The new Tech-Air 5 Plasma is an ultra-light airbag vest designed to be worn under your motorcycle jacket. At 1,530 grams, it is the lightest Tech-Air yet, more than 25% lighter than the original Tech-Air 5. Its ultra-slim profile makes it almost invisible under your jacket and does not restrict your freedom of movement.
That, and the fact that you can now simply replace the argon canister yourself up to six times, are genuine gamechangers.
The Tech-Air 5 Plasma contains sensors and gyroscopes that determine when intervention is required, using data drawn from millions of motorcycle kilometres to feed its AI logic. The airbag decides for itself when deployment is necessary. When the system detects a crash, the airbag inflates; the new single‑canister layout delivers a faster inflation than previous Tech-Air systems.
This is a stand‑alone airbag system, which mainly means there is no physical link needed between motorcycle and rider. You do not have to connect or disconnect anything before or after the ride. You move as you please and the Tech-Air 5 Plasma Airbag System is smart enough to tell the difference between a proper crash and just stumbling over your own feet.
The airbag provides full upper‑body coverage: chest, ribs, back and shoulders. It absorbs up to 95% of impact energy, equivalent to having the protection of 18 back protectors. That also means you do not need an additional separate back protector; there is such a thing as too much of a good thing. The integrated Nucleon Plasma back protector combines impact absorption with flexibility and ventilation. This eco‑friendly, lightweight material stays comfortable on long rides. The back protector is CE‑certified to EN 1621‑2:2014 Level 1 (full back) and the inflatable protector to EN 1621‑4:2013 Level 1 (full back).
The new algorithm supports three riding modes: Street, Off‑Road and Race. You switch between them by holding the LED display button for two seconds. A green LED shows the active mode and a short vibration confirms the change. Note: Race Riding Mode is intended for use on closed circuits only.
The construction uses ultra‑thin, single‑layer stretch mesh that integrates directly with the airbag, minimising weight and maximising breathability. The collar, underarms and front are fully stretch for an adaptive fit and excellent airflow. Ergonomic sleeves with a deeper cut under the arms improve mobility, while the longer back section increases coverage and the low collar reduces contact points on the skin; the neck area itself is deliberately left free.
The Tech-Air 5 Plasma is worn as an under‑jacket, and can go under almost any motorcycle jacket. You must, however, allow room for the airbag to inflate: the textile motorcycle jacket over it cannot be skin‑tight across the chest. An (extra) 4 cm of chest circumference is sufficient, but is also necessary; it can be snug but must still feel comfortable.
With a leather motorcycle jacket – which is traditionally even more second‑skin tight – the ideal choice is a Tech-Air Compatible model. If that is not on the cards, then any leather motorcycle jacket that gives you those extra 4 cm of chest room will work.
Activation is as simple as putting on the Tech-Air 5 Plasma Airbag System and zipping it up. The magnetic closure at the chest acts as the power switch. It will also switch on when closed with no one inside, so fold the flap inwards when storing the vest to avoid accidental activation.
The battery lasts up to 30 hours. The LED display shows system status and gives warnings: a short vibration (1 second) means the system is armed, a long vibration (3 seconds) indicates that it is switched off or there is a error (red LED).
Updates, algorithm changes and possible new configurations are handled by connecting the system to a laptop via USB. The Tech-Air app keeps you informed, lets you monitor status, change settings and alerts you to new updates.
Important to know
The Tech-Air 5 Plasma Airbag System detects rear‑end impacts and will also deploy in that scenario. To ensure correct operation, a backpack heavier than six kilograms is not recommended; wearing an airbag and then stopping it from inflating makes little sense.
The mesh fabric used in the vest itself is not wear‑resistant and must therefore never be worn without a motorcycle jacket.
Service life is around 10 years – provided you are not crashing in it every other week.
Maintenance and reuse
After deployment, you now replace the argon canister yourself via the Velcro quick‑release cover. The airbag is certified for up to six deployments before it must be replaced. The modular design simplifies servicing and speeds up turnaround.
The Tech-Air 5 Plasma Airbag System requires periodic maintenance and should ideally be serviced every two years or after 500 hours of operation. For follow‑up and service you can always visit a RAD store.
Day‑to‑day cleaning is done with a microfibre cloth and lukewarm water.
Registering the chassis (serial) number is recommended, either via the app or the Tech-Air portal, so you can be contacted about software updates.
The Tech-Air 5 Plasma comes in eight sizes (XS to 4XL) to suit a wide range of body types. The system is CE‑certified as protective motorcycle clothing according to EN 17092‑6:2020 as a Class C undergarment.
The Tech‑Air system is an active protection and safety device suitable for adults from 18 years upwards. It is essential to read and fully understand the user manual before putting the system into use.
