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Man Sues Harley-Davidson After Crashing During Test Ride

CRETE, Ill. (STMW) -- A man did more than burn rubber while test driving a Harley-Davidson motorcycle that he claims fell on top of him.

Gregory Zenere claims he went to the Harley-Davidson of Crete motorcycle dealership to test drive a Tri-Glide 2011 motorcycle on Aug. 17, 2010 according to a suit filed Thursday in Cook County Circuit Court.

The suit claims that Zenere was driving the motorcycle southbound on Route 394 about a half-mile south of East Burville Road when he attempted to steer to the right to follow the road. The steering mechanism of the motorcycle locked in place and prevented Zenere from turning and the bike continued straight.

Zenere claims that he attempted to brake but the bike continued straight, began sliding of the road into the median and fell on top of him, according to the suit.

The suit claims that Zenere suffered severe and permanent injuries and is forced to continue to seek extensive medical treatment.

The suit claims that Harley-Davidson failed to properly design, manufacture and adequately test the Tri-Glide 2011 motorcycle.

The six-count suit claims strict liability and negligence and seeks unspecified damages.

The Harley-Davidson of Crete motorcycle dealership closed in Oct. 2010, according to published reports.

A spokesperson for the Harley-Davidson Motor Company was not immediately available for comment on the suit.

© Sun-Times Media Wire Chicago Sun-Times 2011. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed

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