A motorcycle is considered defective when it fails to meet the minimum standards of the manufacturer. The manufacturer sets these standards to ensure that every bike sold complies with its operating and safety standards. If your motorcycle is defective, you have the right to file for a warranty claim to have the bike repaired or replaced.
In the unfortunate event that you find your motorcycle defective, there are several things you can do to ensure that it is safe and free of faulty components.
How to Identify a Defective Motorcycle
Below are the signs that your bike has defective components:
- The engine feels as though it is running too hot.
- The bike is leaking oil.
- The bike exhibits a burning smell.
- The bike has no compression in the engine.
- The bike makes a knocking sound when you ride it.
- Difficulty to start.
- The bike frequently stalls.
- At high speeds, the bike shakes excessively.
- The bike’s rear shock has a broken spring.
- The bike has a bent or distorted exhaust.
- The bike has a damaged or warped frame.
- The bike has no control over the rear wheel.
- The bike vibrates excessively when the brakes are applied.
- The bike doesn’t stop when you use the brakes.
Steps to Take After the Discovery of Defective Parts on Your Motorcycle
Below is a series of actions that you should take after finding out that your motorbike has defective parts:
Find the Problem
Ensure you begin with a thorough bike inspection to note any signs of a failing component. Start at the front of the bike, paying particular attention to the parts that contact other bikes or other moving objects.
Ensure that you also look for oil leaks and check for bent or broken parts. If you find any signs of a faulty component, inspect the rest of the bike to see if other elements are affected. Sometimes, a significant malfunction will only reveal itself over time, so check the bike regularly.
Take the Bike to a Mechanic
When inspecting the motorcycle, it’s good to take it to a mechanic. A mechanic will be able to look at the bike from every angle and may notice something you could easily miss. Also, ensure you take the bike to a shop that you trust and have it checked out.
The mechanic may find the source of the problem and be able to fix it for you, or they may find several other issues that need to be addressed. Be sure to take notes about the bike’s condition when you drop it off so you have an accurate picture of what was wrong with it.
Ensure that you also have all of your receipts and warranty information handy if they ask for them during your visit. This will help them assess the bike’s condition and determine if it is worth repairing or if it would be more cost-effective to replace the bike entirely.
File a Claim
If the problem you’re experiencing is minor, it may be best to live with it and ride the bike as much as possible while it’s in good working order. However, if the problem is more significant, you should file a warranty claim with the manufacturer.
Most manufacturers will honor their warranty even if the bike is out of warranty, so you don’t have to own the original bill of sale to make a claim. If you have a problem related to a defective component, make sure you include that information in your claim.
Ask for a Repair Estimate
A repair estimate is a written statement that tells you how much it will cost to fix the bike. It should include the cost of parts and labor and any other expenses that may be incurred during the repair. You can request the estimate online, by phone, or in person.
If you are asked to pay for the estimate before receiving it, ask whether they will refund your money once they have completed the estimate. Upon getting the estimates, check with the bike’s manufacturer to ensure that the estimate is for the same bike you have.
Also, if the estimate does not include parts or labor not included in your warranty, make sure to ask about this and whether or not you will have to pay for them. Ultimately, it is essential to know the extent of your warranty coverage and what will be charged to your account.
Schedule a Service Appointment
Once you have received an estimate from the repair shop, schedule a service appointment as soon as possible. However, keep in mind that there could be other problems with your bike that need attention before scheduling the service appointment.
If the technicians find something else wrong with the bike while working on it, they will likely schedule an additional service appointment. Ensure you get a second opinion before scheduling an appointment with the same shop. This way, if they find something else wrong with the bike, they can give you a second opinion on the work that needs to be done.
Consult Legal Services
When you are involved in an accident due to a defective motorcycle part, you may get compensation from the manufacturer to cover your losses. However, manufacturers do not just stand by and wait to pay out any claims made; they have solid legal teams ready for such disputes.
This is why it makes sense to have a legal team on standby to help you present your claim and ensure that the manufacturer’s legal team does not catch you off guard. Your attorney could also help you negotiate a worthy settlement or take the case to court should there be a need.
Get Help After an Accident Triggered by Defective Parts
At Pacific West Injury Law, we have the experience and expertise to handle your case and help you get the best possible results. We will be happy to provide you with a free consultation so that we can discuss your case with you and help you come up with the best legal strategy for your situation. Contact us today to discuss your options.