What happens when you experience constant problems with your new motorcycle?
If you think your bike is spending more time in a repair shop than on the road, you may have to contact a California lemon law attorney today to see if you’ve got a case under the state’s consumer protection regulations. Let’s look at five signs that you’ve ridden a lemon off the showroom floor.
1. It Keeps Stalling and is Not From User Error
Whether you’re going full throttle on the highway or stopped behind another car, an out-of-the-blue engine shutdown could put you and others in harm’s way. While a machine can stall for relatively harmless reasons, if it keeps stalling and can’t get fixed, you might have a lasting problem on your hands.
This is especially true if the dealership fixes it, only for the same problem to reappear after a short time. Log the stalling incidents and the repair attempts right away for future reference.
2. Brake Issues You Can’t Ignore
Any problems with a motorcycle braking system can spell disaster. Spongy brakes, increased stopping distances, and almost-illegal locks could be more than just regular wear and tear, especially if you just had the issue taken care of. California requires manufacturers to address problems affecting a motorcycle’s safety functions.
If you’ve given them a chance to remedy the situation, and they haven’t done so, you may have a lemon case. Visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s website for recalls and consumer complaints on your bike.
3. Your Bike Spends More Time in the Shop than on the Road
All you wanted to do was ride your motorcycle, but you are spending too much time at the garage. According to the state’s regulations, a motorcycle may be considered a “lemon” if it’s out of service for the repair of the same problem for over 30 days in total (not in a row) during the first 18 months or 18,000 miles, with at least a few repair attempts made. Write down your mileage and any recorded issues associated with each repair attempt and parts replacement.
4. The Same Repair Is Done Over and Over Again
When your repair orders all look more or less the same, that’s bad. Chronic problems, especially those that rear up again after “repairs,” are the most common complaints that produce a successful lemon law case. You shouldn’t have to keep coming back to the dealership because the wiring is still faulty, the fuel injection system is still acting up, or it turns out the new digital dashboard is on the blink.
5. You No Longer Feel Safe Riding the Bike
Sometimes, signs are clear from the gut. If you spend your riding time fretting over the safety of your bike, it’s not just annoying; it’s wrong. Lemon law applies to consumers who have purchased defective vehicles, and a defective vehicle does not engender confidence or reassurance while on the road.
California lemon law is strong but tricky. If you think your motorcycle qualifies as a lemon, it’s a good idea to contact a California lemon law attorney to find out more. They can explain your rights, eligibility, and how to pursue a claim.
When the Open Road Isn’t So Open Anymore
Owning a motorcycle is supposed to be liberating, not a chain gang. If you find you have or are experiencing one or more of the issues on this list, it may be time to drop the toolkit and the repair manual and consider your lemon law options. Relief is just one click away. Contact a California lemon law attorney for a free consultation, so you can get back to the ride you love.
