this link goes to the Chicago Tribune website, Business news or search for Harley Davidson

I got a question, how can you NOT have engine damage if a rear cam bearing fails?
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/l...&cset=true

 

sorry, the story is only accessible to registered members.

 

Wis. Supreme Court won't reopen class-action suit against Harley
By EMILY FREDRIX
AP Business Writer
Published July 12, 2007, 3:33 PM CDT

MILWAUKEE -- The Wisconsin Supreme Court refused Thursday to reopen a class-action lawsuit that accuses Harley-Davidson Inc. of failing to disclose a defect in two engines sold in 1999 and 2000.

In a 4-3 vote, the court upheld a circuit court's decision refusing to reopen and amend a 2001 case brought by Steven Tietsworth, of California. Tietsworth claimed the Milwaukee-based motorcycle maker knew or should have known the engine design for some motorcycles made in 1999 and early 2000 was inherently defective. The flaw, he claimed, diminished the value of his motorcycle.


A court of appeals had overruled the circuit court in December 2005, saying Tietsworth's case could be amended to include warranty and contract claims. The Supreme Court reversed that decision Thursday, ruling the circuit court has no authority to reopen the amended case without an order.

Harley-Davidson spokesman Bob Klein said the company would not comment until it had reviewed the decision. Tietsworth's lawyer, Ted Warshafsky, also said he needed to read the decision before commenting.

Harley-Davidson sent letters in January 2001 to Tietsworth and 140,000 other owners of 1999 and early 2000 models using the Twin Cam 88 and Twin Cam 88B engines. The company told owners the rear cam bearing in some bikes had failed but would probably not cause engine failure. Harley extended its warranty for the part and made cam repair kits available for $495.

Tietsworth's complaint, which later involved four other owners, said the problem increased riders' safety risks and decreased the value of Harleys with those engines. A circuit court judge threw out the original case, saying Tietsworth and others failed to show actual damages or economic loss, and its decision was eventually upheld by the state Supreme Court.

Tietsworth tried in 2004 to amend his original complaint to include contract and warranty claims. Thursday's Supreme Court decision ended that effort.

Harley shares rose 77 cents, or 1.25 percent, to close at $62.19 on Thursday.
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I think that Harley should have provided those cam repair kits free of charge to folks who had the effected bikes. I guess HD had the bike serial numbers, right?

Hack

 

My question would be why the plaintiffs brought this suit in Wisconsin since they could have filed it in any state where some of the plaintiffs reside? I mean why sue General Motors in Detroit if you don't have to?

Uncle Peepers

 

just prooves my point over and over when people say MOCO cannot do something.. I say you cannot afford to sue them!!!!!!!

 

dang ChooChoo, something we agree on.

 

I do wish Harley would have stepped up and provided the kit for free and
all you had to do was pay for the labor. Its what will happen and continue
to happen when we go around bragging that Harley is the only true American
made bike. Now lets trade those old 07's and get the 08's
[:@]
Saint

 

I think the judges were screwed up or bought off or something.
Or are really ignorant of an engine and it's internal components and how they interact with each other.

 

$500. bucs for the kit!!!Thats some bullchit!!!Few bricks through the windows would justify my kit!!![:'(]