I bought a motorcycle seven months ago, and I have been having never-ending repair issues with the brakes. Does the Lemon Law in Massachusetts cover motorcycles, and, if so, how do I use it?
-- Anonymous

Yes, the Massachusetts Lemon Law covers any new car, truck, or motorcycle purchased from a Massachusetts new-vehicle dealer. The "term of protection" is one year or 15,000 miles, whichever comes first. Vehicles that were leased after June 30, 1997 are also covered. There are some exceptions, however. For example, only vehicles purchased for personal or family use (not business) are covered. And if your bike is primarily an off-road vehicle, it is not covered.

Although the Lemon Law is an important tool for consumers, I have to say it's a bit tricky to understand and use. At the bottom line, you must have a "substantial impairment" that the dealer fails to correct within a 'reasonable number of repair attempts." The law does not list examples of "substantial impairments" but defines them as problems that substantially impair the use, value, or safety of the vehicle. Though you did not give specifics, I will guess that your brake issue is covered.

As for what constitutes a reasonable number of repair attempts, the law comes into play if: (1) the repair (for the same defect) is attempted three times without success within the term of protection, OR (2) repair attempts for one defect, or a combination of defects, total 15 business days.

For a complete explanation of the process you must follow, and of the remedies the Lemon Law provides, go the Website for the Massachusetts Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation at www.mass.gov/?pageID=ocahomepage&L=1&L0=Home&sid=Eoca. Just click on the lemon with wheels.

(Submitted by the Editor)