Defective Motorcycles
Anytime we get behind the wheel of a vehicle, there are dangers. But when we hop on a motorcycle and take to the streets, the danger is a substantially increased because there is very little to protect the motorcyclist from the hard surface of the road, other cars, road hazards, and nature.
Riding a motorcycle is dangerous enough in itself, but that danger is significantly compounded when there is a defect in the design or manufacture of the motorcycle. Unfortunately, motorcycle accidents can often be catastrophic resulting in brain injuries, spinal cord injuries and loss of limbs. If you or a loved one has been injured or killed due to a defective motorcycle, you may have a valid legal claim.
Motorcycle Recalls
Defective motorcycles are sometimes recalled by the manufacturer or Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC). The purpose of a recall is to remove a defective product from the market before anyone is hurt or killed. But, unfortunately, injuries often take place before the product is recalled. If your loved one was injured by a defective motorcycle because of a defect, the manufacturer of the motorcycle may be held liable for injuries and other damages.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the manufacturers themselves will recall a certain make and model of motorcycle when a defect is discovered. Regardless of whether a manufacturer or the NHTSA brought about the recall, the manufacture must file a public report that describes the defect, how it was discovered, and how the manufacturer will fix the defect. The manufacturer must also issue a scheduled time frame for the recall and attempt to notify owners of the motorcycles that have the defect.
Even if the motorcycle owner is not notified of the recall, the manufacturer is bound by federal law to provide free repair to any motorcycle that has been the subject of a recall. Individuals involved in motorcycle crashes should contact an experienced products liability in their area as soon as possible following the discovery of a defective motorcycle.
There is almost always legal recourse for motorcyclists who have suffered injuries because of a defect in the design or manufacture of the bike. The most common motorcycle defects attorneys see are:
- Handlebar defects
- Tire defects
- Brake defects
- Fuel line defects
The number of recalled motorcycles in the past few years is quite large:
- BMW motorcycles 90-92
- BMW R1100 94
- BMW RL1100RS 94-95
- BMW R1100RSL 94-96
- Buell S2 Thunderbolt 95
- Ducati 916 95
- Harley-Davidson 01-02
- Harley-Davidson 86-92
- Harley-Davidson 89-92
- Harley-Davidson 90-91
- H-D FLHTC & FLTC 93-94
- H-D Softail FL & FX 89-90
- H-D XLH 94
- Honda motorcycles 88-93
- Kawasaki motorcycles 96-97
- Kawasaki ZX600 93-94
- Suzuki motorcycles 96-98
- Suzuki GSX-R750W & TL1000RW
- Suzuki Intruder VS800GL 92-94
- Suzuki TL1000SV 97
- Yamaha Road Star '99-00
- Yamaha motorcycles 95-96
While this list does not include every single motorcycle ever recalled, it provides a good start.
If you or someone you love has been injured or killed due to a defective motorcycle, please contact an experienced defective products attorney in your area today.
