Rider sues Harley Davidson over ABS equipment (or lack thereof)

[OreoGaborio]

http://www.visordown.com/motorcycle-...#ixzz1gismlruE

AN AMERICAN who crashed his Harley-Davidson, causing his wife who was pillion to end up brain damaged, is suing Harley-Davidson as he claims he thought his motorcycle was equipped with ABS.

Jack Wilson, who crashed on Highway 99 in California, told the Highway Patrol that his anti-lock braking system had somehow malfunctioned, however, his bike, a 2008 Harley-Davidson Road Glide was never fitted with ABS.

Wilson claims the icon on the motorcycle's idiot lights suggested that it did have ABS. He also claimed the salesman who sold him the bike gave him an elbow-to-the-ribs-type aside and said 'chicks love ABS'.

The defence are claiming that the manufacturer puts this icon on all bikes to ensure that bikes that do have ABS will definitely have the accompanying light. The defence lawyer went on to say: "There's nothing odd or unique about a non-ABS bike having ABS. If the icon doesn't light up when you start the bike, anybody should know you don't have ABS."

The defence have laid the blame squarely at Wilson's door, saying: "He should have known the bike's features after riding it for 15 months and 12,000 miles."

Wilson's wife Judy has been left with skull, facial, rib and scapular fractures and now has a prosthetic skull and permanent brain softening. Pain and assorted disorders will render her unemployable forever, said her lawyer.

In what has become a highly controversial case, the jury have to decide whether Harley-Davidson's product bears a design defect in the form of the 'ABS' icon. If Harley-Davidson are found to be at fault, they'll liable to pay around $3 million (£1.9m) to Wilson and will no-doubt have to issue a huge recall.

The case continues.

"Chicks love ABS"

"Yeah, baby... my bike's got a 6 pack... I got a keg"

[Rossco]

Kingcastaway bought a Harley?

[Father Ribs]

(sorry in advance) Skull prosthetic? So, would that be a full face or a party lid prosthetic?

[OreoGaborio]

Ever hear of someone having a plate in their head?

[aldend123]

Is ABS the 2wheeled version of AWD/4WD in the cage world? My vehicle has magical powers since it has this option and therefore I am superior and can drive much more aggressively in all conditions?

Wish the article had more details on the events leading up to the accident. But I still don't think anyone can prove with a high degree of confidence that ABS would have prevented the tragic injuries to his wife. If the salesmen lied, treat it that way, but the injury probably should not be a factor.

[Pittenger5]

I bet she was wearing a full face DOT approved helmet as well.

[SRTie4k]

Is ABS the 2wheeled version of AWD/4WD in the cage world? My vehicle has magical powers since it has this option and therefore I am superior and can drive much more aggressively in all conditions?

Wish the article had more details on the events leading up to the accident. But I still don't think anyone can prove with a high degree of confidence that ABS would have prevented the tragic injuries to his wife. If the salesmen lied, treat it that way, but the injury probably should not be a factor.

ABS is ABS, Anti-Lock Braking System. It just modulates the brakes to prevent the wheels from locking up during a panic stop, allowing the rider to manuever while braking.

[OreoGaborio]

Is ABS the 2wheeled version of AWD/4WD in the cage world? My vehicle has magical powers since it has this option and therefore I am superior and can drive much more aggressively in all conditions?

So I take it you're one of those people that think the masses would be better off without technology that helps keep people safe, huh?

[csmutty]

So I take it you're one of those people that think the masses would be better off without technology that helps keep people safe, huh?

Peoples lack of intelligence about how the devices work leads to more safety issues in some cases. Oh I can drive faster...don't worry it has ABS. In the snow? I can outbrake anything...it's got 4wd.

[OreoGaborio]

Peoples lack of intelligence about how the devices work leads to more safety issues in some cases.

So you honestly think ABS causes more accidents than it prevents?

[SRTie4k]

So you honestly think ABS causes more accidents than it prevents?

I would say yes if you replaced ABS with AWD.

[OreoGaborio]

But I didn't say AWD, did I?
Motorcycles don't have AWD. This thread is about ABS.

[csmutty]

But I didn't say AWD, did I?
Motorcycles don't have AWD. This thread is about ABS.

No it doesn't cause more than it prevents. But it does cause some that wouldn't happen.

[Kurlon]

Motorcycles don't have AWD. This thread is about ABS.

http://www.christini.com/christiniawd300.php

This thread is about AWD motorcycles now.

[csmutty]

My 1965 rokon is AWD.

[Garandman]

From the injury it seems likely she was not wearing a helmet - any confirmation?

[mzdagrl]

No it doesn't cause more than it prevents. But it does cause some that wouldn't happen.

Yes.

Back to the AWD correlation, I live just off 202/9....very common to see vehicles off the road in the winter. MANY of those vehicles are 4WD/AWD. Just 'cause you have it, doesn't mean it will save you if you drive like an idiot.

Looking for a handout....

[OreoGaborio]

No it doesn't cause more than it prevents. But it does cause some that wouldn't happen.

And what would you say the ratio would be if you were to compare accidents you say ABS has caused to how many it has prevented?

[OreoGaborio]

Again, this thread is about ABS, not AWD.
I've yet to see any COMMON PRODUCTION ROAD GOING motorcycle with AWD and I've yet to see a motorcycle ride off the side of the highway in a snowstorm.

[cdseven95]

Anyone have a picture of the ABS icon on this bike?


If its there and not barely visible like in 99% of cars I could see how it could be confusing to the uneducated rider.

[mzdagrl]

Again, this thread is about ABS, not AWD.
I've yet to see any production motorcycle with AWD and I've yet to see a motorcycle ride off the side of the highway in a snowstorm.

All I am saying, is that when people think their vehicle (2 or 4 wheeled) is capable of magical things, they drive like their vehicle is capable of magical things. Not saying this accident couldn't have been prevented if he did, in fact, have ABS, but riding around like he did without actually checking was pretty dumb.

[OreoGaborio]

My 1965 rokon is AWD.

Good for you, go argue with other AWD owning motorcyclists.

[SRTie4k]

I just added a tag. Now its officially about AWD.

[Pigman]

Does HD even know what ABS stands for??????

[csmutty]

And what would you say the ratio would be if you were to compare accidents you say ABS has caused to how many it has prevented?

I have no idea. I assume we are talking motorcycles. Legitimately I don't think that many accidents could be saved because of ABS. In cars, sure. But motorcycles have limited traction and pulsating the brakes isn't going to help that.

So basically...I just avoided your question.