US rider sues Harley Davidson over "missing ABS"

**HenryDorsetCase** · 18th December 2011, 12:52

http://www.visordown.com/motorcycle-...ase/19709.html

this is weird.

I feel sad for his wife who has skull, brain and facial injuries. Wonder what sort of helmet she was wearing if any?

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'.

Read more: http://www.visordown.com/motorcycle-...#ixzz1gq5bXmlF

**Madness** · 18th December 2011, 13:09

There seems to be a huge misconception amongst some that ABS equipped vehicles are somehow miraculously crash-proof(tm). How on earth have the rest of us managed to stay alive without it is what I can't figure out

**FJRider** · 18th December 2011, 13:25

How did they manage to stay alive during the 12,000 MILES they/he has already travelled ... ???

Even vehicles WITH ABS fitted still crash.

**pzkpfw** · 18th December 2011, 13:32

"Chick love ABS"?

Abs, maybe, but A.B.S.?!

Weird story.

**Owl** · 18th December 2011, 13:43

Originally Posted by HenryDorsetCase

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Wonder what sort of helmet she was wearing if any?

Pass, but should've had one, being in California.

**Fast Eddie** · 18th December 2011, 13:46

Originally Posted by pzkpfw

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"Chick love ABS"?

Abs, maybe, but A.B.S.?!

Weird story.

... I think the pun was intentional. ABS/Abs

**Fast Eddie** · 18th December 2011, 13:50

As for the case/suing.. Think its a bit limp wristed. Very sad that his wife has permenant damage now. But I'm going to take a wild stab and assume she was not wearing a full face helmet, and possibly no helmet at all to have such severe damage. And they are right. After 15 months of riding and many miles he should definitely know how his bike operates. and lastly. if the light doesnt light up he should have been concerned. even if it did have ABS if they light doesnt come on there is probably a chance its malfunctioning. America eh, you want cheese with that?

**Paul in NZ** · 19th December 2011, 11:00

He probably has medical bills up the waazoo by now and has to sue someone ....

Its another "freedom to choose' bullshit thing. Doesnt want to be told to wear a helmet (it was carefully avoided in the article so a good bet she wasnt wearing one) but now wants to tell everyone else to pay for his stupidity...

**FJRider** · 19th December 2011, 11:09

Originally Posted by Fast Eddie

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... I think the pun was intentional. ABS/Abs

But I dont think he realised it was just a pun ...

**Gremlin** · 19th December 2011, 11:47

No doubt Harley riders are a little different.

In the course of 11 months of ownership of my BMW I've had the front and rear (much more often the rear) ABS activate, and I knew upon purchase it really did exist, and I've also turned it off and on now and then...

**Jay GTI** · 19th December 2011, 11:47

This is from the land of zero personal responsibility, so this is not surprising.

We can all easily jump to the conclusion the rider is an idiot, his wife just a stupid but in "The Land of the Free", it is up to the manufacturer to ensure even the stupidest person on the planet can operate their motorcycle in a safe manner. No matter how dump the rider was, it's Harley's fault for allowing a situation where he could be that dumb.

Of course I completely disagree with all of the above, but I am very much pro-personal responsibility and hate the constant erosion of civil liberties and personal freedom, because some vocal minority can shout their stupid mantras of "if we save one life as a result of this Draconian measure, it makes the sacrifices everyone else now has to make worthwhile", much louder than I can shout my view of the world.

**Crasherfromwayback** · 19th December 2011, 11:54

As much as I hate to say it...if the guy genuinely thought he had abs, I can understand his going HD.

He may've ridden the 12 thousand odd miles safely because he's not until that point had to grab a handful of brakes.

If you suddenly had to, and thought the abs would save your ass...

**oneofsix** · 19th December 2011, 12:07

Originally Posted by Crasherfromwayback

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As much as I hate to say it...if the guy genuinely thought he had abs, I can understand his going HD.

He may've ridden the 12 thousand odd miles safely because he's not until that point had to grab a handful of brakes.

If you suddenly had to, and thought the abs would save your ass...

I have to agree. It is not like he is suing because the coffee was hot. Wasn't until I got the car with A.B.S. I even know there was a light that is meant to come on with the ignition. It is possible he thought the light came on when the A.B.S were activated or faulty. If he was lead to believe the bike had A.B.S. and can prove it plus prove that the A.B.S. could have saved his wife then fair enough.
As to helmet, that will be part of HD's argue I guess and dependant on the state laws.

**Paul in NZ** · 19th December 2011, 12:10

I disagree. Its NOT HD's fault. Its arguably the salesmans fault but the real fault is their stupid medical system.....

**Crasherfromwayback** · 19th December 2011, 12:28

Originally Posted by Paul in NZ

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I disagree. Its NOT HD's fault. Its arguably the salesmans fault but the real fault is their stupid medical system.....

I'm not saying the guy wouldn't have crashed anyway, but I still think if you genuinely thought you had it, you may ride differently.

The fucked up medical system they have sure didn't cause the accident though.