When a Motorcycle Should’ve Been a Lemon — My 2020 Harley-Davidson FLHX Story
In 2020, I purchased a Harley-Davidson Street Glide Special (FLHX)—a bike I was excited about and proud to ride. What followed was a long, frustrating, and frankly dangerous experience that taught me how difficult it can be for motorcycle owners to get real help when something goes wrong.
From early on, the bike had serious electrical issues. While riding, the motorcycle would unexpectedly shut off. Anyone who rides knows how dangerous that is—not just inconvenient, but potentially life-threatening.
I did what any responsible rider would do: I took it back to the dealership.
Over time, I brought that bike in more than 15 times for the same issue.
The complaints were documented.
Mechanics confirmed the problem.
The bike continued to fail.
Each visit cost time, energy, and money. And more importantly, it chipped away at my confidence in a machine I depended on for safety.
The Lemon Law Reality for Motorcycles
Here’s something many riders don’t realize:
In many states, lemon law protections apply when a vehicle:
Is brought in three or more times for the same unresolved issue, or
Spends 30+ cumulative days in the shop
By those standards, this motorcycle clearly qualified.
But here’s the problem:
Motorcycle lemon law cases are often ignored or declined by attorneys.
I reached out to multiple lemon law firms. Many flat-out told me they don’t take motorcycle cases. Why? Sometimes it’s economics. Sometimes it’s unfamiliarity. Sometimes it’s simply viewed as “not worth the effort.”
As a rider, that’s incredibly frustrating.
The dealership’s attitude also shifted over time—from “we’re doing everything we can” to deflection, resistance, and eventually behavior that felt dishonest.
Persistence (and the Right Support) Changed Everything
Eventually, a friend stepped in and helped re-open a conversation with an attorney who had initially declined the case. Once the full scope of the situation was reviewed, the tone changed.
The case moved forward.
And within a few months, it was resolved successfully.
The attorney later admitted they were glad they took it.
I was even more glad they did.
Why This Story Matters
This blog isn’t about promoting a law firm.
It’s about education, awareness, and hope.
Motorcycle cases can be harder. Riders are often dismissed. And many people don’t know where to turn when something doesn’t feel right—but they don’t have the language, leverage, or confidence to push back.
That’s exactly why Asphalt Angels exists.
You Don’t Have to Navigate This Alone
Asphalt Angels is not a law firm, and we do not provide legal advice.
What we do offer is:
Perspective from real rider experiences
Education around common motorcycle-specific issues
Support when you’re feeling stuck or ignored
Access to trusted resources and partners when appropriate
If you’re dealing with:
Repeated mechanical or safety issues
A dealership that isn’t taking concerns seriously
A situation where you don’t know what questions to ask next
Or you’re simply unsure whether what you’re experiencing is “normal”
You can reach out to us.
Sometimes the most valuable thing is a conversation, shared experience, or being pointed in the right direction—especially in motorcycle cases, which are often misunderstood or overlooked.
Riders Helping Riders
This is the kind of real-world story we’ll continue sharing here—honest situations, real outcomes, and lessons learned along the way.
If this experience feels familiar, you’re not alone.
Reach out to Asphalt Angels.
We’re here to listen, support, and help riders make informed decisions—because Riders Helping Riders isn’t just a phrase. It’s how this community survives.
Riding my Harley-Davidson Street Glide at Chuckwalla for the first time V-twins were ever allowed on the track—an unforgettable moment and an epic shot marking a milestone for big twins on a road course.
