MOTORCYCLE LEMON LAW

Motorcycle Lemon Law

MOTORCYCLE LEMON LAW

You finally did it!

You saved up enough money to finally get that new motorcycle. But not long after you purchase your vehicle, you have to take it into the shop for warranty repairs. The first time was an inconvenience, but now that you’ve had to fix the same issue repeatedly, you’re wondering if you’ve purchased a lemon.

Motor vehicles are subject to California Lemon Law. This law protects consumers from defective products, like motorcycles, when they have recurring mechanical issues that can easily represent a safety hazard.
Know your rights! If you believe that you’ve purchased a lemon bike, Alpha Law Firm is here to help. Below, we’ll help you understand California Lemon Law as it applies to motorcycles. We can help you get the justice you deserve.

Does the California Lemon Law Apply to Motorcycles?

In short, yes, the California Lemon Law applies to motor vehicles that are shown to be defective. Motorcycles are covered by Civil Code section 1793.2(d)(1). This section applies to “consumer goods,” which includes items that are purchased for personal use and are accompanied by a written warranty. This extends to motorcycles, RVs, and other consumer goods.
Because motorcycle defects are associated with issues of safety, it can actually be easier to make a lemon law claim for a motorcycle than it is with an automobile. However, it’s important to understand the legal requirements associated with lemon law claims as they relate to motorcycles specifically.

How Do You Know Whether Your Motorcycle is a Lemon?

According to California Lemon Law, your bike must meet very specific requirements before it can qualify as a “lemon.” The following questions can help you to understand these requirements.

How Often Does Your Motorcycle Need Repair?

Lemon laws apply once the motorcycle has made at least three separate visits to the mechanic.

How Many Days Has Your Motorcycle Spent in the Shop?

California law stipulates that the bike spends 30 days in the shop before it can be classified as a lemon.

Are the Repairs Your Fault?

The California Lemon Law applies specifically to problems from the design and manufacturing of the bike itself. It cannot apply to defects caused by driving habits, accidents, or neglect.

When Did You Discover Defects in Your Motorcycle?

California Lemon Law typically applies to motor vehicles with less than 18,000 miles or 18 months of use, though you may still have a valid case if your bike displayed problems outside of this period.

What Do I Do if My Motorcycle is a Lemon?

If you believe that your motorcycle is a lemon, what should you do next? We suggest you take the following steps:

Maintain Detail Records

Your local mechanic won’t necessarily maintain a record of the times at which your bike was serviced. Make sure to save all of your repair paperwork, making careful note of the date and type of service you received. 

Stop Driving

Even if you’ve just had the bike fixed, stop driving immediately. A recurring problem could represent a major safety hazard, and it could cost you your life. It may also hurt your case if it’s discovered that you’ve continued driving your motorcycle despite your claims that it is defective.

Record Your Mileage

California Lemon Law contains stipulations about the mileage and timeframe in which you notice and report a problem. Make sure to record your odometer reading after your first major repair so that you can demonstrate that your problems began early on. This can ensure that your case remains valid under the law.

Understand Your Rights

If you’re reading this, you’ve already taken a major step in understanding California Lemon Laws. Understanding these laws as they apply to motorcycles can help you to determine whether you have a valid claim and what you can expect moving forward.

Consult An Attorney

The best way to ensure justice is to contact a California Motorcycle Lemon Law lawyer as soon as possible. An attorney will ask to see the evidence you have already gathered, which is when your detailed records will pay off. They can then review your case and explain your options for taking legal action.

Contact a Lawyer Today!

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