Why Kiwi Riders Should Consider the Alpinestars Tech-Air MX Airbag System

Motocross protection has come a long way. Helmets, boots, knee braces and chest protectors have all improved, but the Alpinestars Tech-Air MX represents something genuinely different: an intelligent airbag system developed specifically for motocross and off-road riding.

Built into a compact chest protector, the Tech-Air MX continuously monitors the rider’s movement. If its sensors and crash-detection algorithm identify an imminent crash, the airbag deploys in an average of approximately 40 milliseconds, creating additional protection across the chest, back and shoulders.

For Kiwi riders tackling motocross tracks, enduro events and challenging off-road terrain, that extra layer of protection is worth understanding.

What is the Alpinestars Tech-Air MX?

The Alpinestars Tech-Air MX System combines a conventional chest and back protector with autonomous electronic airbag technology.

There is no tether to attach to the bike and no external sensor to install. The system contains its own electronic control unit, accelerometers and gyroscopes, which monitor the rider’s movement while riding. Closing the left buckle switches the system on automatically, while an LED display shows its status and battery level.

The Tech-Air MX includes four riding profiles:

• MX

• MX Race

• Enduro

• Rally

These modes allow the system’s crash-detection behaviour to be matched to different types of motorcycle riding. Modes can be selected through the Tech-Air app, which can also be used to monitor the system and install firmware updates.

See the Tech-Air MX in Action

Watch former Supercross champion Jeff Emig take a closer look at the Alpinestars Tech-Air MX and see how the airbag system works.

Protection that reacts before the main impact

A passive chest protector helps absorb an impact once the rider hits the ground or another object. Tech-Air MX adds an active layer designed to recognise a crash and inflate during the crash sequence.

When deployed, the airbag provides coverage across the rider’s chest, back and shoulders. Alpinestars states that the deployed system provides more than four times the protection of passive impact protection alone.

The airbag is CE Category II certified to EN 1621-4:2013, while integrated CE Level 1 chest and back protection remains in place as the system’s passive protection.

No piece of riding gear can prevent every injury, and an airbag system does not replace a correctly fitted helmet, boots or other protective equipment. What it can provide is another significant layer between the rider and the forces generated in a heavy crash.

Justin Barcia: a real-world example

Professional Supercross and motocross rider Justin Barcia is known for his speed, intensity and aggressive riding style. He has also raced wearing the Tech-Air MX.

The value of the system became especially visible following Barcia’s heavy Anaheim 1 crash in January 2026. Barcia confirmed that he had been wearing the Alpinestars airbag and said it had done its job. Data released following the crash recorded a peak impact of 27.6g.

One professional rider’s experience cannot guarantee the outcome of another crash. However, it demonstrates why this technology matters: the Tech-Air MX is not simply a concept tested in a laboratory. It has been developed and used in the demanding conditions of professional motocross and Supercross.

You do not need to be racing at Barcia’s level to experience a hard landing, lose the front wheel in a rut or be caught in another rider’s crash. The speeds may differ, but the value of protecting the chest, back and shoulders remains relevant at every level of the sport.

Designed to remain practical on the bike

Advanced protection is only useful if riders are comfortable enough to wear it consistently. Alpinestars has built the Tech-Air MX into a low-profile, breathable stretch-mesh chassis with an integrated Nucleon PLASMA back protector.

It can be worn over or underneath correctly fitting MX apparel, provided there is sufficient room for the airbag to inflate.

A fully charged battery offers up to approximately 30 hours of riding, while a one-hour charge can provide around eight hours of use.

The system uses a single gas inflator for each deployment. After the airbag activates, the inflator must be replaced before the system is used again. The airbag itself is certified for up to six deployments, provided it remains undamaged and passes the required checks.

Is the Tech-Air MX worth it for a recreational rider?

That depends on the type of riding you do and how you assess risk. However, airbag protection is not valuable only to professional racers.

It may be particularly worth considering if you:

• Regularly ride or race motocross

• Compete in enduro or demanding off-road events

• Ride at higher speeds or over larger jumps

• Have previously suffered a chest, shoulder or back injury

• Want to add active protection to your existing riding gear

• Are a parent or supporter looking for a higher level of protection for an adult rider

Riders often invest heavily in engine work, suspension and performance upgrades. The Tech-Air MX offers the opportunity to put that same level of investment into protecting the person controlling the bike.

Get the correct size and setup

Correct fit and setup matter with any protective equipment, particularly an airbag system. The protector needs to sit securely on the body without restricting movement, and any clothing worn over it must leave enough expansion space for deployment.

Our City Honda team can help with sizing, explain the available riding modes and talk you through charging, activation and replacement inflators.

View the Alpinestars Tech-Air MX System online, browse our wider motocross protective gear, or visit us at 487 Rangitikei Street, Palmerston North.

Frequently asked questions

Does the Tech-Air MX need to be connected to the motorcycle?

No. It is a self-contained electronic system and does not require a tether, GPS connection or sensors fitted to the motorcycle.

How quickly does the Tech-Air MX inflate?

Alpinestars states that its average inflation time is approximately 40 milliseconds, depending on the size of the airbag.

Can the Tech-Air MX be used again after it deploys?

Yes, provided the system and airbag have not been damaged. The single gas inflator must be replaced after every deployment. The airbag is certified for up to six deployments before replacement or servicing is required, provided it remains undamaged.

What riding modes does the Tech-Air MX include?

The standard Tech-Air MX supplied in New Zealand offers MX, MX Race, Enduro and Rally modes. There is also an App download that is coming soon to New Zealand for MTB Downhill algorithm.

Does it replace my normal motocross protective gear?

No. The Tech-Air MX should form part of a complete riding setup that includes a properly fitted motocross helmet, boots, gloves and other protection appropriate for your riding.