Copyright 2001, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Moto-heaven, the North American importer for Wintex Motorcycle Fashion and Safety Gear, is now selling the air-bag-equipped Aero safety vest. The lightweight Aero vest is made from Airdura, a synthetic textile with abrasion-resistant qualities, includes storage pockets, 3M reflective stripes and comes in sizes XS to 5XL. But the main feature of the Aero is the air bag system.

The Aero vest is activated by a rip-cord attached to the bike, and is triggered when the rider falls off. A replaceable CO2 cartridge, weighing 32 grams, inflates air pockets at the back of the neck, around the collarbone, the chest, sides, kidneys and back in less than 0.2-second.

According to Moto-heaven owner Phil Caudill, in the very unlikely event that the vest inflates unintentionally while riding, the inflated vest should not cause a rider to lose control of the machine. Caudill also pointed out that the reusable vest can be worn in several applications, such as off-road riding, snowmobiling, etc.

The Aero vest has a suggested retail price of $399. For more information about the Aero vest or to request a free, 50-page Wintex catalog, call Moto-heaven, (877) 416-0969, e-mail [email protected], www.moto-heaven.com.