MotoAirBag M1 review | The best tethered motorcycle airbag?

Date reviewed: November 2024 | Tested by: John Milbank | Price: €529 / £438 | www.motoairbag.com (also available in UK at SportsBikeShop)

The MotoAirBag M1 on review here provides a huge level of protection across the chest and back thanks to its two separate bladders, and provides outstanding prevention of hyperextension of the neck, along with a unique and highly effective ‘analogue accelerometer’ trigger.

Fully repairable and extremely versatile, this offers all the protection of the MotoAirBag V4 reviewed here, but in a sleek black stretch material, and without the option to use it as a standalone mesh jacket. After thorough testing, this is why I think you should buy one…

Protection at a glance

Understanding the protection offered by any airbag is important, but can be confusing with two different safety standards. The full article explains the test methods and protection in more detail, but this is what you need to know first:

• Product: MotoAirBag M1

• Trigger method: 'Fast Lock' inertial mechanical trigger

• Suitable for use over other kit: Yes

• Suitable for use under other kit: No

• Certified to EN1621-4: Yes | Chest: Level 2 | Back: Level 2

• Certified to CRITT: Yes

• SRA Ranking: Overall: 5/5 | Deployment time: 4/5 | Shock absorption: 5/5

• Download the SRA certification document for the MotoAirBag M1 here or visit the SRA rankings website here.

MotoAirBag M1 features

Made of a breathable stretch fabric, the MotoAirBag M1 has the same 10 litre bladder across the chest and around the sides, along with the separate 15 litres covering the back. Thanks to two inflators that are triggered with the unique ‘Fast Lock’ tether, the MAB M1 offers unrivalled levels of protection (well, apart from the MAB V4 that uses the same system): in our independent lab testing, this bladder design transmitted just 1.4kN at the chest and 0.7kN at the back. For context, based on the calculated force transmitted in the test without the airbag, that’s 1.4% and 0.7% of what it could have been… a very substantial reduction and better than any other device I’ve tested.

The best motorcycle airbag

See the MotoAirBag M1 deployed and tested

Subtle styling will appeal to many, and the logos on the front and back are reflective for a little extra visibility, but I’d have liked to have seen the one on the rear being across the upper back, rather than so low down. Still, a fluorescent over-vest designed specifically for the MotoAirBag systems – with its own expansion panels – is available for €39 here.

The MAB M1 is designed to fit over your existing riding kit, and has zipped expansion to fine-tune the fit, but it sits very well over my riding kit. It’s available in a wide range of sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL and XXL, and I found my usual size large to be perfect.

There’s a single, good-sized pocket on the left of the waist that’s big enough for my passport, keys and even an action camera.

The €529 price direct from MotoAirBag is all you’ll pay as it’s made almost entirely in Italy, so the post-Brexit trade agreement means there are no additional taxes or duties. It’s a very well-established brand, but has only recently entered the UK market so UK sellers are still growing, but it is now available at Sportsbikeshop.

The MotoAirBag M1 can be carried on a plane, and certificates are available here if needed.

Can you wear the MotoAirBag M1 with a rucksack?

No, due to the way the head and coccycx sections open on inflation, the MotoAirBag should not be worn with a rucksack as they could fail to fully deploy. You'd still have full chest and back protection, but these areas could be compromised.

MotoAirBag M1 trigger method

MotoAirBag’s ‘analogue accelerometer’ tether is a truly brilliant – and unique – design, activating in an incredibly short space of time.

Like an inertial reel seat-belt, the cord extends up to 54 centimetres with no noticeable resistance at all. But any violent movement – like if the bike hits something, or is hit while stationary – results in the mechanism locking up and firing the inflators in as little as 3cm of travel, or 5 milliseconds. That’s a very significant advantage over elasticated triggers, which will only fire once they’ve reached the very end of their extension.

The MAB M1 comes with a strap that secures around your bike’s seat, with additional ones priced at £12.80, or the optional frame-mounted strap – which I prefer as it tucks neatly out of the way – costing just £8.60.

The MotoAirBag Quick Release Kit is worth the extra

While the mini carabiner that’s attached to the end of the MotoAirBag’s tether line works fine, it can be a little fiddly when wearing gloves, especially if you’re fiddling with it after forgetting to connect. The Quick Release kit has a lever on either side that opens up the front when pinched – pass it over the D-ring attached to the bike, tap either one of the sides and it snaps shut securely.

Slide it on parallel to the D-ring and the Quick Release attachment will shut itself as the ring touches the back of the clasp. Even if you close it manually this compact clasp is easier to use when you’re on the bike, though it still takes a little practice to avoid closing it by mistake before clipping it on.

Once attached, there’s no way to accidentally release it, but taking it off is a simple matter of squeezing both levers together.

On my ZX-6R, where the D-ring is held quite firmly, I can attach the Quick Release clasp without looking at it, but on my GS the ring moves about a bit too much for that. I do still find this to be better than the standard carabiner with gloves on though.

Fitting the upgraded clasp to your MotoAirBag tether is a little fiddlier than I’d like. Clear instructions are supplied, but it requires two 5.5mm spanners, which I don’t have, so I ended up using two small adjustable spanners. It’d be nice to see even a pair of simple stamped steel tools supplied with the clasp to make it easier to fit.

Ultimately, I’d love for the Quick Release clasp to be supplied as standard with MotoAirBags, and it’s certainly not shown any signs of getting near enough to my bike’s paintwork to scratch it. The standard carabiner is fine, but this is – I think – worth the extra money.

The MotoAirBag Quick Release kit costs €35.00 direct from MotoAirBag in Italy, or £29.30 from Sportsbikeshop.

Can you accidentally trigger the MotoAirBag M1?

I test all airbags – tethered and electronic – for accidental deployment, and while it’s possible with any device, it’s extremely hard to set the M1 off by mistake. If you forget to unclip it and get off the bike, the force required to pull it is too high – it’s a sharper movement that sees it trigger.
I also rode the worst possible Fenland roads– with dangerous levels subsidence – as fast as I could, as well as hit hump-back bridges and jumped up and down in the saddle, all without any problems.

The MotoAirBag M1 has TWO bladders, each with its own inflator

MotoAirBag M1 protection and certification

No airbag (or any bike kit) can guarantee your safety in every crash, but one with such outstanding coverage and high levels of force mitigation can significantly reduce the chances of injury.

The MotoAirBag M1 is the only system that I know of that’s fully certified to CRITT SRA 5/5 stars overall, AND EN1621-4 Level 2 at the chest and back, meaning it’s been independently tested and proven to transmit 2.5kN or less in lab testing, using a bar-type striker that represents a kerb or other narrow object (like a fence rail or car roof-rack) and a hemispherical anvil that represents the shape of your back or chest. The testing I did saw just 1.4 kN transmitted at the chest and 0.7 kN at the back, which is a massive reduction of the potential 100 kN in this test method. A Level 2 passive back protector needs to transmit 9 kN or less.

REMEMBER: Lab testing allows a COMPARISON of products. Don’t get hung up on the actual numbers as the test equipment is all solid steel, unlike the human body. The reduction to at least 1.4% is perhaps a more useful gauge of effectiveness.

The back of the vest also pops open at the top and bottom, providing protection for the coccyx and preventing hyperextension of the neck, something both consultant spinal surgeon Mr Ivan Vidakovic and critical care paramedic Dan Read told me was one of the greatest risks to the spine.

From April 21 2018, all new motorcycle clothing is deemed to be Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). To meet this legislation, it must be tested to a recognised standard. For more information on the new laws, click here.

The bladder is highlighted in red in these pics

Comfort on and off the bike

At 2.70 kg, pick the MotoAirBag M1 up and it might feel ‘heavy’ compared to some other systems, but keep in mind that it has two inflators in it, and that it offers way superior coverage compared to most other airbags.

No airbag bladder can be breathable, but inside the vest is a thick 3D mesh that helps air to move around, and the stretch outer lets air easily pass through.

Worn over the top of a mesh jacket (the Knox Urbane Pro reviewed here could be great with it), I’d have no problems wearing this in the hottest climates. While it’s not got the mesh construction of the MAB V4 reviewed here, which I wore through 2,100 miles from Saint Malo in France to Benalmádena in southern Spain – and back up to Santander – in temperatures up to 36°C, I’m confident this won’t cause any problems.

In more typical UK weather, the vest fits easily over other jackets thanks to the stretch – even going easily over the Rukka Kingsley with the passive chest and back protectors left in.

The main shell is claimed to meet the abrasion and seam strength requirements of EN17092 AA, and the additional zipped expansion panels on either side give 4 to 6cm more space for bulkier kit.

Walking around off the bike I find the MotoAirBag M1 to be very comfortable, and it doesn’t get in the way at all, but it’s easy to store if you want to pop it off…

MotoAirBag M1 convenience

The MotoAirBag M1 doesn’t include a passive back protector because it doesn't need one – it way exceeds the requirements of the standard – which means that it’s a little easier to roll up and tuck in luggage when you’re off the bike.

Of course, you must remember to attach the tether when you get on the bike, but the carabiner that’s on the end is easy to clip on once you get the hang of it. The best place to put the tether point is just behind you, and certainly on my R1250GS, it doesn’t get in the way of my pillion, though it is easier to have Helen attach it for me when she’s sat there. An optional quick release kit is also available for €35, which might be slightly easier to use without looking, though I haven’t tried this (I’ll update the review if I do).

The MAB M1 is fine to wear in all weathers, so don’t worry about it getting soaked in winter.

While your jacket’s pockets are covered by the MAB M1, the large front pocket has plenty of space

MotoAirBag M1 build quality

The MotoAirBag M1 is made almost entirely in Italy, and is extremely well finished. The outer shell is very well put together, and the bladder is excellent.

Keep in mind that every part of the MAB M1 is repairable or replaceable, and older systems have even been upgraded as the company has developed new tech, so this really is a potentially lifetime (and lifesaving) investment.

Cover Fluo MAB test

Testing deployment under the optional hi-viz vest

The MotoAirBag hi-viz vest isn’t ready yet

If you want hi-viz, you’ll need to invest in the Cover Fluo MAB, which has Velcro panels at the top and bottom that are designed to allow space for the head and coccyx sections of the rear bladder to fully deploy.

I have the MotoAirbag M1 in size Large, so got the L/XL (T2) vest. It’s expensive for a hi-viz vest, but it has stretch sections built into the shoulders and sides, as well as zips down either side for even more space.

There are two pockets on the Cover Fluo, which add to the versatility, though unfortunately on mine one of them had missed the stitching, allowing my hand to pass straight through. This would of course be replaced under warranty.

A drawstring bag is supplied with the vest to store it in. 

On first testing with the M1 under the vest, the Cover Fluo MAB fitted over my airbag fine but I hadn’t opened its expansion zips (they are open on the M1). When firing the airbag the upper rear section popped open as usual to protect against hyper extension of the neck, but the lower part of the rear bladder didn’t fold out to cover the coccyx.

I tested it again with the side zips open on the Cover Fluo MAB, and this time the lower did deploy, though it was still jammed for a split-second before popping out.

While this didn’t affect the protective performance of the airbag in any area other than the coccyx, it is disappointing and indicates that the Cover Fluo MAB needs more development. It seems to me that the lower panel needs to be much larger in order to open properly (even on the second attempt the Velcro didn’t separate), and having spoken to MotoAirBag it appears that there is a new model being worked on.

I’d recommend waiting until that’s available, and I’ll update this review when I’ve tested the new one.

The Cover Fluo MAB is only available direct from MotoAirbag in Italy, and costs €39.00.

Washing the MotoAirBag M1

As it’s worn over the top of other kit, the MotoAirBag M1 will start to get grubby over time, especially for all-year-round riders, but a quick-wipe down will usually be all you need.

However, as it’s fairly easy to take all the parts out, there’s no reason that it couldn’t be fully immersed and washed thoroughly… something not possible with most other airbags.

MotoAirBag M1 costs

The MotoAirBag M1’s retail price of €529 / £438 is superb value for money – it’s £112 cheaper than the popular Helite Turtle 2 reviewed here for instance.

Servicing is recommended every four years and costs £102 (not including shipping), with the vest being entirely stripped down, tested and reassembled. Here’s the total price based on five years of ownership, to help you compare it with other devices:

If it’s deployed, you can replace the MAB M1 canisters yourself:

If the M1 was damaged in a crash, it can be sent back to the factory for repair. Depending on the damage this could cost anywhere between around £100 and £300, but remember that all the parts are individually replaceable, so costs should be kept to a minimum. If ever the MotoAirBag needs to be sent back to the company in Italy, a fast turnaround of up to just 48 hours is promised (plus shipping time).

Three alternatives to the MotoAirBag M1

The MotoAirBag M1 is a superb piece of kit with exceptional levels of protection and performance, but here are some others to consider…

• MotoAirBag V4, £639 | With the same unique tether system and two bladders, the MAB V4 is also fully certified to EN1621-4 AND CRITT SRA but comes with removable mesh sleeves, so it can be worn on its own. An excellent piece of kit, but if you already have a mesh jacket I’d suggest considering saving the money and getting the M1. It’s also available without the sleeves as the V4 Modular Vest (Gilet) for £559. Read the full review of the MotoAirBag V4 here.

• Alpinestars Tech-Air 3, £519.99 | Meeting the impact requirements of EN1621-4's Airbag Level 2 at the chest and back, the Tech-Air 3 is easy to store and comfortable to wear over or under your existing kit. There's also space to add a passive back protector if you want. Replacing the inflator can't be done by the user, but it's carried-out in the UK in a matter of days. The Tech-Air 3 is waterproof for use outside your existing kit in the rain. Read the full review of the Alpinestars Tech-Air 3 here.

• Dainese Smart Air, £599.99 | The new version of the Dainese D-Air jacket is certified using the impact requirements of EN1621-4's Airbag Level 2 at the chest and back. You can replace the inflator yourself, and firmware updates can be done via your smartphone, which are both improvements over the older Smart Jacket, but that has double the battery life, and – if you’re quick – is currently available for just £399.99. Read the full review of the new Dainese Smart Air here.

These are just three of many alternatives – you can find all the airbags we’ve tested here, and be sure to check out our complete guide to motorcycle airbags here.

MotoAirBag M1 review: Verdict

I’m absolutely blown away by the MotoAirBag M1. The coverage is superb, the level of protection is unrivalled based on independent lab testing, and the ‘analogue accelerometer’ Fast Lock tether is genius.

The main competition to this is the MotoAirBag V4, which has the option of mesh sleeves so it can be worn on its own. Honestly though, I prefer the more hugging fit of the MAB M1 and the styling. And of course there’s the excellent price. The only way I think it could be improved is with the position of the reflective logo on the back. Absolutely thoroughly recommended… this is the one I’d buy.

Do you own this airbag? Tell us what it’s like, or ask us questions about it at bikeclub.bennetts.co.uk.