Motorcycle wheel valve stem failure. Figure 1. The motorcycle drive wheel valve stem is indicated by the arrow. (Photo: C. Roberts)

This case study deals with an accident caused by a sudden motorcycle rear tire deflation. According to a witness, the motorcyclist riding ahead suddenly started to weave as a result of a flat rear tire. The motorcycle eventually traveled off the road and into a ditch, causing severe injury to the rider. The rear wheel of the motorcycle is depicted in Figure 1. The tire had been replaced approximately a month before the accident by a motorcycle shop and was a new tire. The tire bead was intact and appeared properly mounted. However, when pressurized, a severe leak was noted at the valve stem that is indicated by the arrow.

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