If your motorcycle keeps breaking down or spending more time in the repair shop than on the road, you’re not alone. While many riders think Lemon Law protections apply only to cars, California law extends certain rights to motorcycle owners, too, especially when the bike is still under the manufacturer’s warranty.
But here’s what most riders don’t realize: not every law firm fights for your refund without taking a cut of it. At Court House Lawyers, we don’t take a penny from our clients when their motorcycle qualifies as a lemon. We make sure your settlement check goes straight to you at the time of surrender so you can get back on the road immediately.
Let’s break it down.
Does Lemon Law Cover Motorcycles in California?
Yes—but only under specific conditions.
Under California’s Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act (Civ. Code §§ 1790 et seq.), motorcycles used primarily for personal, family, or household purposes are “consumer goods,” and defects covered by the manufacturer’s warranty can trigger Lemon Law remedies after a reasonable number of repair attempts.
Your motorcycle may qualify if:
- It’s primarily for personal or household use.
- It’s still under the manufacturer’s warranty.
- The defect substantially impairs the bike’s use, value, or safety.
- The dealer/manufacturer had a reasonable number of opportunities to repair it, or the bike spent significant cumulative time out of service for warranty repairs. (Note: California’s “30+ days” presumption appears in the Tanner Act for new motor vehicles; many motorcycles qualify under the broader “consumer goods” standard rather than the “new motor vehicle” presumption.)
For example, suppose your Harley-Davidson repeatedly stalls or loses power despite several dealership repairs, and the defect affects your ability to ride safely. In that case, you may have a valid Lemon Law claim.
Did you know?
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motorcyclists represented 15% of all traffic fatalities in 2023, even though motorcycles make up only about 3.5% of registered vehicles in the U.S. With such a high fatality rate relative to their numbers on the road, even a small mechanical defect, like a brake failure or power loss can have life-threatening consequences. That’s why California’s Lemon Law protection for motorcycles is so important.
Common Motorcycle Defects That May Qualify
Not every squeak or noise makes a motorcycle a lemon. However, when defects compromise safety or function and repeated repairs don’t fix the issue, you likely have a case.
Common qualifying defects include:
- Engine stalling or failure
- Brake malfunctions or reduced braking power
- Steering or suspension issues
- Electrical or ignition system failures
- Fuel system defects or leaks
- Transmission slipping or shifting issues
- Overheating or fire hazards
According to Consumer Reports, mechanical and electrical systems rank among the most common areas of trouble for motorcycles.
If you’ve experienced any of these problems and the dealer hasn’t resolved them, your motorcycle could qualify as a lemon under California law.
Beware of Firms That Take from Your Settlement
Here’s something most consumers never hear:
Over 80% of Lemon Law firms in California take fees from both sides—the manufacturer and the client.
Here’s how that usually works:
- The manufacturer issues a settlement check.
- The check is sent to the law firm, not you.
- The firm takes its cut from your portion, even after being paid by the manufacturer.
- You’re left waiting longer for your money and receiving less than you deserve.
This practice is legal, but it’s not ethical. It’s known as double dipping, and it’s one of the reasons so many clients end up frustrated after winning what should’ve been a full settlement.
How Court House Lawyers Does It Differently
At Court House Lawyers, our approach is transparent, fair, and client-first.
Here’s what makes us different:
- No client fees—ever. We’re paid entirely by the manufacturer in a lemon law repurchase.
- Direct payment to you. Your buyback check goes straight to you, not our office.
- No delays. We always request that your check be awarded to you at the time of vehicle surrender, so you can immediately replace your motorcycle.
- Trusted by manufacturers. With over a decade of experience handling California Lemon Law cases, we know how to negotiate fairly and effectively. We’ve earned long-standing relationships with major manufacturers by being professional yet firm and our clients benefit from that trust.
Unlike most firms, we don’t touch your settlement check. You keep every dollar you deserve.
Filing a Motorcycle Lemon Law Claim
Here’s how the process works if you’re ready to file a lemon law claim for your motorcycle:
- Document the defects – Save repair invoices, emails, and dates of each dealership visit
- Check your warranty – Make sure the issue happened within the manufacturer’s warranty period
- Reach out to a lemon law attorney – preferably one who doesn’t charge you
- File your claim – With help from a lawyer, send a demand letter to the manufacturer
- Settle or arbitrate – If the manufacturer agrees, you’ll receive a buyback or replacement; if not, arbitration or court may follow
Remember: the more detailed your documentation, the stronger your case.
Related Reading: What Is California Lemon Law? Know Your Consumer Rights
What Compensation Can You Get?
If your motorcycle qualifies under California Lemon Law, you could receive:
- A full buyback of your motorcycle (purchase price minus a reasonable mileage offset)
- A replacement vehicle of equal value
- Reimbursement for registration, towing, and repair costs
- Attorney’s fees paid by the manufacturer
Most of our clients pay nothing out of pocket and receive their full settlement directly without deductions or delays.
Why Acting Quickly Matters
California’s timeline rules changed. For actions seeking restitution or replacement (and civil penalties) under Song-Beverly/Tanner it’s recommended to:
- File prior to the express warranty expires, and
- No later than six years from the original delivery date (subject to limited tolling).
- 30-day written notice to the manufacturer is required before seeking civil penalties; mediation is required. (Operative April 1, 2025.)
If your bike still shows serious defects after multiple repairs, act now—waiting can forfeit otherwise strong rights.
Conclusion
Motorcycles are about freedom, not frustration. When your motorcycle’s defects keep you grounded, it’s not just inconvenient; it’s dangerous and financially draining. Fortunately, California Lemon Law gives you the power to fight back.
If your two-wheeler keeps failing despite multiple repairs, let Court House Lawyers handle the rest. We’ll deal with the manufacturer, review your documentation, and secure the compensation you deserve—all at no cost to you.
Schedule your free consultation with a California Lemon Law expert today.
We’ll review your case, explain your rights, and guide you step by step—without charging a cent.
