Opinion ID: 437702
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: I do.

Text: 11 Q. What is that based on? 12 A. It is based on the fact that they were washed with a high-pressure hose just a short distance or short time interval prior to the accident, and a mixture of soap and wax and water .... (Transcript at 21, 40). 13 Honda's experts, William Otto and C. Bruce Gambardella testified they conducted tests which simulated the events leading up to the accident. Using an identical make of motorcycle with rear brake pads taken from Calhoun's bike, they attached instruments to the motorcycle which measured the pressure the rider would apply to the brakes and the corresponding deceleration. Prior to testing the bike they took it to a car wash and applied water directly on the rear brake. After driving the motorcycle at forty-five miles an hour and applying the rear brake with varying intensity, Otto testified at trial: 14 1. I found no significant difference in the rear brake performance between the pre-wash and post-wash. (Transcript 50-17). 15 2. On the pre-wash test, at 400 PSI, the deceleration was 11 to 12 feet per second, per second; on the post wash test the deceleration was 10 to 11 feet per second, per second, which is within the accuracy of the test. (Transcript 87-12). 16 3. There were no control problems. (transcript 87-17). 17 The purpose of this test was not to gauge stopping distances, but rather to measure the rate of deceleration when the rear brake was applied and to determine, after the wash sequence, whether the brakes failed to catch. 18 Gambardella also testified that considering how plaintiff had operated the motorcycle prior to the accident, there was no way that the condition of heavy rain mentioned in the recall letter could have been present. A little bit of water just won't do it. (Transcript at 38-9). 19 At the conclusion of all evidence, Honda made a motion for a directed verdict which was denied. The jury found for plaintiff and awarded him $1,250,000. 20 Nine months later, the district court granted Honda a judgment notwithstanding the verdict or a new trial if this court reversed the judgment notwithstanding the verdict. It is from this order that plaintiff appeals.