Tonight's National Geographic movie will delve into the new technologies being developed to assist motorcycle riders in crashes. Rizla Suzuki's Chris Vermeulen (above) unwillingly demonstrates a nasty high-side at Sachsenring.
"Motorcycle Crash Tech" is an extraordinary behind-the-scenes look at the new technologies being used to avoid motorcycle crashes and prevent injuries when a racer or rider does go down.
Exclusive interviews with former World Superbike Champion Neil Hodgson and Grand Prix legend Giacomo Agostini describe first-hand what goes through a racer's mind the moment they know they're going to crash. Ago vividly recounts just how dangerous racing was in the 1960s and '70s. Combining rare archival footage as well as contemporary racing coverage, the film explains the differences between high-sides and low-sides and the extreme forces involved in both types of crashes.
The film captures stunning action photography of world-class test riders Vito Guareschi and Umberto Rumiano in action during what are normally closed test sessions of new riding gear and bikes. Factory riders are also filmed testing the newest brakes on twisting Italian mountain roads and performing incredible braking tests on a private test track.
"Motorcycle Crash Tech" will premiere on Sept. 17 at 6 p.m. Pacific time on the National Geographic Channel. It airs again at 9 p.m. and on Saturday, Sept. 19 at 11 p.m.
Filmed in 1080i high-definition and 5.1 digital surround sound, "Motorcycle Crash Tech" takes viewers on an extraordinary journey across Northern Italy. With rare access to R&D facilities, the film chronicles the very latest technologies being used in motorcycle riding gear, boots, helmets, brakes, and the bikes themselves to make racing and riding safer.
