Motorcycles are covered by the California Lemon Law (Song-Beverly Act) on the same terms as cars. A motorcycle qualifies when (1) it was sold with a manufacturer’s express written warranty, and (2) a defect that substantially impairs use, value, or safety cannot be repaired within a reasonable number of attempts. Common qualifying defects include engine failures, recurring stalling, electrical faults, transmission problems, ABS module failures, fuel-injection issues, and chassis defects. Because motorcycles are inherently more safety-sensitive than cars, motorcycle defects frequently trigger the two-attempt safety presumption under § 1793.22.
Covered Manufacturers
All major motorcycle manufacturers sold in California:
- Harley-Davidson
- Honda
- Yamaha
- Kawasaki
- Suzuki
- BMW Motorrad
- Ducati
- Triumph
- KTM, Husqvarna, GasGas (Pierer)
- Indian Motorcycle
- Aprilia, Moto Guzzi (Piaggio)
- Royal Enfield
- Zero Motorcycles, LiveWire (electric)
Common Qualifying Motorcycle Defects
- Engine stalling at highway speed (clear safety nexus)
- Hard starting, no-start conditions
- ABS module failures
- Transmission shifting failures
- Clutch slave cylinder failures
- Fuel-injection electrical issues
- Heat issues (cylinder cooling, leg burns)
- Vibration / handlebar resonance
- Frame and chassis defects
- Premature wear of warranty-covered components
Why Motorcycle Cases Move Fast
The safety nexus on most motorcycle defects supports the two-attempt presumption. An engine stall at highway speed on a motorcycle is — more clearly than on a car — “likely to cause death or serious bodily injury.” Two repair attempts at the same defect typically supports an immediate buyback demand.
Buyback and Replacement for Motorcycles
Same Song-Beverly remedies as for cars: buyback, replacement, cash-and-keep, civil penalty, and attorney’s fees. The mileage-offset denominator remains 120,000 miles regardless of vehicle type, which can produce a relatively large offset on motorcycles where total mileage is lower than typical cars.
Free Case Review
Motorcycle lemon law claims often qualify under the two-attempt safety presumption. McMillan Law Group will evaluate your repair history at no cost. No fee unless we win.