Honda Makes Motorcycle Airbag

Honda Motor Co. has developed airbags for motorcycles that the Japanese automaker says is the world's first for production motorcycles.

The airbag, which inflates after sensors detect an oncoming crash, will be available on the new Gold Wing motorcycle that will go on sale in spring 2006 in the United States, Honda said Thursday.

Tokyo-based Honda said the airbags will reduce injuries in head-on collisions.

The airbag opens in front of the riders and reduces the speed at which they get thrown off the motorcycle, lessening injuries when they hit the road or another vehicle, it said.