MOTORCYCLE BACKGROUND
Over 35 years of combined motorcycle education, Industry, practical and Competition experience.
I have conducted technical and engineering research, forensic research, test and
evaluation, road tests, failure analysis and overall technical expert witness activities for a variety of
Motorcycle, Motocross, Racing, Lemon Law and other specialty cases and matters.
KEY SKILLS: On and Off Road motorcycle and racing standards of care, research & forensic analysis
of failed components, product liability, patent, precision measurement, accident and crash investigation;
design, maintenance, restoration, repair fraud, high performance modifications, racing rules, and track
safety, State park and federal (BLM) land rules, Insurance and cost evaluation.
TECHNICAL BACKGROUND: Accidents, brakes and suspension, wheels and tires, chassis, shocks
and forks, engine, carburetors and jetting, fuel systems, drive systems, accessories, custom choppers,
protective and safety equipment, helmets, AMA, DOT, EPA, SNELL, NHTSA, BLM, and miscellaneous
Regulatory agencies.
ADDITIONAL MOTORCYCLE BACKGROUND: Consulted in motorcycle and vehicle related matters
and expert witness Motorcycle / Scooter / Motocross racing specific cases. Many of those cases involved
a post accident forensic study of responsible party, effected components, products, failure mode and
critical measurement of tolerances.
wheels and related vehicle components.
non-metallic materials, structures and components.
______________________________________________________________________________________
CASE EXPERIENCE: (Actual names of Clients, companies and law firms removed for confidentiality)
Case Name: Plaintiff v. Tire and Insurance Company 2-3-2008
Representing: Defendant
Case Requirements: (Failure Analysis & Accident Reconstruction); Technical knowledge of Scooter
type Motorcycles, tire design, wheel design, Installation, maintenance, standards of care, cause of tire failure.
Case Description: Scooter rider crashes while riding a scooter due to a front tire blow out. The
rider was seriously injured as a result of the crash. A local (auto) tire company installed a new tire
on the wheel just prior to the crash. The tire company was suspected of negligence and improper
installation procedures.
Case Work: Inspected scooter and failed components. Interviewed plaintiff and defendant. Took critical
measurements and photos to prepare for laboratory research and testing. Developed a scientific plan to
simulate road and tire/wheel conditions that lead to the crash.
Case Outcome: Post research conclusions and expert report assigned specific blame to both the
plaintiff and the defendant. The defendant was only found partially responsible, and was ordered to
pay $ 50,000 instead of the claimed $ 750,000 sought in the original damages request. Case Settled.
Case Name: Client v. Insurance Company 10-25-2007
Representing: Plaintiff
Case Requirements: (Motocross Accident Reconstruction); Technical knowledge of
motorcycles, motocross, and motorcycle racing rules, guidelines and practices.
Case Description: Boy gets seriously injured at a Motocross Track due to negligence of another
rider not following basic safety rules and motocross track etiquette.
Case Work: Reviewed all documents and depositions, Interviewed rider at site to determine
responsibilities. Interviewed by Attorneys from both sides regarding my opinion on my findings.
Case Outcome: Arbitration case before Local Judge. Case Settled
Case Name: Client v. Major Motorcycle Manufacturer 5-3-2004
Representing: Plaintiff
Case Requirements: (Failure Analysis & Accident Reconstruction); Technical knowledge of
motorcycle rear brake system and general motorcycle chassis / brake design, function, maintenance
and failure results relative to lack of maintenance.
Case Description: Plaintiff sues motorcycle division of major manufacturer for faulty design of
motorcycle braking system.
Case Work: Met with defendants forensic experts to review technical issues. Disassembled motorcycle
and photographed suspect components and gave report to attorneys for review.
Case Outcome: **Disagreed with plaintiff’s position regarding faulty design and discovered improper
maintenance was the primary cause of failure. No further Case Work required.
Case Name: Client v. Private Party 1-20-2006
Representing: Defendant
Case requirements: (Failure Analysis & Accident Reconstruction); Technical knowledge of
motorcycle accessories, installation procedures and best practice of storing luggage on the back
of a motorcycle. Review of Traffic Collision report, conduct failure analysis and forensic report on
product marketing, design, material and manufacturing quality.
Case Description: Defendant is being sued after a piece of luggage got caught in the rear wheel
of the motorcycle causing it to lock up. This resulted in the motorcycle losing control, crashing and
death to the passenger.
Case Work: Researched manufacturers specifications, Installation Instructions and Fitment charts.
Case Outcome: Research concluded, findings submitted, deposition taken. Case Settled.
Case Name: Client v. Private Party 3-28-2002
Representing: Defendant
Case Requirements: (Accident Reconstruction); Thorough understanding of motorcycle
design, stopping characteristics, capabilities and crash behavior dynamics. Ability to perform
partial accident sequence reconstruction and road surface analysis.
Case Description: A "Good Samaritan" offering road side assistance to the victim of a hit and
run accident on a freeway was struck by a motorcycle ridden by the defendant. The plaintiff
was severely injured in the accident.
Case Work: Reviewed depositions of accident victims, witnesses and the plaintiff that was
struck by the defendant. Reviewed motorcycle maintenance logs for conformity to specification.
Assisted attorney for the defense in case preparation.
Case Outcome: Defendant found Liable for accident, determined to be traveling too fast for the
given traffic conditions. Case Settled.
Case Name: Client v. Motocross Race Track 8-25-1998
Representing: Plaintiff
Case Requirements: (Motocross Accident Reconstruction); Technical knowledge of motocross,
supercross and motorcycle racing rules, guidelines and practices.
Case Description: Boy Dies at MX race in Hawaii Stadium supercross race possibly due to negligence
of event staff and emergency response crew.
Case Work: Reviewed all documents and depositions, Interviewed coordinators and event staff to
determine responsibilities. Telephone Interviewed by Attorneys from both sides regarding my
opinion on my findings.
Case Outcome: After interview, it was clear there were many problems with this events planning as
compared to other events. The defendant was found partially responsible and was ordered to pay
monies to the surviving family of the boy killed in the race. Case Settled.
Case Name: Client v. Major Motorcycle Manufacturer 5-7-08
Representing: Plaintiff
Case Requirements: (Lemon law case); Having a technical knowledge of motorcycle engine design,
troubleshooting and diagnosis of failed components.
Case Description: A motorcyclist was riding his motorcycle when the engine locked up, skidded
and almost crashed. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where ultimately it was repaired. After the initial
repair, the engine locked up again. Over 45 days later, the owner received his motorcycle.
Case Work: Reviewed all documents and Interviewed the regional service advisor. Took pictures,
audited the inspection performed by the service advisor and their counsel, authored expert report.
Case Outcome: Deposition taken, Jury Trial concluded with judgment to Plaintiff. We were successful
in securing the jury verdict and judgment. Case Won in Jury Trial.
Case Name: Client v. Major Motorcycle Manufacturer 3-5-08
Representing: Plaintiff
Case Requirements: (Lemon law case); Having a technical knowledge of motorcycle suspension,
shocks, forks, bearings, tolerances, test riding, troubleshooting and diagnosis of failed components.
Case Description: A motorcycle owner had chronic issues with Instability while riding at high speeds.
After several attempts by the dealer to resolve the issue, the motorcycle remained in dangerous riding
condition.
Case Work: Test rode the motorcycle under specific road conditions to substantiate the claim. Isolated
cause and effect of the out of tolerance components. Reviewed all documents and
measured critical components. Took detailed photographs and prepared counsel for trial.
Case Outcome: After my findings were submitted to the manufacturers counsel, they agreed to replace
all the effected components and paid for legal fees and damages. Case Settled.
Case Name: Client v. Motocross Track 3-3-09
Representing: Defendant
Case Requirements: (Motocross Racing Injury); Having a expert level knowledge of Motocross
Racing, track operations, safety, track design, rules, standards of care, and riding experience.
Case Description: A motorcycle rider crashed on a Motocross track during practice and got hit by
another rider. He sustained moderate injuries from the incident.
Case Work: Interviewed track owner and audited the track condition, operations, track design and
overall facility for standard of care and fit for use. Audited a typical track practice for safety, flagger
protocol and training. Reviewed track and organization rules, contracts and liabilities. Preparing to
initialize expert witness report.
Case Outcome: Case Ongoing.
Case Name: Client v. Major Motorcycle Manufacturer 06-11-09
Representing: Plaintiff
Case Requirements: (Product Design Defect); Having a expert level knowledge of Motocross
Racing and Motocross Motorcycle Design and failure analysis, standards of care, and riding experience.
Case Description: A motorcycle rider crashed on a Motocross track possibly due to a design defect
on the motorcycle. The rider sustained major injuries from the incident.
Case Work: Interviewed the motorcycle owner, photographed the motorcycle and the suspect
component for possible litigation. Prepared to initialize expert witness report.
Case Outcome: Case pending. **Disagreed with the plaintiffs position. Case may not move forward.
Over 35 years of combined motorcycle education, Industry, practical and Competition experience.
I have conducted technical and engineering research, forensic research, test and
evaluation, road tests, failure analysis and overall technical expert witness activities for a variety of
Motorcycle, Motocross, Racing, Lemon Law and other specialty cases and matters.
KEY SKILLS: On and Off Road motorcycle and racing standards of care, research & forensic analysis
of failed components, product liability, patent, precision measurement, accident and crash investigation;
design, maintenance, restoration, repair fraud, high performance modifications, racing rules, and track
safety, State park and federal (BLM) land rules, Insurance and cost evaluation.
TECHNICAL BACKGROUND: Accidents, brakes and suspension, wheels and tires, chassis, shocks
and forks, engine, carburetors and jetting, fuel systems, drive systems, accessories, custom choppers,
protective and safety equipment, helmets, AMA, DOT, EPA, SNELL, NHTSA, BLM, and miscellaneous
Regulatory agencies.
ADDITIONAL MOTORCYCLE BACKGROUND: Consulted in motorcycle and vehicle related matters
and expert witness Motorcycle / Scooter / Motocross racing specific cases. Many of those cases involved
a post accident forensic study of responsible party, effected components, products, failure mode and
critical measurement of tolerances.
- 3+ years experience with a major auto tire manufacturer. Worked supporting troubleshooting,
wheels and related vehicle components.
- Motorcycle Test Rider and product review moto-journalist for on-line M/C Magazine.
- Licensed Class C & M1 since 1976.
- Motorcycle shop retail / service experience.
- Authored detailed research papers and led senior projects on general motorcycle chassis design,
- Experienced in use of precision measurement tools and equipment to analyze motorcycle
- Experienced in laboratory testing and analysis of failed components from 2+ years direct
non-metallic materials, structures and components.
- Experienced in motorcycle diagnostics, troubleshooting, repair and testing/evaluation from both
- Small business owner and manufacturer of high-end composite aftermarket suspension,
- Knowledgeable in high performance engine and chassis modifications and aftermarket sourcing.
- 35+ years of motorcycle ownership, riding, maintenance, repair and restoration experience.
- Have owned more than 27 motorcycles of various brands. Maintained them all.
- 27+ years competition and motorcycle race preparation experience; licensed in CRC, OTMX,
- WSMC Roadracing Novice competition license holder expired.
______________________________________________________________________________________
CASE EXPERIENCE: (Actual names of Clients, companies and law firms removed for confidentiality)
Case Name: Plaintiff v. Tire and Insurance Company 2-3-2008
Representing: Defendant
Case Requirements: (Failure Analysis & Accident Reconstruction); Technical knowledge of Scooter
type Motorcycles, tire design, wheel design, Installation, maintenance, standards of care, cause of tire failure.
Case Description: Scooter rider crashes while riding a scooter due to a front tire blow out. The
rider was seriously injured as a result of the crash. A local (auto) tire company installed a new tire
on the wheel just prior to the crash. The tire company was suspected of negligence and improper
installation procedures.
Case Work: Inspected scooter and failed components. Interviewed plaintiff and defendant. Took critical
measurements and photos to prepare for laboratory research and testing. Developed a scientific plan to
simulate road and tire/wheel conditions that lead to the crash.
Case Outcome: Post research conclusions and expert report assigned specific blame to both the
plaintiff and the defendant. The defendant was only found partially responsible, and was ordered to
pay $ 50,000 instead of the claimed $ 750,000 sought in the original damages request. Case Settled.
Case Name: Client v. Insurance Company 10-25-2007
Representing: Plaintiff
Case Requirements: (Motocross Accident Reconstruction); Technical knowledge of
motorcycles, motocross, and motorcycle racing rules, guidelines and practices.
Case Description: Boy gets seriously injured at a Motocross Track due to negligence of another
rider not following basic safety rules and motocross track etiquette.
Case Work: Reviewed all documents and depositions, Interviewed rider at site to determine
responsibilities. Interviewed by Attorneys from both sides regarding my opinion on my findings.
Case Outcome: Arbitration case before Local Judge. Case Settled
Case Name: Client v. Major Motorcycle Manufacturer 5-3-2004
Representing: Plaintiff
Case Requirements: (Failure Analysis & Accident Reconstruction); Technical knowledge of
motorcycle rear brake system and general motorcycle chassis / brake design, function, maintenance
and failure results relative to lack of maintenance.
Case Description: Plaintiff sues motorcycle division of major manufacturer for faulty design of
motorcycle braking system.
Case Work: Met with defendants forensic experts to review technical issues. Disassembled motorcycle
and photographed suspect components and gave report to attorneys for review.
Case Outcome: **Disagreed with plaintiff’s position regarding faulty design and discovered improper
maintenance was the primary cause of failure. No further Case Work required.
Case Name: Client v. Private Party 1-20-2006
Representing: Defendant
Case requirements: (Failure Analysis & Accident Reconstruction); Technical knowledge of
motorcycle accessories, installation procedures and best practice of storing luggage on the back
of a motorcycle. Review of Traffic Collision report, conduct failure analysis and forensic report on
product marketing, design, material and manufacturing quality.
Case Description: Defendant is being sued after a piece of luggage got caught in the rear wheel
of the motorcycle causing it to lock up. This resulted in the motorcycle losing control, crashing and
death to the passenger.
Case Work: Researched manufacturers specifications, Installation Instructions and Fitment charts.
Case Outcome: Research concluded, findings submitted, deposition taken. Case Settled.
Case Name: Client v. Private Party 3-28-2002
Representing: Defendant
Case Requirements: (Accident Reconstruction); Thorough understanding of motorcycle
design, stopping characteristics, capabilities and crash behavior dynamics. Ability to perform
partial accident sequence reconstruction and road surface analysis.
Case Description: A "Good Samaritan" offering road side assistance to the victim of a hit and
run accident on a freeway was struck by a motorcycle ridden by the defendant. The plaintiff
was severely injured in the accident.
Case Work: Reviewed depositions of accident victims, witnesses and the plaintiff that was
struck by the defendant. Reviewed motorcycle maintenance logs for conformity to specification.
Assisted attorney for the defense in case preparation.
Case Outcome: Defendant found Liable for accident, determined to be traveling too fast for the
given traffic conditions. Case Settled.
Case Name: Client v. Motocross Race Track 8-25-1998
Representing: Plaintiff
Case Requirements: (Motocross Accident Reconstruction); Technical knowledge of motocross,
supercross and motorcycle racing rules, guidelines and practices.
Case Description: Boy Dies at MX race in Hawaii Stadium supercross race possibly due to negligence
of event staff and emergency response crew.
Case Work: Reviewed all documents and depositions, Interviewed coordinators and event staff to
determine responsibilities. Telephone Interviewed by Attorneys from both sides regarding my
opinion on my findings.
Case Outcome: After interview, it was clear there were many problems with this events planning as
compared to other events. The defendant was found partially responsible and was ordered to pay
monies to the surviving family of the boy killed in the race. Case Settled.
Case Name: Client v. Major Motorcycle Manufacturer 5-7-08
Representing: Plaintiff
Case Requirements: (Lemon law case); Having a technical knowledge of motorcycle engine design,
troubleshooting and diagnosis of failed components.
Case Description: A motorcyclist was riding his motorcycle when the engine locked up, skidded
and almost crashed. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where ultimately it was repaired. After the initial
repair, the engine locked up again. Over 45 days later, the owner received his motorcycle.
Case Work: Reviewed all documents and Interviewed the regional service advisor. Took pictures,
audited the inspection performed by the service advisor and their counsel, authored expert report.
Case Outcome: Deposition taken, Jury Trial concluded with judgment to Plaintiff. We were successful
in securing the jury verdict and judgment. Case Won in Jury Trial.
Case Name: Client v. Major Motorcycle Manufacturer 3-5-08
Representing: Plaintiff
Case Requirements: (Lemon law case); Having a technical knowledge of motorcycle suspension,
shocks, forks, bearings, tolerances, test riding, troubleshooting and diagnosis of failed components.
Case Description: A motorcycle owner had chronic issues with Instability while riding at high speeds.
After several attempts by the dealer to resolve the issue, the motorcycle remained in dangerous riding
condition.
Case Work: Test rode the motorcycle under specific road conditions to substantiate the claim. Isolated
cause and effect of the out of tolerance components. Reviewed all documents and
measured critical components. Took detailed photographs and prepared counsel for trial.
Case Outcome: After my findings were submitted to the manufacturers counsel, they agreed to replace
all the effected components and paid for legal fees and damages. Case Settled.
Case Name: Client v. Motocross Track 3-3-09
Representing: Defendant
Case Requirements: (Motocross Racing Injury); Having a expert level knowledge of Motocross
Racing, track operations, safety, track design, rules, standards of care, and riding experience.
Case Description: A motorcycle rider crashed on a Motocross track during practice and got hit by
another rider. He sustained moderate injuries from the incident.
Case Work: Interviewed track owner and audited the track condition, operations, track design and
overall facility for standard of care and fit for use. Audited a typical track practice for safety, flagger
protocol and training. Reviewed track and organization rules, contracts and liabilities. Preparing to
initialize expert witness report.
Case Outcome: Case Ongoing.
Case Name: Client v. Major Motorcycle Manufacturer 06-11-09
Representing: Plaintiff
Case Requirements: (Product Design Defect); Having a expert level knowledge of Motocross
Racing and Motocross Motorcycle Design and failure analysis, standards of care, and riding experience.
Case Description: A motorcycle rider crashed on a Motocross track possibly due to a design defect
on the motorcycle. The rider sustained major injuries from the incident.
Case Work: Interviewed the motorcycle owner, photographed the motorcycle and the suspect
component for possible litigation. Prepared to initialize expert witness report.
Case Outcome: Case pending. **Disagreed with the plaintiffs position. Case may not move forward.
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