# 1997 HONDA VALKYRIE — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC
> NHTSA complaint `123707` · 1998-11-17 · Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
## Severity
- **Deaths:** 0
- **Injured:** 1
- **Fire:** No
- **Crash:** Yes
- **Police report:** No
- **Medical attention:** No
- **Vehicle towed:** No
## Vehicle
- **Make:** HONDA
- **Model:** VALKYRIE
- **Year:** 1997
- **Manufacturer:** Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
- **Component:** SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC
- **Speed:** 35 mph
## Narrative
I WAS DRIVING IN THE RAIN ON A WET STREET. A CAR PULLED OUT IN FRONT OF ME. I APPLIED THE FOOT BRAKE (REAR BRAKE) HARD. I DID NOT APPLY THE FRONT BRAKE LEVER AT ALL. THE FRONT WHEEL LOCKED-UP AND THE MOTORCYCLE IMEDIATELY WENT DOWN. I BELIEVE IT IS A DESIGN FLAW FOR A FRONT WHEEL TO LOCK-UP WHEN A RIDER DOES NOT APPLY THE FRONT BRAKE. A MOTORCYCLE CAN BE HANDLED WITH THE REAR WHEEL LOCKED, BUT A MOTORCYCLE WILL GO DOWN IF THE FRONT WHEEL LOCKS. IN MY OPINION, THE LINKED BRAKE SYSTEM IS VERY DANGEROUS.
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*Source: [NHTSA ODI](https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/downloads/) · AI Analytics · CC0 1.0*