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http://www.prweb.com/releases/2010/12/prweb4876254.htmEdwards Law Firm Investigates Motorcycle Rim Failures....
The Edwards Law Firm is investigating motorcycle rim failures in the wake of two reports of catastrophic deflations involving tires on a Harley Davidson Ultra Classics. Both were steel chrome-plated 40-spoke factory rims manufactured in Italy. The investigation was prompted by information sent to unsafemotorcycles.com arising from incidents in Michigan and Ohio.
Rim of failed tire shows long vertical crack. The Edwards Law Firm is investigating this and a similar incident.“Failures of two rims manufactured at the same plant could mean defective metals or processing. If this is the case, other riders could be at risk."
Austin, TX (PRWEB) December 9, 2010 –
The Edwards Law Firm is investigating motorcycle rim failures in the wake of two reports of catastrophic deflations of tires on Harley Davidson Ultra Classics. Both were steel chrome-plated 40-spoke factory rims manufactured in Italy. The investigation was prompted by information sent to unsafemotorcycles.com arising from incidents in Michigan and Ohio.
“Failures of two rims manufactured at the same plant could mean defective metals or processing. If this is the case, other riders could be at risk,” said Billy Edwards, attorney and motorcycle rider. “We will be sending the rims to experts to see if they can determine what caused the failures.”
“If you or someone you know has experienced the motorcycle rim failure, please contact us through the unsafemotorcycles.com website, ” Edwards said.
A Michigan man riding a 2001 Ultra Classic reported he was traveling in October 2009 along a two-lane state highway at about 40 mph when his rear tire suddenly deflated.
“There was no warning, no sound, and all of a sudden the rear of the bike became extremely loose, squirrelly, uncontrollable, “he said. He credited experience as a life-long motorcycle rider and Motorcycle Safety Foundation classes for his ability to stop without going down. “I knew, don’t panic, don’t slam on the brakes, bring it down easy. I was fortunate,” he said.
The tire had less than 1,200 miles on it and had been installed at a Harley dealership, which also reported they had inspected the rim, he said. He said there was no hole in the tire, a D402, just a shredded tube and a long, lengthwise crack in the rim.
The Michigan rider, an engineer, said a fellow rider from Ohio experienced a similar rim failure in September, 2010, prompting him to report the two incidents to the site. In the second instance, the Ohio rider reported he was traveling 78 mph on I-75 when the tire gave way.
“He crossed three lanes of traffic before he reached the berm where he could start applying brake to the front wheel. He almost didn’t make it,”the Michigan rider said. He said the Ohio rider, an automotive mechanic, was on a 2003 Ultra Classic. He said the tire was a Messler, again with no sign of puncture, but the rim shows a long, vertical crack. Photos of the damaged rims have been posted on unsafemotorcycles.com.
The Harley dealerships and Harley corporate office could shed no light on the problem and assumed no responsibility, according to the reports. Unsafemotorcycles.com is looking into the incidents. If you have experienced a similar issue, please contact the site.
