Is your motorcycle a lemon?

When you buy a new motorcycle, you expect it to be reliable and free of defects. But what if it turns out to be faulty?

A motorcycle that has a defect substantially affects its use, value, and safety. If your motorcycle is a lemon, you may be entitled to a refund or replacement under California law.

What is the California lemon law?

If your new vehicle has a defect that cannot be fixed even after a reasonable number of attempts, the California lemon law provides consumer protection that allows you to receive a refund or replacement. The law applies to all new vehicles, including motorcycles.

How to know if your motorcycle is a lemon

To be considered a “lemon,” your motorcycle must have a defect that substantially affects its use, value, or safety. This means that the defect must be serious enough to make your motorcycle difficult or impossible to use or to significantly reduce its value.

Some common defects are:

Engine problems
Electric problems
Brake problems
Suspension problems
Body problems

How to file a claim

If you think your motorcycle is a lemon, you can file a claim with the manufacturer. You will need to provide the manufacturer with proof of the defect, as well as repair records and test results.

If the manufacturer does not agree to replace or refund your motorcycle, you can file a lawsuit. You will have to prove that your motorcycle is defective and that the manufacturer has not fixed the defect after a reasonable number of attempts.

What you can recover

If you win the lawsuit, you may get your money back; your motorcycle exchanged, or both. You may also recover your attorneys’ fees and other costs.

Don’t wait to file a claim

California lemon law has a statute of limitations, which means you have a limited time to file your claim. The statute of limitations for lemon law claims is four years from the date you purchased your motorcycle.

Don’t wait to file your claim if you believe your motorcycle is defective. The sooner you file, the better your chances of success.

If you have any questions about the California lemon law, or if you think your motorcycle is a lemon, contact us today. We will be happy to help you understand your rights and options.

Hugo