You've probably heard the buzz about Dainese D-Air airbag racing suits for some time now. You probably thought they were a figment of the future's imagination- but they aren't. They're here.

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It took ten years in development, over 5,000 hours of data acquisition, and more than 100 falls to get this advanced system in place. It is now the first and only motorcycle airbag system certified by TÜV SÜD, an international testing and certification company. "...the D-Air racing data we provide doesn't come from estimates or conjecture but has been measured and proven with the rigour for which TÜV SÜD is renowned."

Equipped with 7 sophisticated sensors, it weighs only 650 grams (1.43 lbs), and fills up with 4 liters of air in just 15 milliseconds to protect your neck, shoulders, upper chest and back. 

And hey, Rossi really likes it. 

As of now, D-Air is only available for use when on track- buyers will have to sign a waiver agreeing to this stipulation. Dainese rep Mark McPerry explains why. “There are a couple reasons,” said McPerry. “One, the algorithms for street crashes from the studies we have done are much different than what you would have on the racetrack. That’s why the D-air Street, which will come out in the near future, is set up completely differently. It’s set up for head-on, side and rear impacts versus lowsides and highsides.”

So, street riders, just hold tight... it's only a matter of time until D-Air Street is released. As McPerry staed, “In Europe, just this year, we started producing the D-air Vest, which you can wear by itself, and two textile jackets, one of which is waterproof. The airbag still covers the shoulders and neck, but it also covers more of the torso because, again, street accidents are typically different than racetrack accidents.”

Check out the images below for more details on the suits construction and features.