Killer "Retreads"
Thread Starter
|
Novice
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
From: Georgia
Killer "Retreads"
You know those 2 feet to 6 feet retreads that come off the tires of 18 wheelers, and lay like land mines on our highways. Bad enough to hit one in a car or pickup. I've hit two and one bent the bumper on the Ford Explorer I was driving. Trying to dodge one in heavy rush hour traffic, still moving at 55+ on a 6 lane expressway is even more dangerous. One of these retreads were responsible for killing a motorcyclist on I-85 in Gwinnett County Georgia last week. He didn't see it until the car in front of him hit it and caused it to be thrown up in the air. The retread hit him and caused him to fall. He might have survived, since witnesses said he laid his bike down. Then an 18 wheeler ran over him before he could get up. Killed instantly. These retreads have caused many accidents, either directly like with this fellow biker or with vehicles swerving into another car trying to miss one. THEY NEED TO BE OUTLAWED. PERIOD. The cost savings aren't worth a life. And these are killing people. If a truck can be identified that has one fly off and someone hits it, the trucking company should have their butt sued.
Tourer
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 446
Likes: 4
From: Nevada
Most times you can identify the truck involved because it will be parked on the side of the road waiting for a service truck. But the trucking industry is a powerful one, and it will be a tough job trying to outlaw retreads .... they save millions by retreading tires, and won't lay down easily.
Yes yes yes. I agree. Those things suck and r really dangerous. I acualy hit one this spring time a few hundred miles from home. I was on the highway going through the mountains of PA at night. Prob going a little to fast. Ran over one and thank god it laid down and didn't come up and get stuck between front wheel and frame. It was a wild ride. Felt like I ran over a huge chuck of steel. It was very very loud and jolting. I was able to keep the bike up. I pulled over to check my bike and the only thing messed up was gremlin bell ripped off of the underside of the frame. I truly believe it saved my a$$.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 4,212
Likes: 1,776
From: USA
Had one about 20" long flip up and hit me square above my eyes in Mississippi Memorial Day 2010. I was wearing my FF and it hit hard enough to mark my helmet. It bounced forward and fell into my lap. When I pulled over it was HOT. Brothers riding behind me said it looked like it took my head off. Neck hurt the next day.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 17,548
Likes: 7,197
From: Oxford, Nc
And the sad thing is, it's not the design of the retread. Separation is caused primarily by running the tire under-inflated. It's the driver's responsibilty during his pre-trip inspection. Therefor the trucking companies should be held liable for these accidents.
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 872
Likes: 0
From: Far (FAR) West Texas
its a chitty deal for sure (for us).
Here in El Paso they lay around on the side of the road for WEEKS sometimes. Not enough dinero to clean 'em up I guess - or maybe just not a priority.
I try to leave a lot of room between me and the vehicle ahead to help avoid any last minute surprises.
Here in El Paso they lay around on the side of the road for WEEKS sometimes. Not enough dinero to clean 'em up I guess - or maybe just not a priority.
I try to leave a lot of room between me and the vehicle ahead to help avoid any last minute surprises.
Trending Topics
Tourer
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 354
Likes: 0
From: San Diego
Not sure it's just a retread issue. Had a separation like that on my RV just a couple weeks ago. 4K on the new tires, something caused the tread to separate. In my case it was an inner dual and the tread wrapped up in the leave spring. Was close enough to a rest stop to crawl in. AAA pulled the wheels and I carried the carcass to the dumpster. Steel belts, hot, as a rider I was thinking that would be ugly.
And yes, I regularly check inflation.
And yes, I regularly check inflation.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 4,828
Likes: 8
Most times you can identify the truck involved because it will be parked on the side of the road waiting for a service truck. But the trucking industry is a powerful one, and it will be a tough job trying to outlaw retreads .... they save millions by retreading tires, and won't lay down easily.