much increased risk?

[@DailyMotor]

Good idea! I’ll think on that one

[@kennywheelus6857]

😮iwanna get some of these but electronic for me I guess.

[@redskies4530]

Hi Can I wear that helite vest over the Leatt 5.5 body protector?Would the vest have enough room to expand in the event it's deployed? Thanks Bud.

[@adamosartstudios5846]

What happen if you crash and dont get the time to push the cord to open the valves ?

[@DailyMotor]

It happens in a fraction of a second, should be helpful in nearly all situations

[@mrrandy1]

what size do you recommend, I am 6-3 215 pounds?

[@jaytwix2]

i kinda confuse which one to get? this separate like a marine life vest or the helite jacket that has built in airbag?

[@DailyMotor]

Depends on if you already have a nice jacket. I like this one because I can wear it over all other types of gear. Warm gear, cold gear, rain gear, etc.

[@Athair48]

does it still let air in for the summer?

[@DailyMotor]

Yeah it breathes pretty well since it's a pretty slim vest all things considered.

[@Athair48]

@@DailyMotor thanks for the reply!

[@alexmoreno8156]

What’s your height, weight, and chest size? I’m considering one and can’t decide between the MD or LG. I typically wear a MD in Klim gear.

[@DailyMotor]

5'10", 165, not sure about chest size. I was just discussing this with another rider recently, and I think I could have gotten away with a MD, as this large is a bit bulky on me. But it was still very tight when inflated. I'd say if you ride in cold climates where you might want a bulky jacket on underneath, err on the larger side.

[@Kahuna_550]

Humans vision isn't evolved really to understand speed pass 20 mph. That's why you need something to catch the vision that isn't the normal scenery we've slowly been accustomed to while driving. White helmets work best and rocking back and forth before going through intersections.

[@berislavr9937]

What is the size of vest ?And have tall are you?Thanks

[@DailyMotor]

I have a large and I'm 5'10"

[@billlyl3725]

If the vest stays inflated for 4 hours, please go to the nearest emergency room 😅

[@DailyMotor]

Lmao!

[@arthursilvamartins6330]

P

[@EvendimataE]

IF IT IS PERMANENTLY INFLATED, WOULD IT BE CHEAPER? I DONT MIND WEARING SOMETHING BULKY AS LONG IS ITS WAY CHEAPER? LOL

[@big-smoke-rc]

Don't excuse the driver

[@ubuu7]

Someone who knows this guy irl please convince him to ditch the motorcycles. He's way too good looking to lose to motorcycle death traps.

[@MoogleMoger]

Go drive in your 4 ton car cage POG I'll ride free on my bike 🏍 anyday 👌😎

[@emromw]

What a weirdo

[@Eli-vc4fl]

Great review!!