As soon as the weather takes a turn for the better, and motorcyclists “get their motors running,” calls come in to 1-800-LEMON-LAW about defective Harley Davidson, Honda, BMW, Yamaha, and Kawasaki motorcycles…with all the callers asking the same question:  ”Are motorcycles covered under the Lemon Law?”

The answer depends on the state.  Among the states we practice, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Connecticut all include motorcycles in their Lemon Law. In all of these states, we can file a Lemon Law claim completely free to the consumer, with the possible outcome being a new bike or refund. In Pennsylvania, we spoke in front of the House of Representatives Consumer Affairs Committee, urging the inclusion of motorcycles, however it has yet to happen.

All is not lost however, in the states we practice that do not offer Lemon Law protection for motorcycles, namely Pennsylvania and Delaware, we use the grandfather of the Lemon Law, the Magnuson Moss Warranty Act to go after the manufacturer for the diminished value of the bike as a result of the defect.  And like the Lemon Law, legal representation is completely cost-free. In the past eighteen years, our firm has successfully handled thousands of motorcycle claims. 

To check if your state offers a Motorcycle Lemon law, click here. For more information regarding lemon law and breach of warranty rights for motorcycle owners, feel free to e-mail us or call us at 1-800 LEMON LAW (1-800-536-6652).

Yamaha Motor Corp. issued a recall of more than 120,000 Yahama Rhino ATVs today. All Rhino 450 and 660 model vehicles are being recalled for repairs intended to prevent accidents that have resulted in 46 confirmed deaths and hundreds of injuries. These Yamaha Rhinos suffer from inherent design flaws that make them unstable and susceptible to low-speed rollovers. If you have suffered injuries from a Yamaha ATV accident, please contact Michael Sacks at msacks@lemonlaw.com.  Please include your name and daytime phone number including area code.

We have a few important recalls to share courtesy of our friends at US Recall News:

Chrysler is recalling 32,865 2008-009 Dodge Ram 2500, 3500 and 3500 cab chassis pickup trucks equipped with Powers & Son Steering Linkage.  There is an issue which could result in loss of steering control and the restricted ability to turn the vehicle. Dealers will inspect and replace the affected parts starting this month. 

The company is also recalling 19,024 2005 Dodge Durango vehicles for problems stemming from a fuel tank valve which may not close at the end of refueling, resulting in fuel possible escaping from the vehicle. Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire. Dealers will inspect the fuel tank assembly free of charge.  This recall is expected toe begin next month.

Owners may call Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403 for more information.

In motorcycle news, Yamaha is recalling 9,300 2006-2009 FJR1300 motorcycles because the internal switch wiring could be disconnected, resulting in engine stalling.  Dealers will replace the ignition switch free of charge.  Recalls started last week, however if you have not been contacted, you can call Yamaha at 1-800-962-7926 for more information.

As always, we remind you that if you have an issue which is recalled and then you have to return a couple times after to fix issues caused by the recall, or if you complained about a problem prior and it was finally fixed by the recall, you still have rights under State and Federal Laws.  Feel free to contact us if you have any questions.