Coming back after years away, motorcycle airbags had arrived. After I hit a deer at 60mph and managed to stay upright, I thought it was time to get protected. A tethered airbag vest doesn't stop that moment happening, but it changes what happens next. The Motoairbag MAB V4 has been my answer to that, worn over normal kit on every ride since.
Motoairbag MAB V4 Review: At a Glance
Price
£559 (vest only) / £639 with sleeves
Weight
~2.1kg (vest only)
Best For
Riders who want mechanical, no-subscription airbag protection worn over existing gear
Where I Tried It
Worn over my regular jacket on the R1250GS, all conditions
Pros & Cons
What's Good
Mechanical FastLock tether triggers within 3cm of movement — no battery, no subscription, nothing to charge before a ride.
25 litres of coverage across chest, back, neck and coccyx, and it's back riding-ready with a new CO2 cartridge in minutes.
Works standalone or over your existing jacket, so it doesn't mean replacing kit you already trust.
What's Not
Adds noticeable bulk in hot weather — comfortable most of the year, but you'll feel it above 30°C.
The tether clip takes a bit of practice to fasten one-handed with thick gloves on. I bought the optional quick release which is far easier to use.
Sizing needs to be spot on — too tight and the vest is uncomfortable before it's even done its job.
VERDICT
9 / 10
This is the one piece of kit I'd tell any returning rider to buy before the bike. It's mechanical, it doesn't need charging or an app, and it protects even without firing as it meets Level 2 protection on its own.
I gave it 0 out of 10 because I haven't used it - fortunately. I wear mine over a BMW Paceguard Jacket and in the summer over a Richa Force 2 D3O mesh jacket as in the photo! More on what to buy first in our motorcycle kit guide for returning riders.
