California’s Lemon Law (officially known as the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act) is a consumer protection statute designed to protect buyers of new and used vehicles that fail to meet quality and performance standards. If a vehicle is found to be a “lemon,” the law provides consumers with rights to compensation, including refunds or replacement vehicles. But when it comes to motorcycles, many consumers wonder: does California Lemon Law also apply to motorcycles? The short answer is “Yes” — the California lemon law does apply to motorcycles.
So if you are a motorcycle owner in California and your bike seems to spend more time in the shop than it does on the road, don’t worry — you have rights!
Here’s all you need to know about California’s motorcycle lemon law!
California’s Lemon Law for Motorcycles
The California Lemon Law covers a broad range of consumer goods, including motorcycles. The Lemon law does not cover motorcycles that are purchased for off-road use that are not registered for highway use.
So, if you purchase a motorcycle for personal use and it turns out to be defective, you may have a valid lemon law claim. However, for a motorcycle to qualify as a lemon under California Lemon Law, the following criteria must be met:
Warranty Coverage: The motorcycle must be covered by the manufacturer’s warranty when a defect or issue arises. If your bike is not under its original manufacturer’s warranty or a dealership warranty, it is unlikely to qualify for Lemon Law protections.
Substantial Defect: In California, a defect must substantially impair the motorcycle’s use, value, or safety. For example, faulty brakes would impair the safety of a motorcycle, and a defective paint job with corrosion would impact its resale value. Common defects that meet these criteria include:
- Engine Problems: Persistent engine stalling, overheating, or failure.
- Transmission Issues: Difficulty in shifting gears, unexpected slipping into neutral, or unusual noises during gear shifts.
- Electrical System Malfunctions: Recurring problems with the motorcycle’s electrical system, such as battery drain, faulty ignition, malfunctioning lights, or issues with the onboard computer systems.
- Braking System Defects: Problems with ABS, persistent squeaking or grinding noises, or failure of brakes to respond properly.
- Fuel System Concerns: Issues like fuel leaks, problems with the fuel injection system, or inconsistent fuel economy.
- Cooling System Failures: Overheating due to radiator issues, leaks, or problems with the cooling fan.
- Suspension Problems: Persistent issues with shocks or struts, unusual vibrations, or handling issues.
- Exhaust System Issues: Unusual emissions, excessive smoke, or problems with the catalytic converter.
- Defective Steering Mechanism: Difficulty in steering, unusual stiffness, or alignment problems that persist.
- Leaks and Fluid Loss: Recurring issues with oil, coolant, or other fluid leaks that are not resolved.
Reasonable Number of Repair Attempts: The manufacturer or authorized dealership must be given a reasonable number of attempts to repair the defect. The California Lemon Law does not specifically define a “reasonable number” for motorcycles, but in general it can mean:
- At least two or more repair attempts for serious safety issues.
- Four or more repair attempts for non-safety-related defects.
If your bike meets the state’s qualifications of motorcycle lemon law, it should qualify as a lemon and the manufacturer will be required to either replace the bike or to repurchase it.
Think You Bought a Lemon? Contact a Lemon Lawyer!
Lemon lawsuits can be quite complex and it will be extremely difficult to manage the lemon law claims and negotiation process without a skilled California lemon law lawyer on your side. So if you’re unsure of whether your motorcycle’s defect qualifies for lemon law protection, speak to a skilled attorney at the Margarian Law Firm. Our lemon law attorneys can answer your questions, review your case, guide you through the necessary steps, and help you gather the evidence needed to support your claim.
The Margarian Law Firm is a trusted law firm with extensive experience handling lemon law claims. We’re here to help you understand your rights, explore your options, and get the compensation you deserve.
Don’t let a defective motorcycle ruin your ride — hire a lemon law attorney to help you get a refund or replacement and get back on the road!
Get in touch with us by calling (818) 553 -1000 for a free consultation!