The Motorcycle Defect No One Warned You About — Until You Crash

You took every precaution. You wore the helmet, the gloves, the gear. You weren’t speeding. You weren’t distracted. But then, in the middle of a ride, something on your bike just failed. And suddenly, you’re not in control anymore.

That’s the nightmare. And for too many New York riders, it’s a reality.

If your motorcycle crash wasn’t caused by another driver—but by the machine itself—don’t let anyone blame you. Some of the most devastating wrecks in this state come from defects no one sees coming.

At Horn Wright, LLP, our motorcycle accident attorneys represent New York riders injured by hidden mechanical failures. From unexpected tire blowouts on I-87 to brake failures in the Bronx, we hold manufacturers accountable—and we help riders fight back when their bike turns against them.

The Hidden Hazards Lurking in New York Bikes

Modern motorcycles are complex machines. One faulty part can turn a safe ride into a disaster—and it doesn’t take a lot to put you at risk.

Brake system failures you can't see

Not all brake issues are obvious. Some happen after the bike leaves the dealership. Common hidden dangers include:

• Brake fluid leaks that degrade stopping power
• Faulty ABS modules that fail during emergency braking
• Soft or corroded brake lines, especially in bikes stored through New York winters

In one case out of Albany, a rider crashed after his rear brake completely locked mid-ride. A mechanic later found a defective ABS unit that had been recalled—but no one notified the owner.

Under New York Vehicle and Traffic Law § 375(1), all motor vehicles must be equipped with working brakes—and manufacturers are responsible when those systems fail without warning.

Frame and structural weaknesses

A bike’s frame is its backbone. When that fails, even minor bumps can lead to major consequences.

Defective frame issues include:

• Cracking at weld points
• Improper alignment during manufacturing
• Subframe separation under normal load

Some bikes sold in New York have been subject to manufacturer recalls for structural defects that led to crashes and even deaths. If your frame failed during normal use, you may have a case—even if the dealership “didn’t know.”

When a Broken Bike Turns Deadly on the Road

Mechanical defects don’t always give warnings. And when they show up while you’re doing 60 on the Thruway—or navigating the FDR—they don’t leave much room for error.

Sudden loss of control

It’s terrifying—and far too common. One second you’re fine. The next, you can’t steer, slow down, or stabilize the bike.

Loss of control crashes linked to defects often involve:

• Handlebar or steering column failures
• Suspension component breaks
• Locked wheels or ABS malfunctions

One Bronx rider lost control during a lane change when his front fork collapsed. A later investigation showed a manufacturing defect in the lower triple clamp—something no basic inspection would’ve caught.

How tire defects can cause high-speed crashes

You might think a worn tire is the rider’s fault. But some tires fail even when new—or when they've been improperly installed or stored by shops.

Tire-related crashes in New York have involved:

• Sidewall blowouts
• Tread separation
• Valve stem failures
• Incorrect tire pressure recommendations by dealers

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) issues frequent tire recalls, and New York riders have every right to expect the tires on their bikes to meet minimum safety standards.

Suing a Manufacturer That Put Your Life at Risk

When a part fails, the blame often starts with the rider. But it shouldn’t end there—especially if a defective product is what caused the crash.

Recall notices and what they mean

A recall is a public acknowledgment by a manufacturer that something on your bike is unsafe. But here’s the problem:

• Not every owner gets notified
• Not every defect gets a recall
• Some recalls happen after the injury

Even if your bike wasn’t on a recall list, a part failure can still form the basis of a product liability claim. But if your bike was recalled and you weren’t told, that strengthens your case.

You can check your VIN for open recalls through the NHTSA recall lookup tool, which includes defects relevant to New York riders.

Legal strategy when a part fails

When we take on a defective motorcycle case, we go after:

• Manufacturers of the faulty part or bike
• Dealerships that failed to inspect or repair known issues
• Shops that installed components improperly
• Third-party suppliers of tires, brakes, or electronics

Proving defect requires deep investigation. We bring in mechanical engineers, accident reconstruction specialists, and recall analysts to show how the failure occurred—and how it could’ve been prevented.

In a 2022 Syracuse case, a rider received a $640,000 settlement after a defective throttle sensor on his sportbike caused unintended acceleration. The manufacturer initially denied fault—until our team uncovered internal emails about sensor problems on earlier models.

Your Bike Failed You—We Won’t

If your crash was caused by a defect, don’t let the manufacturer write you off. Don’t let them say you were “riding too hard” or “should’ve known.” You were doing your job as a rider. They didn’t do theirs.

At Horn Wright, LLP, our motorcycle accident attorneys represent riders across New York whose crashes were caused by hidden flaws, recalled parts, and bad engineering. Whether your brakes failed, your frame cracked, or your tires gave out without warning, we’ll investigate the truth—and we’ll help you take action. If you're ready to fight back with one of the best law firms in America, we’re ready to stand with you.