Ah Ba Motor

[y2k_forever_rock]

I know its a little bit inappropriate to comment here, but I guess I should still share my experience so as to alert upcoming new riders joining the riding corp.

 

I'm commenting on "Ah Ba Motor Supply PTE LTD" located at Bukit Merah Lane @ Alexandra Village.

 

20th Mar 2009 - I went down to "Ah Ba" with my girlfriend looking around, very enthusiastic to shop for my 1st bike. Found a Bajaj Pulsar 180 DTSi, salesman A offered $2K on the road.

 

25th Mar 2009 - Went to "Ah Ba" with a friend who knows about motorbikes, look at it more carefully this time round, salesman B offered $3.8K on the road. Had abit of debate here, ask salesman A to come verify. After some private discussion on their own, salesman B agreed for $2K on the road. Upon asking condition of the bike salesman B says tip top, very good, accident free, ONE YEAR PLUS bike nia. Agreed to collect bike on 27th Mar 2009 @ 1500 hrs, confirm give me full servicing done.

 

27th Mar 2009 - Called Salesman B on his HP, but no answer. Half an hour later which is 1330 hrs, I call straight to the office enquiring on my bike, office admin transfer me to speak to salesman B. When I gave salesman B my bike no and asked whether ready to collect, Salesman B could actually ask me wat bike izzit huh? Though stunned, I replied Bajaj Pulsar 180cc. He say oh oh not ready yet, after 1500 hrs ok? I told him can, but you told me at 1500 hrs previously, so he said okok, I will get someone to do up your bike now. (Which means to say, for the past 2 days, nothing was done, upon my collection, wanna do last min work) I reach "Ah Ba" at 1440 hrs, bike was already ready for collection, but he did not gave me as promised my helmet, raincoat and canvass. Only gave me helmet nia nia, but my main concern is the bike, so do away with the other accessories.

 

29th Mar 2009 - After riding for 2 days, I discovered engine is leaking and splashing out engine oil. Ruin my shoes and pants.. Handle bar also slightly out of alignment, front wheel ream and disc out of alignment, so when travelling at cruising speed I tend to drift more to the left. Being a P Plate rider I thought it has got something to do with my skills, until my friends examine then let me know the cause.

 

1st Apr 2009 - With 2 mths warranty from "Ah Ba", I went back to salesman B early morning when they open shop. Salesman B did not bother me for almost ONE HOUR, just let me keep standing around the shop for SUN TAN. After I got a bit impatient, I called out to him, I say eh brother, see see abit can anot, engine leaking oil, handle bar crooked, cannot go N gear. His immediate action was Oh sorry ah, I am salesman, motor got problem, go tok to the mechanic. I was like KNNB, Lim peh stand here 1 hour like bird now then u tell me.. But nevermind, wat to do,, $$ paid oredi cannot say anything else liao, gotta guai guai at their mercy. So talked to the mechanic. The mechanic best 1, motor got problem ah, leave it here, gimme ur contact no. Once done I will call u. I said ok, then roughly how long ah? His reply was no guarantee 1 hor, done I will call u. Then I told him, you also must roughly tell me how long mah, 1 week? 1 mth? 1 year? His reply is still the same, I cannot guarantee.

 

Haiz, wat to do I thought, cannot be I paying 2K as investment rite.. Put motor down there, few weeks later go back collect, very soon 2 mths warranty will be void rite.. At the same time, I am not gonna pay you 2K to ride with SMRT and SBS Transit. End of the day, my 2K not gonna become 20K idiots.. So I dragged back my ride to Universal Mtrs since they are just around the corner. Eventually I spent $400 for the ream and disc, $80 for the handlebar and some O-rings replacement, $550 for engine overhaul and $120 for chain and brake pads replacement. UM mechanic told me this bike definitely got accident, if not ream won't go crooked like dat. I can't say anything, but just feel very upset and disappointed.

 

3rd Apr 2009 - Received a mail from LTA, LOG card was attached. Realized that the bike was REG in 2007 JAN. So means to say, this bike is TWO YEARS PLUS, instead of ONE YEAR PLUS.

 

What I am sharing now is definitely pointless, cos I've already made the choice of paying all these $$. But just to alert others in mind, if you have intention to get a ride with "Ah Ba Motor Supply PTE LTD", my advice is you gotta think twice n thrice. As for me, NO WAY am I gonna let them earn a single cent from me forever. This will also apply to my closed ones.

 

If there are such unscrupuluous business ppl around, I strongly believe we riders have gotta stay united. To me this is not about $$, I just hate the feeling of being cheated. I'm a very clear cut customer, I just looking for honesty and integrity. You don want to give me warranty, just tell me so. Don make me look like a fool and end of the day want to let me go back home by public transport. Don want to do just say don want to do. I'm ok with it. From head to toe everything also lie, quite cheapskate I supposed.

 

Last but not the least, if YOU the salesman or the boss of "Ah Ba" think that base on this thread you wanna press charges on me, I will say "BY ALL MEANS" I'm not the least rich, but you want to see me in court, I'll definitely play this game with you. Whatever I have stated here is the absolute truth, nothing of distorted facts. As a personal protection, I will report this incident to CASE also as a reference.

[y2k_forever_rock]

Oh yes, I left out something very interesting also.

 

31st Mar 2009 - Went to JB with my family for shopping. When coming back to Spore, at the customs secondary clearance, wanna park the bike on main stand for security check but it BROKE!!! Park the bike on side stand, side stand also BROKE!!! This is definitely one of the most embarrasing moments I ever encounter. The ICA staff look at me with his fxxx up look, wanna laugh but don dare to laugh. In the end among the whole long Q, I was the only one exempted from the security check.

 

Good one, I actually paid $$ for a bike dat has got a spoiled wheel, rusty engine and best is can't park!!! Darn!!!

[ah_vic811605199361]

y didnt u get someone whose experience on bike stuffs before u considering buying?

[y2k_forever_rock]

I did bring one of my colleague who is an experienced rider with me. It was a rainy day then. Wanna test ride also cannot, practically inside the fuel tank not even a drop of petrol left. So could only see the bike like that and gauge.

 

I believe they already clean the whole bike thoroughly after they buy in the bike. The engine oil only starts to leak 1 day after I rode, so even if I test ride I won't be able to detect either. I will only say they done a very good job covering it up. I'm basically a noob where it comes to motor bikes, as for my colleague, can't blame him, ppl only help out voluntarily, no obligations. Blame on my own luck for encountering such crooks.

[ah_vic811605199361]

lesson learn... test ride a bike is of cos better so to check on gear shifts and reving of engine. if u cant test ride, alignment, oil spills from forks or suspension or engine, battery, brake pads can still be checked. just need a bit of time. anyway bring more frens down to view, check ask for price for ur future ride.

[ProFatSir]

salesman words cannot be believe.now people believe.

its also your mistake not to check the log card, number of transfer and look out for any.

[Winners]

It is best to avoid those shops in that Bukit Merah area. Already read so many bad experiences from several forumers here.

[Winners]

Oh yes, I left out something very interesting also.

 

31st Mar 2009 - Went to JB with my family for shopping. When coming back to Spore, at the customs secondary clearance, wanna park the bike on main stand for security check but it BROKE!!! Park the bike on side stand, side stand also BROKE!!! This is definitely one of the most embarrasing moments I ever encounter. The ICA staff look at me with his fxxx up look, wanna laugh but don dare to laugh. In the end among the whole long Q, I was the only one exempted from the security check.

 

Good one, I actually paid $$ for a bike dat has got a spoiled wheel, rusty engine and best is can't park!!! Darn!!!

 

Brother, after reading this, I must admit that I can't help laughing myself until .

 

Anyway, jokes aside. Since this bike is an accident one, I would advise you to send it for a proper check on those critical components (alignment, brakes, suspension, etc) for your own safety. Consider it a bad encounter. Do be more careful in your future purchase. Alternatively, it's better to source from reputable shops. I bought my new S4 from Looi Motor and although it's a little pricy, but at least the service is satisfactory.

Edited April 8, 2009 by Winners

[y2k_forever_rock]

salesman words cannot be believe.now people believe.

its also your mistake not to check the log card, number of transfer and look out for any.

 

Need to clarify some things here.. Have to admit it IS my mistake for being rash and impeteous on buying the bike so fast... BUT as for log card the motor shop themselves told me they do not have it.. As long as the transfer fee is being paid, it is LTA's duty to mail the LOG card to me... I'm really not sure of how motor bike system works here. I also thought initially they should have the LOG card, until they verify with me that the LOG card is with LTA, as they are not registered as an owner for the bike...

[y2k_forever_rock]

Brother, after reading this, I must admit that I can't help laughing myself until .

 

Anyway, jokes aside. Since this bike is an accident one, I would advise you to send it for a proper check on those critical components (alignment, brakes, suspension, etc) for your own safety. Consider it a bad encounter. Do be more careful in your future purchase. Alternatively, it's better to source from reputable shops. I bought my new S4 from Looi Motor and although it's a little pricy, but at least the service is satisfactory.

 

Thanks alot bro, I also very scared of death lol... Dats y I actually already changed my brake pads, chain, reams, discs, gear levers and drivers etc etc... In the end now I can consider I pay 3K for this ride, maybe a little steep, but afterall being a 1st timer I think God is still luckily on my side, now I can be assured most of my parts are all brand new and in stock condition..

[y2k_forever_rock]

To all my dear beloved riders

 

Thanks for all the quote and replies.. Anyway this experience sharing is more for new riders who are gonna buy a used bike from the above mentioned motor AH BA... Whether u are pro or noob, I believe base on their style they will juz find their own good way to slice and chop u they can.. Anyway I have heard also from another motor shop mechanic dat "Ah Ba motor" is super famous for all these tricks,,, before buy everything also ok and onz,, once $$ is paid u ask any questions they juz say donno donno...

 

Based on my personal experience, all I can say is,, once bitten twice shy,,, chinese saying see ghost once, will b scared of the dark.. It won't b dat easy the next time I buy my 2nd ride, kena bluff 1x now I dare to say I may not b very pro of cos,, but now I really learn alot of the things to look out for when examining a used bike.. Gotta say its unfortunate, but supposed this is me,, have to learn by the hard way hahaha...

 

Once again, thanks for all the valuable comments and advices...

[sICkbOi-dOt-cOm]

Lesson Learnt. Ride Safely!!! Bajaj is successful in India market.

[ProFatSir]

Need to clarify some things here.. Have to admit it IS my mistake for being rash and impeteous on buying the bike so fast... BUT as for log card the motor shop themselves told me they do not have it.. As long as the transfer fee is being paid, it is LTA's duty to mail the LOG card to me... I'm really not sure of how motor bike system works here. I also thought initially they should have the LOG card, until they verify with me that the LOG card is with LTA, as they are not registered as an owner for the bike...

 

newbie is easy to prey on for salesman.

 

FYI

everyone can do it.

 

print out all the info on your bike by just enter the bike number @ http://www.onemotoring.com.sg

 

what you can see the info are COE,date of register etc.....without the owner name,ic and address.

 

cars also the same thing.

[ProFatSir]

To all my dear beloved riders

 

Thanks for all the quote and replies.. Anyway this experience sharing is more for new riders who are gonna buy a used bike from the above mentioned motor AH BA... Whether u are pro or noob, I believe base on their style they will juz find their own good way to slice and chop u they can.. Anyway I have heard also from another motor shop mechanic dat "Ah Ba motor" is super famous for all these tricks,,, before buy everything also ok and onz,, once $$ is paid u ask any questions they juz say donno donno...

 

Based on my personal experience, all I can say is,, once bitten twice shy,,, chinese saying see ghost once, will b scared of the dark.. It won't b dat easy the next time I buy my 2nd ride, kena bluff 1x now I dare to say I may not b very pro of cos,, but now I really learn alot of the things to look out for when examining a used bike.. Gotta say its unfortunate, but supposed this is me,, have to learn by the hard way hahaha...

 

Once again, thanks for all the valuable comments and advices...

 

 

i also kanna once from A*P...serangoon

say sent my yp400 for repair end up did not sent.

took a week!...

when i collect my bike i went to yamaha direct to check my bike record,it was not sent in.

the general manager called A*P and asked what was going on.

 

than i went direct to changi to talk to the boss.

the salesman was kanna a big scolding from his boss.

 

conversation

dear boss,your company so big can do this type of thing to people.dishonest.

how are you going to settle my problem?(explain all to him)

i not the 1st timer who buy a bike this is my 8th bike.since year 2000

 

boss solution was

solution A.refund all my top up $ include the insurance i paid and my trade in bike @ as my old bike was sold.

 

solution B.top up 500 for a 11mth old yp400.without additional top up of insurance.

 

point to take note.

when you wanna buy rides from them they will say the bike can FLY

when you wanna sell.cheapo price.

 

aiya your bike no good lah.

i got yoshimura and 3 box leh.

not worth $ 1 lah!!!

than i all take out loh....

u must say like that meh!

u say like that why i cannot say like that?

 

salesman is doing sales.

mech is repair motorcycle.

 

mech can do sale easily.everyone can do.bike price is fix.you want take it.

sales can do mech?

Edited April 8, 2009 by ProFatSir

[qeith]

Where is this Ah Ba shop located in Bukit Merah? Which part? Cause I don't remember seeing this shop there. Sucks man, hope your ride is okay now.

[deckard]

buy from people here better

[y2k_forever_rock]

Where is this Ah Ba shop located in Bukit Merah? Which part? Cause I don't remember seeing this shop there. Sucks man, hope your ride is okay now.

 

Cannot really mention the full name... Arbo might get into very innocent trouble for defamation.. But based on the name "Ah Ba Motor Supply PTE LTD" you go there walk walk very easily can find liao... A tip or so,, somewhere very near Universal Mtrs and Mova Service centre...

[y2k_forever_rock]

i also kanna once from A*P...serangoon

say sent my yp400 for repair end up did not sent.

took a week!...

when i collect my bike i went to yamaha direct to check my bike record,it was not sent in.

the general manager called A*P and asked what was going on.

 

than i went direct to changi to talk to the boss.

the salesman was kanna a big scolding from his boss.

 

conversation

dear boss,your company so big can do this type of thing to people.dishonest.

how are you going to settle my problem?(explain all to him)

i not the 1st timer who buy a bike this is my 8th bike.since year 2000

 

boss solution was

solution A.refund all my top up $ include the insurance i paid and my trade in bike @ as my old bike was sold.

 

solution B.top up 500 for a 11mth old yp400.without additional top up of insurance.

 

point to take note.

when you wanna buy rides from them they will say the bike can FLY

when you wanna sell.cheapo price.

 

aiya your bike no good lah.

i got yoshimura and 3 box leh.

not worth $ 1 lah!!!

than i all take out loh....

u must say like that meh!

u say like that why i cannot say like that?

 

salesman is doing sales.

mech is repair motorcycle.

 

mech can do sale easily.everyone can do.bike price is fix.you want take it.

sales can do mech?

 

Wah bro from ur quote I really can say man, 10 motor diam, 9.5 are crooks.. I don believe in good boss bad employees or good employees bad boss etc.. U see the salesman attitude, u will be able to know wat kind of boss he has.. Juz like my encounter with both the salesman and mechanic, some ppl advice me tok to the boss straight, but I doubt dat will help much... Eventually the boss will act justice macham pahang,, but in the end wat happens behind our back we also won't know..

 

Anyway I got friends who keep recommending A*P... I thought they were quite good,, sekali now u also kena.. Haiz..

[y2k_forever_rock]

newbie is easy to prey on for salesman.

 

FYI

everyone can do it.

 

print out all the info on your bike by just enter the bike number @ http://www.onemotoring.com.sg

 

what you can see the info are COE,date of register etc.....without the owner name,ic and address.

 

cars also the same thing.

 

I did try with one motoring.. But after keying in the plate no,, the date shown to me was 05 ?? 2007.. Therefore this ?? could mean 01-12.. Since the salesman told me its a 1 year ++ bike I was thinking maybe the ?? could be 06 and above... But who noes realli jackpot,, when received the log card its really in JAN...

 

Got a friend taught me how to read number plate,, not very sure how true it is,, maybe can try.. my plate is FBB.. So FBB is clear cut registered in 07... Dat means FBA will b 06 FBC 08 and so on... Next is the number itself.. Mine is a 4 digit starting with 1... Therefore can more or less determine its registered in JAN.. If its 2 then its registered somewhere Feb or Mar.. As long as you see a 3 digit number plate,,, the bike is registered after OCT...

[joajas]

Cannot really mention the full name... Arbo might get into very innocent trouble for defamation.. But based on the name "Ah Ba Motor Supply PTE LTD" you go there walk walk very easily can find liao... A tip or so,, somewhere very near Universal Mtrs and Mova Service centre...

 

Should have use "All Bird Motor Supply Ptd Ltd".

 

But on a serious note, those who wants to buy Pulsar should have gone straight to Universal Motors for brand new or second hand ones. Although price is high, but you can be sure everything is done nicely for you before you collect your bike. Pricing is transparent, they will list out everything that you need to pay.

 

Anyway since you have got your bike, you should pop by the pulsar thread and pick up tips from there.

 

:cheers:

[y2k_forever_rock]

Should have use "All Bird Motor Supply Ptd Ltd".

 

But on a serious note, those who wants to buy Pulsar should have gone straight to Universal Motors for brand new or second hand ones. Although price is high, but you can be sure everything is done nicely for you before you collect your bike. Pricing is transparent, they will list out everything that you need to pay.

 

Anyway since you have got your bike, you should pop by the pulsar thread and pick up tips from there.

 

:cheers:

 

Yes I fully agree.. Looking for Pulsar muz only go to UM.. After several experiences, it seems dat a lot of mechanics donno how to do the bike also.. U send there, eventually they still need to look for the UM mechanics for help..

 

The UM mechanics are quite diligent.. Prices really rather steep, but service wise and commitment quite superb I will say.. Before I went to "All Bird Motor" I did went to UM to look for David, but I think I suay la, at that time they don't have any 2nd hand Pulsar available.. Then ownself also gan cheong gan cheong juz buy from "All Bird".. Maybe its fate lor.. Hahaha..

 

Now I bring my ride back for overhaul, I see so many 2nd hand Pulsar up for sales in UM... LOL...

[GuiNNeSS]

bro, sad to hear your story

 

$$ can earn back, no worry

 

mayb u wanna join the grp of pulsar rider, to learn more about this bike for ease of maintenance, or go to some reputable workshop they suggested.

 

lastly, for myself, i have not bought any bike from shop for many years, i prefer to deal with bros who selling or buying bike in here, if u got cash, the bike from direct owner is much cheaper and better quality.

 

i even made some good frens from buying/selling in here.

 

good luck!

[qeith]

Correct. I think buying from an owner here is better, they are more reliable and honest. Although have some black sheep around, but still the overall is better than bike shops. Didn't have a choice to buy from shop my first bike, but if you hvae cash better to buy from owner.

[y2k_forever_rock]

Correct. I think buying from an owner here is better, they are more reliable and honest. Although have some black sheep around, but still the overall is better than bike shops. Didn't have a choice to buy from shop my first bike, but if you hvae cash better to buy from owner.

 

Initially really quite naive, I always thought owners definitely don't dare to sell their bike to shops as their condition won't fetch a good price therefore come here try their chance.. Now with one experience like dat I definitely can judge who is good and who is bad.. (Somemore I paid mine FULL CASH)

 

I suppose my next purchase will either b from direct owner or REPUTABLE shops...

 

Now I do up my ride swee swee, maybe next year I also try sell here..

[rizaldinho]

buy from people here better

 

Correct. I think buying from an owner here is better, they are more reliable and honest. Although have some black sheep around, but still the overall is better than bike shops. Didn't have a choice to buy from shop my first bike, but if you hvae cash better to buy from owner.

buying from forum is indeed better in terms of the price, as shop usually takes in cheap and sell out at rediculous price + interest.

but not everyone have the cash therefore most resort to buying from shop for installment.

but the downside of of buying from forum is, the bike dont really have like a warranty or servicing. most likely it'll be, done and over with it after u purchase the bike.

 

I did try with one motoring.. But after keying in the plate no,, the date shown to me was 05 ?? 2007.. Therefore this ?? could mean 01-12.. Since the salesman told me its a 1 year ++ bike I was thinking maybe the ?? could be 06 and above... But who noes realli jackpot,, when received the log card its really in JAN...

 

Got a friend taught me how to read number plate,, not very sure how true it is,, maybe can try.. my plate is FBB.. So FBB is clear cut registered in 07... Dat means FBA will b 06 FBC 08 and so on... Next is the number itself.. Mine is a 4 digit starting with 1... Therefore can more or less determine its registered in JAN.. If its 2 then its registered somewhere Feb or Mar.. As long as you see a 3 digit number plate,,, the bike is registered after OCT...

 

you are correct to a certain extend ah, but do remember, plate can be retained and some bid for certain plate.

likewise u'll see old classic vespa with FBA plate. i hope u understand this part.

 

but alexandra village are known for this kinda sales/aftersales tactic, luck isnt on ur side i guess.