When dealing with purchasing a motorcycle, it is always good to know what brands deliver quality bikes that are well manufactured to be safe. Also, keep an eye out for motorcycle brands that have high incidents of defects and recalls to avoid this type of hassle.
Common motorcycle manufacturing defects include defects in the engine, brakes, fuel tank, and handlebars. Such defects can make riding your motorcycle dangerous and can require ongoing repairs, which might not be successful. If this happens, you might have a lemon motorcycle, and you should speak with a Lemon Law attorney who handles motorcycle claims right away.
The brands that commonly have defects are reviewed below. This does not mean you should always avoid these brands of motorcycles, as many models work as they should. Just beware that these might develop issues or be subject to recalls and repairs.
One brand to be wary of is Yamaha Motorcycles, as it has had the most motorcycle recalls of any brand over the past decade, with 49 different recalls. Next on the list is BMW, with 44 recalls over the past decade. Third on the list of brands most prone to producing defective motorcycles is Kawasaki motorcycles, which had 37 recalls in the last decade. Coming in fourth on the list is Honda, with 33 recalls last decade. The biggest recall of them involved 10,600 bikes.
This rounds out the top four most defect-prone motorcycle brands, and if you are looking to purchase from one of these brands, you should be wary that the potential for defects or recalls is higher from these brands than others.
Given these most defect-prone motorcycle brands also constitute a substantial part of the motorcycle market and produce more bikes than others, it is not surprising that the larger producers would have more recalls.
The top three companies for the least recalls in the past decade include:
These companies have a smaller share of the motorcycle market relative to total sales. The smaller number of recalls by these companies could be attributed to fewer chances for defects, given the lower production numbers. These brands can still have defects and can still be lemons.
At LemonLaw123, we work with motorcycle owners who spend most of their time with their bikes in the repair shop. You deserve to get the most out of your motorcycle purchase, and you should not have to deal with constant malfunctions while your motorcycle is under warranty. It might be time to consult with our legal team about a possible Lemon Law claim.
We can evaluate your motorcycle repair history and other circumstances and advise you of your rights under California consumer protection laws. Contact LemonLaw123 either online at lemonlaw123.com, or by phone at 657.529.5239 for a free consultation as soon as possible.
Valerie G. Fernandez Campbell, known as The Lemon Law Lady, has dedicated her entire legal career to the specialized field of Lemon Law, a journey that began immediately after her
graduation from UCLA School of Law.
With a 99% success rate and a policy of no fees unless you win, her practice stands as a testament to her expertise in California’s Lemon Law, her commitment to her clients, and her unwavering dedication to justice and consumer rights.
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by attorney Valerie G. Fernandez Campbell, personally handled over 500 lemon law cases and settlements.