Ducati Singapore CMI

[rerere]

 

This posts is temporarily removed due to many pleas I received. I realised i have been getting the wrong people in trouble. My purpose to serve a wake up call, not only to the organisation involved, but also to all fellow riders out there. We riders try our best to stay safe and alive while pursuing our passion. I just hope that the people touching our bikes be more conscientious with the work. It's life and death here.

 

Youtube video has been made private, also temporarily.

 

I shall wait a few days to hear response from them...

 

Take care everyone.

Edited April 29, 2015 by rerere

[raverus]

This is a rant about how poor the mechanics at ducati Singapore (Minerva) is.

 

This is also a warning to anyone who sends their bikes for servicing/repair at ducati singapore.

 

Their lack of professionalism is dangerous and can kill you.

 

Over the last 8months, I bought 2 new bikes from ducati Singapore, but everytime I had to service/install parts, it was never done properly and I will have parts flying off the bikes when I am riding it.

 

First was the db silencer that flew out, then rubber bushings, screw not loctitie, screws that are lazily hand tight, fuel hose disconnected, gear shift lever drop off and most recently a bolt connecting the shifter to the gear box flew out...

 

Spare a thought for your life and people around you, never trust a mechanic, especially the ones at ducati Singapore. Always double check their work.

 

I paid top money to service my bike, but everytime I will need to go back time again the next day because something wasn't done properly.

 

Sick and tired.

 

Ride safe everyone.

 

Wow... Thanks for sharing...!!!

[Jehuty]

This is a rant about how poor the mechanics at ducati Singapore (Minerva) is.

 

This is also a warning to anyone who sends their bikes for servicing/repair at ducati singapore.

 

Their lack of professionalism is dangerous and can kill you.

 

Over the last 8months, I bought 2 new bikes from ducati Singapore, but everytime I had to service/install parts, it was never done properly and I will have parts flying off the bikes when I am riding it.

 

First was the db silencer that flew out, then rubber bushings, screw not loctitie, screws that are lazily hand tight, fuel hose disconnected, gear shift lever drop off and most recently a bolt connecting the shifter to the gear box flew out...

 

Spare a thought for your life and people around you, never trust a mechanic, especially the ones at ducati Singapore. Always double check their work.

 

I paid top money to service my bike, but everytime I will need to go back time again the next day because something wasn't done properly.

 

Sick and tired.

 

Ride safe everyone.

 

Perhaps you can give Racewerks, HKL, SBR or Ducati JB a try. Just an alternative suggestion. Never tried Minerva, heard they are expensive and secretive, don't let you see them doing work.

Perhaps the other guys who frequent Minerva for their Ducatis can give more accurate input.

[tniki]

Thats pretty bad. Have you feedback this back to them?

[filtered]

Maybe better you feedback to them, and they can look into the matter.

 

So far personally I have quite good experience with them, maybe pricier than others but personally my bike is well taken care of.

[rerere]

 

This posts is temporarily removed due to many pleas I received. I realised i have been getting the wrong people in trouble. My purpose to serve a wake up call, not only to the organisation involved, but also to all fellow riders out there. We riders try our best to stay safe and alive while pursuing our passion. I just hope that the people touching our bikes be more conscientious with the work. It's life and death here.

 

Youtube video has been made private, also temporarily.

 

I shall wait a few days to hear response from them...

 

Take care everyone.

Edited April 29, 2015 by rerere

[rerere]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s_Bk24yq-iQ&feature=youtu.be

[KAWASAKl]

Bro, i feeel u... able to sue them?

[geeteethree]

OK, so your shifter bolt came off. I'm not sure that's worth the reaction here and on YouTube but it's your call I guess. I've had any number of things fall off my bike over the years - I always blame myself for not checking. Wondering what they would be doing that required them to remove the shifter - or is it your point that they should check every bolt?

 

I've 8 years now servicing my bikes at Minerva - no issues here. Find them to be very good. Always problems with any shop, which is why you say -should check their work.

[slowrider]

OK, so your shifter bolt came off. I'm not sure that's worth the reaction here and on YouTube but it's your call I guess. I've had any number of things fall off my bike over the years - I always blame myself for not checking. Wondering what they would be doing that required them to remove the shifter - or is it your point that they should check every bolt?

 

I've 8 years now servicing my bikes at Minerva - no issues here. Find them to be very good. Always problems with any shop, which is why you say -should check their work.

 

If I have to do such checking and to have to pay these 'Ah Beng' such prices, I better do it myself which I could with a full fleged workshop right in my house.

 

The ppl who are in the mechanic trades in Singapore are all sub professional, save a few which I know.

 

They are neither proud of their work, master of their craft or anything near 'PROFESSIONAL' as expected of those who claimed to be 'SPECIALIZED' in this trade!

 

In other words, these ppl are comparable to sub standard contractors in the building industry or similar kinds of ppl in other trades.

 

Get the drift?

[mzdinolatino]

It is stated in their service Standard operations : (http://www.ducati.com.sg/servicing/servicing_plans.html)

 

Oil change

Oil filter replacement

All fluid levels checked

Controls checked and lubricated

Spark plugs checked/ replace if required

Air filter checked/ clean/ replace if required

Fuel filter replacement (mileage related)

Check coolant fluid level

Strip/ check/ clean/ lubricate brake callipers

Examine general condition of brake discs and brake pads

 

Check wheel bearings

Check tyre pressure and overall condition

Examine/ adjust/ lubricate chain & sprockets

Check battery condition and charging system

Check all electrical systems

Check nut & bolt tightness

General lubrication of moving parts

Quality control check

Safety road test

Clean motorcycle

 

No excuses for any bolts to be loose at all if im paying for top service. If i were to check all their wrk, I Might as well change job to become Mechanic.

Edited April 29, 2015 by mzdinolatino

[rerere]

 

This posts is temporarily removed due to many pleas I received. I realised i have been getting the wrong people in trouble. My purpose to serve a wake up call, not only to the organisation involved, but also to all fellow riders out there. We riders try our best to stay safe and alive while pursuing our passion. I just hope that the people touching our bikes be more conscientious with the work. It's life and death here.

 

Youtube video has been made private, also temporarily.

 

I shall wait a few days to hear response from them...

 

Take care everyone.

Edited April 29, 2015 by rerere

[imjustin]

If I have to do such checking and to have to pay these 'Ah Beng' such prices, I better do it myself which I could with a full fleged workshop right in my house.

 

The ppl who are in the mechanic trades in Singapore are all sub professional, save a few which I know.

 

They are neither proud of their work, master of their craft or anything near 'PROFESSIONAL' as expected of those who claimed to be 'SPECIALIZED' in this trade!

 

In other words, these ppl are comparable to sub standard contractors in the building industry or similar kinds of ppl in other trades.

 

Get the drift?

 

I don't own a Duc, neither do I send my bikes to them..

However, I just want to say that I absolutely do not trust ANYBODY to take a tool anywhere near my bike.

 

I've bought secondhand motorcycles where previous owner said been "serviced regularly with XXX @ ABC Shop" but I just want to say that workshop/workmanship quality here in Singapore is absolute ****. Yes, many bros here have their 'trusted mechanic' (Ah Chong, Ah Seng, Ah whatever) but to each his own, if they have been doing a good job on your machine over the years, then good for you...

 

Broken plastics, wrong sized bolts, dry and over-****ing-tightened bolts, stripped threads, rounded bolt heads, spillage of Dot4 brake fluid, damaged gaskets, crushed seal washers, poorly installed electrical wiring (I've had a friend have sparks fly out at full-lock because an exposed wire touched the front suspension), wire harenesses falling out, over-filled engine oil, soaked oil filter, improper usage of tools (vice grips to remove a tight bolt? You have got to be ****ing kidding me), SMOKING when working on motorcycles etc...

 

The shitty ****ing attitudes of some mechanics here are absolutely disgusting. They absolutely do not give a flying **** about doing it properly. I'm not saying all mechanics, but from what I've seen, 100% of mechanics I've dealt with have ****ed up the simplest simple things on a motorcycle. (Yes, even those from the more 'well-known' shops, not going to mention names here)

 

I've had friends lose fairings on the highway, air/oil starved engines due to fake filters, short-circuits, damaged paintwork and improperly installed chains/sprockets/tires...and the list goes on. I've even seen WRONGLY SPECED/USED spark plugs being installed. Talk about dishonesty.

 

I understand OP's frustration, especially when he pays good money at an authorized dealer to do it.

 

That's why I learned to do everything on my own motorcycle. From simple oil changes, to the more complex stuff like valve adjustments and cam-chain replacements. Yes, I will spent half a day at my HDB void deck if I have to, but it beats a "mechanic" ****ing up something and potentially having my life lost due to a stupid lose bolt not tightened down properly.

 

My advice to those who have experienced the **** attitudes of these mechanics, I advice you to pick up some books on basic 4-stoke maintenance and repair, your bike's SERVICE/workshop manual, a GOOD QUALITY and COMPREHENSIVE set of tools and learn. It will cost time and money, but worthy investment in the long run. You save money, you get to know your bike inside-out, you don't risk some monkey damaging your bike and not telling you about it and you know how to fix/spot problems before they happen.

 

Note: I know 95% of riders in Singapore would rather just pay to get a mechanic to do your bike, and I am sure many bros here have had good experiences with their mechanics and workmanship. I don't contest that. I'm writing this from MY personal experience. Maybe I'm unlucky? Perhaps. But I've taken apart bikes before, and I've seen the horrendous work...the devil is in the details. Remember, a mark of a good mechanic is...well...there isn't. Unfortunately, most bikes (my own and my friends) have evidences of bad workmanship.

 

My point here is not to flame the businesses here, but rather to emphasize the point of learning to do it yourself to avoid potential life-threatening situations (like OP's experience)

It's your OWN motorcycle, go learn to take care of it.

The same way you wouldn't pay someone to walk your dog, or take your wife out to dinner. xD

 

Peace out.

Edited April 29, 2015 by imjustin

[slowrider]

Ok let me get some facts right for those of you who come in to their support.

 

I have owned many ducatis before, dated back many years ago. Stop riding for awhile and got back to buying 2 NEW bikes from Ducati Singapore for the last 8months. My ordeal of things falling off the bike after something was installed started then:

 

M1200s in late 2014

> termi db silencer flew off, 1 day after the termis are installed. Went back to them the next day, waited hours for it to be fixed and I was accused of tempering with it.

> tps warranty claim, replaced tps. After one day, tft screen was shaking like mad, had a check and figured they forgot to install rubber bushing for tft screen, went back and waited for the reinstallation.

>after routine service, they forgot to put the ecu comms cable cover underweat and the cable connector pins were left dangling underseat, went back and got it fixed the next day.

 

 

1199s

> dp rear set gear lever flew off on cte hours after installing it. During the installation, I told them I read online that it needs to be loctite, but they assure me its on in he manual to do so. Running across 4 lanes on the expressway to retrieve the shift lever and then cable tied it to the rear set and rode to auntie shop at lavender to borrow a screw.

> fuel breather tube not attached after mechanic removed the fuel tank. Found out on track at pasir gudang the next day. Went back again to get it fixed.

> gear shift push rod bolt flew off on sepang track. this was after re installing the rearset to normal

Shift pattern instead of go shift pattern. I verbally confirmed with the mechanic if it is tightened before heading off to sepang, http://youtu.be/s_Bk24yq-iQ

 

Note for all the above ordeals, nobody apologized to me. No compensation. No remorse. It just kept happening to a point I am suspecting they are hoping for their customers to crash... So they can make more money out of it...

 

I am a real human being here, not some bots or keyboard warriors sitting home typing crap. Anyone needs clarification or meet up, feel free to look for me, pm.

 

I am a genuine rider, bike lover that has been through **** experience with Minerva singapore the last 8 months. I am sharing my experience here because I am pissed to the max, the last one a sepang was the final straw. Wasting 3days and all the money is small issue to me... The fact that I could have been killed for some silly mechanic mistake is unforgivable.

 

More importantly, there isn't a single sorry, or remorse. They are pushing the blame.

 

As I have said. I have been riding close to 30 years. And every time my bikes come back to me, either from VERY ESTABLISHED SOLE AGENT workshops or reputable workshops, I detect so many faults, poor workmanship, missing parts and original parts not installed or installed incorrectly.

 

If I got the time, sometimes I DO IT MYSELF, SWEE SWEE and that is where in SINGAPORE there are very few ( less than the fingers in my hands) that will do it the same way.

 

Torque to spec, check every tiny details, refurnish parts that need refurnishing,before they are put back again. Check O-rings and seal, replaced with new ( not reusing them becos they 'looked' re-useable by these Ah Bengs), use the proper and right kind of gasket sealant ( that is easier to remove too ) etc, etc.

 

Of course, these Ah Beng Bosses will say, if I do it the way you describe, you know HOW MUCH IT WILL COST YOU?

 

****ed up attitude sums it all up in regard to ppl in such trades which also why they remain this way till this day and age!

[rerere]

 

This posts is temporarily removed due to many pleas I received. I realised i have been getting the wrong people in trouble. My purpose to serve a wake up call, not only to the organisation involved, but also to all fellow riders out there. We riders try our best to stay safe and alive while pursuing our passion. I just hope that the people touching our bikes be more conscientious with the work. It's life and death here.

 

Youtube video has been made private, also temporarily.

 

I shall wait a few days to hear response from them...

 

Take care everyone.

Edited April 29, 2015 by rerere

[geeteethree]

I have friends in the team and many close ones in the team. I am not here to cause anyone to lose their job. I am speaking from my point as a patient and loyal customer. I only hope to share my experience to those who deals with them, somethings are a matter of life and death. If only, I have been given more assurance and what actually is happening, if only I received sincere apologies, I wouldn't be here sharing my stories?

 

I wrote an email to Ian Teo, the so called new person running the show. Where is he? No replies, no calls to ask what happen. Obviously ducati sungapore don't seem to want to take their mistakes seriously. That's why I am here. Warning.

 

Well, no excuse for him not replying to your email, that's poor form. But maybe he's consulting with Lawyer before he does - I absolutely would if I was him as some of your comments border on libel. Not criticizing you bro, you were clearly emotional about it and emotion is good. But if it were me I'd re-cut this thread and the Youtube thing to keep to the facts - like you did in your later response.

[rerere]

Well, no excuse for him not replying to your email, that's poor form. But maybe he's consulting with Lawyer before he does - I absolutely would if I was him as some of your comments border on libel. Not criticizing you bro, you were clearly emotional about it and emotion is good. But if it were me I'd re-cut this thread and the Youtube thing to keep to the facts - like you did in your later response.

 

I am actually quite calm with the whole issue. Maybe because this isn't the first time for me. I have been relatively patient all along.

 

Thanks for your concern bro. At my age, I am calm as hell and I have facts to back myself up and certainly can substantiate my claims.

[lost4love]

Sorry to hear from you, but thanks for sharing to all. Now I need to consider again getting a new bike from them as the amount paid for the bike is not cheap and expect some quality service from them.

[filtered]

I think buying new bike, all the dealers about the same....some ppl have good experience, some not so good

 

Put it this way, good service nobody really posts on the forum as we just take it as expected.....when something bad happens will see complains on forum

 

So dont think so much, just get the bike you like and maintain at your preferred workshop

[Jehuty]

I don't own a Duc, neither do I send my bikes to them..

However, I just want to say that I absolutely do not trust ANYBODY to take a tool anywhere near my bike.

 

I've bought secondhand motorcycles where previous owner said been "serviced regularly with XXX @ ABC Shop" but I just want to say that workshop/workmanship quality here in Singapore is absolute ****. Yes, many bros here have their 'trusted mechanic' (Ah Chong, Ah Seng, Ah whatever) but to each his own, if they have been doing a good job on your machine over the years, then good for you...

 

Broken plastics, wrong sized bolts, dry and over-****ing-tightened bolts, stripped threads, rounded bolt heads, spillage of Dot4 brake fluid, damaged gaskets, crushed seal washers, poorly installed electrical wiring (I've had a friend have sparks fly out at full-lock because an exposed wire touched the front suspension), wire harenesses falling out, over-filled engine oil, soaked oil filter, improper usage of tools (vice grips to remove a tight bolt? You have got to be ****ing kidding me), SMOKING when working on motorcycles etc...

 

The shitty ****ing attitudes of some mechanics here are absolutely disgusting. They absolutely do not give a flying **** about doing it properly. I'm not saying all mechanics, but from what I've seen, 100% of mechanics I've dealt with have ****ed up the simplest simple things on a motorcycle. (Yes, even those from the more 'well-known' shops, not going to mention names here)

 

I've had friends lose fairings on the highway, air/oil starved engines due to fake filters, short-circuits, damaged paintwork and improperly installed chains/sprockets/tires...and the list goes on. I've even seen WRONGLY SPECED/USED spark plugs being installed. Talk about dishonesty.

 

I understand OP's frustration, especially when he pays good money at an authorized dealer to do it.

 

That's why I learned to do everything on my own motorcycle. From simple oil changes, to the more complex stuff like valve adjustments and cam-chain replacements. Yes, I will spent half a day at my HDB void deck if I have to, but it beats a "mechanic" ****ing up something and potentially having my life lost due to a stupid lose bolt not tightened down properly.

 

My advice to those who have experienced the **** attitudes of these mechanics, I advice you to pick up some books on basic 4-stoke maintenance and repair, your bike's SERVICE/workshop manual, a GOOD QUALITY and COMPREHENSIVE set of tools and learn. It will cost time and money, but worthy investment in the long run. You save money, you get to know your bike inside-out, you don't risk some monkey damaging your bike and not telling you about it and you know how to fix/spot problems before they happen.

 

Note: I know 95% of riders in Singapore would rather just pay to get a mechanic to do your bike, and I am sure many bros here have had good experiences with their mechanics and workmanship. I don't contest that. I'm writing this from MY personal experience. Maybe I'm unlucky? Perhaps. But I've taken apart bikes before, and I've seen the horrendous work...the devil is in the details. Remember, a mark of a good mechanic is...well...there isn't. Unfortunately, most bikes (my own and my friends) have evidences of bad workmanship.

 

My point here is not to flame the businesses here, but rather to emphasize the point of learning to do it yourself to avoid potential life-threatening situations (like OP's experience)

It's your OWN motorcycle, go learn to take care of it.

The same way you wouldn't pay someone to walk your dog, or take your wife out to dinner. xD

 

Peace out.

 

 

Agent or not...the mechanics still from across the causeway though ahhahaah. Can't blame the OP, how do you know if they torqued the bolt in right and used loctite? You can't unless like you said, did your own work. Well riders don't really post on forums because they don't want trouble with defamation suits, reputation of mechanics is carried by word of mouth.

 

For my case I don't have much choice but yeah, you do know more about the bike if you did your own work. I do check for loose bolts time to time, wiggle here and there to see if they could be hand loosen, leaks and stuff. Haven't got to the extent of tearing engine open, beyond my skill level.

[imjustin]

Agent or not...the mechanics still from across the causeway though ahhahaah. Can't blame the OP, how do you know if they torqued the bolt in right and used loctite? You can't unless like you said, did your own work. Well riders don't really post on forums because they don't want trouble with defamation suits, reputation of mechanics is carried by word of mouth.

 

For my case I don't have much choice but yeah, you do know more about the bike if you did your own work. I do check for loose bolts time to time, wiggle here and there to see if they could be hand loosen, leaks and stuff. Haven't got to the extent of tearing engine open, beyond my skill level.

Well, I didn't give any shop name I've never sent my bike in, but I've bought bikes that has been to shops, and I've seen their workmanship. Urgh.

 

I mean, I don't wanna say that Malaysian mechanics are worse. It has nothing to do with nationality (correlation doesn't mean causation!) But rather just poor workmanship attitude and ethics here. Not only motorcycle shops, but generally across many industries. Some people just don't take pride in what they do. :/ Some mechanics are actually very nice people: friendly, cheerful etc... Just don't want them picking up a tool and going near my bike...

 

Yet again I must reiterate, I'm not flaming any particular shop here. If there's a good mechanic who can demonstrate his professionalism, I will give credit where credit is due in the form of my business and patronism. Sadly, I have yet to find one.

 

To OP, I hope you find a good mechanic for your bikes, and clear up any misunderstandings with the shop in question.

[rerere]

Thanks guys, will sort it out. Waiting for a proper response.

 

If you order food from a restaurant, does that mean you can't cook a meal yourself? No!

 

And when you order food from a restaurant, how do you know the if the dishes are done properly? Restaurants don't allow you in the kitchen. Exactly the same situation here.

 

Finally, we are talking about the most expensive restaurant here in context. If that is some roadside stall serving cheap food, and if it tastes bad or if I get diarrhea from that then I won't complain about it. Btw you usually will be able to see how your food is prepared at the cheaper stalls.

 

But here, imagine yourself dining at a top restaurant that charges top dollar, you ate there the night before your wedding day. When you unfortunately got food poisoning due to the sloppy handling of food and that could have killed you. Also totally ruining your wedding day, something you have looked forward to and invested into. How would you feel? What would you do?

 

It is easy to sit on the fence here for some, that's because such incidents didn't happen to you. Or maybe you work in that restaurant? I am glad many understood the reason why I am here. This is a public forum, I am here to share FACTS... Tks

Edited April 30, 2015 by rerere

[Az_itsme]

Thanks guys, will sort it out. Waiting for a proper response.

 

If you order food from a restaurant, does that mean you can't cook a meal yourself? No!

 

And when you order food from a restaurant, how do you know the if the dishes are done properly? Restaurants don't allow you in the kitchen. Exactly the same situation here.

 

Finally, we are talking about the most expensive restaurant here in context. If that is some roadside stall serving cheap food, and if it tastes bad or if I get diarrhea from that then I won't complain about it. Btw you usually will be able to see how your food is prepared at the cheaper stalls.

 

But here, imagine yourself dining at a top restaurant that charges top dollar, you ate there the night before your wedding day. When you unfortunately got food poisoning due to the sloppy handling of food and that could have killed you. Also totally ruining your wedding day, something you have looked forward to and invested into. How would you feel? What would you do?

 

It is easy to sit on the fence here for some, that's because such incidents didn't happen to you. Or maybe you work in that restaurant? I am glad many understood the reason why I am here. This is a public forum, I am here to share FACTS... Tks

 

i think you or anyone whose paying top dollar have every right to feel the way ure feeling. like you said, this isnt any small newly established shop in singapore. We are talking about the rolls royce of motorcycle and paying top dollar for their so called comprehensive servicing, furthermore to experience it time and again and for 2 different bikes NEW from them makes it all the more sour. Have u tried just sending ur facts and emails to the DUcati HQ? I mean there is no harm to let them know that your bike in Singapore isnt well taken care of so they can at least follow up from the top down to Singapore.either ways good luck and i hope u will get it sorted out.. if it was me, id done the exact same thing u have ..cheers

[mechwira]

i have to agree, the onus should never be on the biker to check workmanship or be knowledgeable.

 

When you buy hdb flat and renovate, are you expected to renovate and lay tiles yourself? or know how to lay tiles in order to check? or even be present everyday for one or two months to supervise.

 

when a shop sells a product or a service, it is the shop's responsibility. cusotmer's knowledge is a plus, not a responsibility.

 

some of us work for a living and have no time to service bikes or lay tiles in a new hdb flat.

[teambhp]

We will just wait for minerva to respond