There’s nothing quite like the feeling of buying yourself a new motorcycle. You’ve saved up for that model you’ve been dreaming of and it’s finally yours. You take it out on the open roads to really see how it performs and…something’s wrong.
It’s disappointing, dangerous and downright not good enough. If you’ve taken it in to be fixed and after a few times, things just aren’t working – are you covered by lemon law?
California lemon law does cover motorcycles
A motorcycle is considered to be “consumer goods” which is slightly different from other vehicles. Just as with other consumer goods you are therefore entitled to claim on the manufacturer’s warranty if it proves to be defective.
The manufacturer will need to be given a reasonable opportunity to repair the motorcycle and if attempts are unsuccessful, they should either replace it or refund you. If they refuse to do so, you may have a lemon law claim.
What might make your motorcycle a lemon?
There are any number of defects that can cause a motorcycle to be considered a lemon. Below are a few examples of things that can go wrong:
- The motorcycle lacks power
- It doesn’t brake properly or at all
- There are design defects
- It has a complete engine failure or engine malfunction
- It has steering problems
If you’ve had the motorcycle in the repair shop multiple times for a reason such as the above and nothing seems to fix the issue, it may be considered a lemon and you’re covered by laws that protect you.
You shouldn’t have to accept a motorcycle you’ve bought that’s effective or doesn’t work as it should. Find out more about your lemon law rights.