Sounds interesting, but WTF is Titan ?
After ‘extremely promising’ results, BMW - working in collaboration with KTM - is aiming to push ahead with development of a protection system for the neck and spinal areas of sports motorcyclists, which could be in limited use before the end of this year.
The objective of the system is to reduce the risk of injury to the neck, the cervical spine, the spinal cord and the collar bone in the event of a serious fall.
A prototype - made of carbon fibre, damping material and titan - is currently undergoing intensive testing at BMW Motorrad and has produced excellent results. Consequently, experts at BMW Motorrad Accident Research regard the prototype as having a huge safety potential.
Its use can reduce the following injuries suffered as the result of an accident, but without any loss of the necessary freedom of head movement:
Hyperflexion: overflexion of the head when forced forwards
Hyperextension: overflexion of the head when forced to the rear
Lateral hyperflexion: overflexion of the head when forced to the side
Axial loading: compression of the spinal column due to the effect of force on the helmet
From the enduro motorcyclist and rally rider to the everyday motorcyclist in traffic situations, this system of neck protection will mean a great step forward in the area of passive safety.
“Motorcycle sport should be safer and we wish to make a contribution in achieving this,” explained Dr. Herbert Diess, Head of BMW Motorrad, while commenting on the decision to dedicate a substantial degree of attention to this subject. “The concept is extremely promising. If this system continues to come up to our expectations, I can well envisage us putting it into series production.”
BMW Motorrad and KTM are working closely together with a team of specialists comprising accident researchers, biomechanics, accident surgeons specializing in spinal injuries and last but not least Dr. Chris Leatt from Leatt-BraceTM who developed the brace.
Leatt is currently involved in the promotion of motorcycle safety in South Africa and is employed as a consulting physician for the South African racing series.
The spine protection system is scheduled to be employed by KTM works motorcyclists and by BMW Motorrad before the end of this year.