Alpinestars Tech-Air User manual

USER’S GUIDE
IMPORTANT READ THIS MANUAL.
CRITICAL SAFETY INFORMATION INSIDE.
v. 1.5

Please read the following important
WARNING and LIMITATION of use notice
carefully:
Motorcycling is an inherently dangerous activity and an
ultra-hazardous sport, which may result in serious personal
injury, including death. Each individual motorcycle rider
must be familiar with motorcycling, recognize the wide
range of foreseeable hazards and decide whether to assume
the risks inherent in such an activity with the knowledge of
the dangers involved and accept any and all risks of injury,
including death. While all motorcycle riders should utilize
appropriate protective equipment, each rider should exercise
extreme care for safety while riding and understand that no
product can offer complete protection from injury including
death or damage to individuals and property in case of fall,
collision, impact, loss of control or otherwise. Riders should
ensure that safety products are correctly used and fitted. DO
NOT use any product that is worn out, modified or damaged.
Alpinestars makes no guarantees or representations,
express or implied, regarding the fitness of its products
for any particular purpose.
Alpinestars makes no guarantees or representations,
express or implied, regarding the extent to which its
products protect individuals or property from injury, death
or damage.
ALPINESTARS DISCLAIMS ANY RESPONSIBILITY FOR
INJURIES INCURRED WHILE WEARING ANY OF ITS
PRODUCTS.

4
1. Introduction
The Tech-Air™ Street airbag system is an active safety system for mainstream/recreational
motorcycling, which offers protection to both riders and passengers. In the event of an
accident or other triggering event, the airbag system provides upper body protection to the
user regardless of the type or age of motorcycle used. The system is designed to function
in both on-and off-road riding situations (subject to the Off-Road limitations indicated in
Section 3 below).
In this manual the following three presentation styles are used to provide information:
Tip: Provides useful advice regarding the system.
IMPORTANT! Provides important information regarding the limitations of the system.
WARNING! Provides critical information which, if not followed, may cause
injury, death, system malfunction or non-function, and/or an exaggerated
expectation of the system’s abilities.
The Tech-Air™ Street airbag system is comprised of two components.
1. The Alpinestars Tech-Air™ Street airbag vest (“airbag vest”);
2. An Alpinestars garment/jacket (“Alpinestars’ Compatible Garment/Jacket”) compatible
with and to be used with the airbag vest. The airbag vest and the Alpinestars’ Compatible
Garment/Jacket are sold separately.
WARNING! The airbag system, including its components (the airbag vest
and the Alpinestars’ Compatible Garment/Jacket), are technologically
advanced pieces of motorcycling safety equipment and should not be
treated like a normal motorcycle garment. Similar to one’s motorcycle, the
system and its components must be cared for, serviced and maintained,
so that they may function correctly.
WARNING! The airbag vest MUST be used with an Alpinestars’ Compatible
Garment/Jacket.
WARNING! Use of an Alpinestars’ Compatible Garment/Jacket without the
airbag vest will provide the user with NO airbag protection.
WARNING! It is essential to read this manual carefully, understand it
completely and to follow the advice and warnings. If you have any
questions regarding the equipment contact Tech-Air™ Support (Section 21).
Table of Contents
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
Introduction
Principles of Operation
Tech-Air™ “Envelope of Protection”
Limitations of Use
System Overview
Sizing
Health and Age Restrictions
Vest Installation
Fitting
Transportation of Objects Inside the Compatible
Airbag Garment
Battery Charging
Operation
Display Indications
Cleaning, Storage and Transportation
Maintenance, Servicing and Disposal
Actions in the Event of an Accident
Tech-Air™ Data Portal
Tech-Air™ Connect
Troubleshooting
Index of Error Codes
Tech-Air™ Support
Certification Information
4
5
5
7
8
10
10
11
12
12
12
13
14
15
16
17
17
19
20
21
21
21

54
2. Principles of Operation
The Tech-Air™ Street airbag vest contains an airbag control unit (with built-in sensor)
integrated into the back protector, and two external sensors positioned on the shoulders
(Figure 1). These three sensors monitor the user’s body for shocks or unexpected movements.
In the event the user’s body is subject to a high and/or sudden amount of energy, the airbag
will inflate. This may occur when the motorcycle collides with another vehicle or obstacle,
when the rider loses control, falls from the motorcycle or has an accident.
3. Tech-Air™ “Envelope of Protection”
The Tech-Air™ Street airbag system offers protection to both riders and passengers in the
event of an accident or other triggering event; however, like any other product there are
limitations to the protections that it can provide.
WARNING! NO PRODUCT CAN PROVIDE COMPLETE PROTECTION FROM INJURY (OR DEATH),
OR DAMAGE TO PERSONS OR PROPERTY IN THE EVENT OF A FALL, ACCIDENT, COLLISION,
IMPACT, LOSS OF CONTROL OR OTHER EVENT.
The “Envelope of Protection” is used to generally describe situations and/or circumstances
where the Tech-Air™ Street airbag system may provide protection (”inside the envelope”),
and those where it will not (“outside the envelope”).
In general, there are three basic factors that determine whether an airbag system will
provide protection to a user:
(a) Whether the forces experienced by the user during an event (such as an accident) occur
within an area covered by the airbag; and
(b) Whether the airbag deploys before the user collides with a vehicle, an obstacle or the
ground.
(c) Whether the airbag deploys before the user collides with parts or accessories of their
own motorcycle. For example, mirrors, windscreens or tank bags.
(The deployment time consists of the time for the sensors to detect the event plus the
time it takes to fill the airbag fully with gas, which is about 25 milliseconds (ms). The time
available to deploy the airbag is dependent upon factors such as the type of the accident,
the type of motorcycle (e.g. scooter, custom, sports) and the speed of involved vehicles.
The Tech-Air™ Street airbag system provides impact protection for those areas of airbag
coverage shown in Figure 2.
Figure 1 – Sensor Locations
(Front)
(Front)
(Back)
(Back)Figure 2
Area of Airbag
coverage

50km/h
45°
45°
Figure 3
Arrival Speed From 25km/h (15mph)
to 50km/h (31mph)
Impact Angle (Fig 3) From 45° to 135°
Arrival Speed From 25km/h (15mph)
Impact Angle From 45° to 135°
The above parameters are valid for both the rider and passenger.
IMPORTANT! If the speed of the vehicle is less than 25km/h, the system may not deploy
at the time of the collision, but may deploy if the rider or passenger suddenly falls from the
motorcycle after the impact.
6
Crashes Where a Motorcycle Strikes a Vehicle or Obstacle (Figure 3):
• Valid for both rider and passenger
WARNING! The Tech-Air™ Street airbag system provides only limited
protection against forces experienced at the areas of airbag coverage
depicted in Figure 2. No guarantee is given that the Tech-Air™ Street airbag
system will prevent injuries (including severe or fatal injuries) inside and/or
outside the covered/protected areas.
WARNING! The Tech-Air™ Street airbag system cannot prevent accidents.
WARNING! No protective device, including the Tech-Air™ Street airbag
system, can provide protection against all possible sources of injury and
therefore cannot provide complete protection against injuries.
WARNING! Wearing the Tech-Air™ Street airbag system is not a substitute
for wearing other protective motorcycling clothing and gear. To provide full
potential protection, the Tech-Air™ Street airbag system must always be
worn in conjunction with suitable motorcycling gear and apparel that
covers the rider from head to toe, including a helmet, protectors, boots,
gloves, and other appropriate protective equipment.
Crashes Where a Vehicle Strikes a Stationary Motorcycle:

Arrival Speed From 25km/h (15mph)
to 50km/h (31mph)
Impact Angle (Fig 3) From 45° to 135°
Arrival Speed From 25km/h (15mph)
Impact Angle From 45° to 135°
76
IMPORTANT! Figure 3 outlines the envelope where the Tech-Air™ Street airbag system is
expected to inflate before the user’s body contacts an obstacle. At speeds above 25km/h
the system will deploy regardless of the impact angle, but outside the envelope the airbag
may not be fully inflated before there is contact between the obstacle and the user.
Loss of Control Crashes
A Loss of Control Crash often results in the motorcycle falling over during riding. This
commonly happens when tire grip on the roadway is lost during a turn or heavy braking.
These are often similar to crashes in racing (known as “low-side” crashes).
WARNING! The user does not need to be involved in a crash for the
system to deploy. For example, the system will deploy if the user falls while
wearing the system, such as when dismounting from the motorcycle. These
types of “non-riding” deployments are not failures of the system.
Motorcycle Type
The Tech-Air™ Street airbag system can be utilized by riders or passengers on any type of
motorcycle, including electric motorcycles.
Off-Road Riding
The Tech-Air Street airbag system may be used off road IN A LIMITED CAPACITY riding on
gravel roads only. For the purpose of using the Tech-Air Street airbag system off road, the
definition of a gravel road is:
•An unpaved road surfaced with gravel.
•Has a minimum width of 4m (13ft).
•Has no gradients +/-30%.
•Has no ruts, steps or holes greater than 50cm (19.5”) in depth.
IMPORTANT! The chances of falling are notably higher when riding off-road, particularly
when a rider is inexperienced. Even when stopped, a fall may cause the Tech-Air™ Street
airbag system to deploy, leaving the user without protection until the system is returned for
recharging (see Section 16).
4. Limitations of Use
WARNING! The Tech-Air™ Street airbag system is to be used ONLY for
motorcycling within the conditions and limitations delineated above. The
system is NOT for use in:
• Any racing or competitive events;
• Enduro, Motocross, or Supermoto events;
• Motorcycle stunts; or
• ANY non-motorcycling activities.
WARNING! Due to shocks, movement and/or other input detected and/or
received by the system while in use, although unlikely, the system may
deploy even though there is no crash event.
WARNING! Depending on the motorcycle type, for example a scooter or
trials bike, it cannot be guaranteed that the system will inflate before the
user collides with parts or accessories of the motorcycle .
WARNING! Wearing the Tech-Air™ Street airbag system is not a substitute
for wearing other protective motorcycling clothing and gear. To offer full
potential protection the system must always be worn in conjunction with
suitable motorcycling gear and apparel that covers the rider from head to
toe, including a helmet, protectors, boots, gloves, jacket, and other
appropriate protective equipment.

89/686/EECCATII
SAB1
2007/23/EC
AIRBAGMODULE
0080.P1.14.XXXXXXX
37-40cm
0080
AIRBAG
1FB
CHASSISNUMBER:
0000000
MADEINITALY
REVERSE SIDE
89/686/EECCATII
SAB1
2007/23/EC
XXXXXXMODULE
0080.P1.14.XXXXXXX
37-40cm
0080
XXXXXX
1FB
CHASSISNUMBER:
0000000
MADEINITALY
CHASSISNUMBER:
0000000
MADEINITALY
CHASSISNUMBER:
0000000
MADEINITALY
89/686/EECCATII
SAB1
2007/23/EC
AIRBAGMODULE
0080.P1.14.XXXXXXX
37-40cm
0080
AIRBAG
1FB
CHASSISNUMBER:
0000000
MADEINITALY
REVERSE SIDE
89/686/EECCATII
SAB1
2007/23/EC
XXXXXXMODULE
0080.P1.14.XXXXXXX
37-40cm
0080
XXXXXX
1FB
CHASSISNUMBER:
0000000
MADEINITALY
CHASSISNUMBER:
0000000
MADEINITALY
CHASSISNUMBER:
0000000
MADEINITALY
8
11 2
4
5
18a
18b
18c
12
5. System Overview
The diagrams below illustrate the different parts of the Tech-Air™ Street airbag system
(airbag vest and an Alpinestars’ Compatible Garment/Jacket). The numbered parts are
used to guide you through this user’s guide.
TECH AIR SYSTEM
COMPATIBLE JACKET
18
1. Attachment Snaps
2. Back Protector Studs
3. Vest attachment zips (Vest)
4. Detachable belt
5. Sealed closure zip
6. Control Unit
7. LED Display socket
8. Master Switch
9. Micro USB Port
10. Zip Sensor Socket
11. Vest attachment zips (Jacket)
12. Back Protector attachments
6
3
13

89/686/EECCATII
SAB1
2007/23/EC
AIRBAGMODULE
0080.P1.14.XXXXXXX
37-40cm
0080
AIRBAG
1FB
CHASSISNUMBER:
0000000
MADEINITALY
REVERSE SIDE
89/686/EECCATII
SAB1
2007/23/EC
XXXXXXMODULE
0080.P1.14.XXXXXXX
37-40cm
0080
XXXXXX
1FB
CHASSISNUMBER:
0000000
MADEINITALY
CHASSISNUMBER:
0000000
MADEINITALY
CHASSISNUMBER:
0000000
MADEINITALY
Figure 4
Compatible Garments
320 2815 VIPER FOR TECH AIR
320 4115 VALPARAISO FOR TECH AIR
98
12
8
9
1019 7
15
14
16
ELECTRONIC UNIT (6)
13. Vest Snap attachment loops
14. Cable Passage
15. LED Display cable
16. Zip Sensor cable
17. Zip Sensor
18. LED Display
18a. Green Indicator
18b. Orange Indicator
18c. Red Indicator
19. On-board power LED
11
17
13

10
6. Sizing
The Tech-Air™ Street airbag vest is available in sizes from S to 2XL. The
airbag inside is available in three sizes that correspond to the waist to
shoulder length of the user (Figure 5). Table 1 below lists the sizes of vest
and the airbag size which they contain. This chart contains suggested
sizing.
IMPORTANT! The airbag vest must be installed inside an Alpinestars’ Compatible Garment/
Jacket first.
MTF = Mean Transmitted Force attained during testing.
Table 1 Figure 5
7. Health and Age Restrictions
IMPORTANT! In Europe the pyrotechnic Directive (2007/23) prohibits the sale of
pyrotechnic articles to anyone under the age of 18.
WARNING! The Tech-Air™ Street airbag system must not be handled by
children at any time.
WARNING! In the event of a crash, inflation of the airbag will cause sudden
pressure across the back and torso. This can cause discomfort and for users
in poor health this may cause complications.
WARNING! The Tech-Air™ Street airbag system must not be used by
persons with a history of heart problems, or other diseases, conditions,
afflictions or illnesses which may weaken the heart.
WARNING! The Tech-Air™ Street airbag system must not be used by
persons fitted with a pacemaker or other implanted electronic medical
devices.
WARNING! The Tech-Air™ Street airbag system must not be used by
persons with neck or back problems.
WARNING! The Tech-Air™ Street airbag system must not be used by
women during pregnancy.
WARNING! The Tech-Air™ Street airbag system must not be used by women
with artificial breast implants.
WARNING! Any body piercings which coincide with the airbag coverage area
should be removed before electing to use the Tech-Air™ Street airbag
system, as inflation of the airbag into and against the body piercings may
cause discomfort and/or injury.
Allergy Advice
Persons with certain skin allergies to synthetic, rubber or plastic materials, should carefully
monitor their skin each time the Tech-Air™ Street airbag system is worn. If any irritation
of the skin occurs, immediately stop wearing the system and seek medical advice and/or
attention.
Vest
Size
Euro
Size
US
Size
User’s Waist to Shoulder Range Suggested Height Range MTF
XS 46 36 37 – 40cm (14.6” – 15.7”) 1.41 – 1.52m (4’7” – 5’0”) <4 KN
S 48 38 37 – 40cm (14.6” – 15.7”) 1.41 – 1.52m (4’7” – 5’0”) <4 KN
M 50 40 40 – 45cm (15.7” – 17.7”) 1.52 – 1.71m (5’0” – 5’7”) <4 KN
L 52 42 40 – 45cm (15.7” – 17.7”) 1.52 – 1.71m (5’0” – 5’7”) <4 KN
XL 54 44 40 – 45cm (15.7” – 17.7”) 1.52 – 1.71m (5’0” – 5’7”) <4 KN
2XL 56 46 45 – 50cm (17.7” – 19.7”) 1.71 – 1.90m (5’7” – 6’3”) <4 KN
3XL 58 48 45 – 50cm (17.7” – 19.7”) 1.71 – 1.90m (5’7” – 6’3”) <4 KN