Red Baron Wtf

[monty1412]

Is there a second Red Baron in BKK that specialises in ineptitude and stupidity? If there is then I think I've been there three times now.. first of which i reported on Thai visa to many howling replies of " no they are really good guys and know their stuff".

Lastest saga which had my mouth agape was about frame sliders for a fazer FZ1.

Called in there two weeks ago.... bought Frame sliders for the FZi or so the package said.. but when i got them home realised they were for different bike.. rang RB and they said to bring back which I did today as i was going by. Took in sliders original package ( clearly marked FZ1 ) and original RB receipt.

Showed them to young guy and said they are for different bike due to extended side arm attachment point on these sliders not fitting the Fazer. There is two bolt attachment systems on the sliders I bought.

Young guy positions it up next to my bike and says " yep they will fit" we can just put second bolt in this space indicating a space, not a bolt hole repeat not a bolt hole but just a space between cylinder head and frame.

Asked him if we could fit them and then wrap the bike in duct tape and baling wire as well just to make sure they were secure.. he looks at me with puzzlement... I ask him if his village is missing him... or did they find another idiot to replace him since he left.

get someone who is the boss to look at it and he ums and ahs and say well its not really our fault as they come in that way i.e already labelled... so I end up having this argument about buying parts for a certain bike and parts not fitting that bike then parts are clearly wrong and his issue is to take it up with supplier.

Eventually he offer to refund my money back but with disclaimer that its not RB's fault.. I told him that i agree , its my fault for shopping here and I accept full responsibility and that as part of my penance I should make all Thai Visa aware that Red Baron is NOT to blame if the part they sell you for a nominated bike of a nominated year doesn't fit. So suitably reimbursed I walk out and ride away.

I can only shake my head in amazement at this.... I did look back at the Store front to see if there was any notation after the words Red Baron ' The Fawlty Towers of Bike Parts supply" but alas none to be seen....

perhaps Red Baron.. where we make any part fit any bike .. good tag line.

What a joke these guys are.....

Footnote.. since bought the right sliders on the internet for around 40% cheaper anyway so good learning experience.

You've been warned

[wantan]

OK, thanks, i am warned. I will not buy frame sliders for my Boxer 250 at Red Baron. But this wrapping the bike in duct tape is a good tip as addition for my repairs using cable ties

[ttakata]

Thats' sucks man, thanks for the heads up.

I've already complained about the common stupidity of bike shops in this country many times but it's often re-confirmed.

This week I was adding some LEDs to a friend's scooter and expected a shoddy job from the last Thai shop that added lights to his bike.

Confirmed; no soldering, no heat shrink, just twisted and broken/corroded wires.

More messed up was how the last guy that worked on his bike used a wood screw to hold his body panel on instead of a proper M6 bolt.

Another warning to all: if you let Thais work on your bike, don't be surprised when something breaks or falls off.

I think you are seriously putting your safety at risk by letting a local idiot work on your bike.

I don't even trust "real" places like Kawasaki Pattaya (stripped bolt hole) and Pirelli BKK (lost axle slider while riding).

The only place I would allow to work on my bike is the Ducati dealer as I'm under the assumption they have real trained technicians working there.

You get what you pay for and cheap/free installation usually means you have a guy that makes a few hundred baht a day not giving a crap.

[Garry]

Another reason I import all my aftermarket parts. I haven't been screwed yet dealing with the UK, Germany, Portugal and the US.

[dezy1801]

Another reason I import all my aftermarket parts. I haven't been screwed yet dealing with the UK, Germany, Portugal and the US.

Do you get taxed on your imports? If not do you mind sharing where you get your parts from as I have been looking into importing some parts but don't like the looks of the import taxes.

Cheers

[dezy1801]

Just as well it was only sliders you were buying and not a bike, but in saying that I have a bike from Red Baron and I have also bought some equipment from them and never had any issues.

[Garry]

Another reason I import all my aftermarket parts. I haven't been screwed yet dealing with the UK, Germany, Portugal and the US.

Do you get taxed on your imports? If not do you mind sharing where you get your parts from as I have been looking into importing some parts but don't like the looks of the import taxes.

Cheers

At times I pay duty, most times it all depends if customs what to do their job that day. I just imported a set of custom made leathers from Indonesia and it cost me 3000 baht in duty. If I could import from Australia (if they had the stuff I was after) it would be free under the Thai Aus Free Trade Agreement (TAFTA).

Do you have a Ducati? That's what I buy parts and mods for.

Cheers,

Garry

[dezy1801]

Another reason I import all my aftermarket parts. I haven't been screwed yet dealing with the UK, Germany, Portugal and the US.

Do you get taxed on your imports? If not do you mind sharing where you get your parts from as I have been looking into importing some parts but don't like the looks of the import taxes.

Cheers

At times I pay duty, most times it all depends if customs what to do their job that day. I just imported a set of custom made leathers from Indonesia and it cost me 3000 baht in duty. If I could import from Australia (if they had the stuff I was after) it would be free under the Thai Aus Free Trade Agreement (TAFTA).

Do you have a Ducati? That's what I buy parts and mods for.

Cheers,

Garry

Thats not to bad only 3000 baht. So I should get the equipment from Australia as I would not have to pay any taxes that sounds good will be checking the Aus websites.

I have a Yamaha YZF-R6.

Thanks

Derek

[Garry]

Another reason I import all my aftermarket parts. I haven't been screwed yet dealing with the UK, Germany, Portugal and the US.

Do you get taxed on your imports? If not do you mind sharing where you get your parts from as I have been looking into importing some parts but don't like the looks of the import taxes.

Cheers

At times I pay duty, most times it all depends if customs what to do their job that day. I just imported a set of custom made leathers from Indonesia and it cost me 3000 baht in duty. If I could import from Australia (if they had the stuff I was after) it would be free under the Thai Aus Free Trade Agreement (TAFTA).

Do you have a Ducati? That's what I buy parts and mods for.

Cheers,

Garry

Thats not to bad only 3000 baht. So I should get the equipment from Australia as I would not have to pay any taxes that sounds good will be checking the Aus websites.

I have a Yamaha YZF-R6.

Thanks

Derek

Check out the agreement for yourself: http://www.dfat.gov.au/fta/tafta/tafta_annexes_sideletters_index.html / http://www.dfat.gov....nnex_2_1-97.zip Don't take my word for it.

Also I don't think there are a lot of quality aftermarket parts suppliers in Australia.

Edited January 14, 2012 by Garry

[katabeachbum]

Try another bike shop in TH. They wouldnt take the parts back as they dont fit so cant be used

[BigBikeBKK]

So, Red Baron accepted the return and issued a full refund...

Sounds like the OP needs to have his head examined...

Red Baron remains my number one choice for OEM and aftermarket parts for my Gixxer. They've even helped me out with my Kwacker even though I'm not a member and they could easily have told me to go to Kawasaki.

In my experience Khun Vikrom and his staff are knowledgeable, courteous, and professional.

http://www.redbaronbkk.com/

Ride On!

Tony

[dezy1801]

So, Red Baron accepted the return and issued a full refund...

Sounds like the OP needs to have his head examined...

Red Baron remains my number one choice for OEM and aftermarket parts for my Gixxer. They've even helped me out with my Kwacker even though I'm not a member and they could easily have told me to go to Kawasaki.

In my experience Khun Vikrom and his staff are knowledgeable, courteous, and professional.

http://www.redbaronbkk.com/

Ride On!

Tony

I'll second that.

[monty1412]

So, Red Baron accepted the return and issued a full refund...

Sounds like the OP needs to have his head examined...

Red Baron remains my number one choice for OEM and aftermarket parts for my Gixxer. They've even helped me out with my Kwacker even though I'm not a member and they could easily have told me to go to Kawasaki.

In my experience Khun Vikrom and his staff are knowledgeable, courteous, and professional.

http://www.redbaronbkk.com/

Ride On!

Tony

I as wondering when the Red Baron Fan Club member No 1 would show up and here he is.

No doubt you get good service on your Thai made Kawasaki , the engineering standard and their expertise are just a perfect match.

As for head examining... probably... Im from that silly old school that if you buy something and it does not fit or perform then you should be able to take it back for replecement or refund.

By the way thanks for the promotional link to their website.... Im actually surprised they don't have emblazoned on their doors "Red Baron.. where BigBikeBKK shops". Surely you at least deserve a mention on their website.

Give your buddy Khun Vikrom a nudge.... I'm sure his knowledgeable staff can oblige after all they seem to have a penchant for misfits.... both mechanical and human

promote on !!!

Monty

[bbradsby]

Another reason I import all my aftermarket parts. I haven't been screwed yet dealing with the UK, Germany, Portugal and the US.

Garry, who have you dealt with who doesnt hang up or ignore your internet communications based on a.) 'we don't ship there,' or b.) they're of the [fair] assumption that if youre in Thailand, you're 99.9% sure to be a scammer?

thx in advance!

[Garry]

Another reason I import all my aftermarket parts. I haven't been screwed yet dealing with the UK, Germany, Portugal and the US.

Garry, who have you dealt with who doesnt hang up or ignore your internet communications based on a.) 'we don't ship there,' or b.) they're of the [fair] assumption that if youre in Thailand, you're 99.9% sure to be a scammer?

thx in advance!

<deleted>! I'm a scammer or the people in your first sentence? Seriously though, that statement you made can go any way in what you're implying. On that, I don't sell, I buy.

All the companies I have dealt with are based on feedback from reputable bike forum sponsors that I am part of. Such as www.ducati-superbikes.com, www.ducati.ms I have never had events happen to me like in your statement, as I refuse to deal with an unknown (to me) parts dealer.

[bbradsby]

Another reason I import all my aftermarket parts. I haven't been screwed yet dealing with the UK, Germany, Portugal and the US.

Garry, who have you dealt with who doesnt hang up or ignore your internet communications based on a.) 'we don't ship there,' or b.) they're of the [fair] assumption that if youre in Thailand, you're 99.9% sure to be a scammer?

thx in advance!

<deleted>! I'm a scammer or the people in your first sentence? Seriously though, that statement you made can go any way in what you're implying. On that, I don't sell, I buy.

All the companies I have dealt with are based on feedback from reputable bike forum sponsors that I am part of. Such as www.ducati-superbikes.com, www.ducati.ms I have never had events happen to me like in your statement, as I refuse to deal with an unknown (to me) parts dealer.

i tried to craft the sentences carefully, but sorry if i offended you - this was certainly not my intention. I was referring to vendors who have a website-stated policy of not doing business in SE Asia due to its reputation for scammers. Even seen credit cards freeze transactions for Americans anyway, unless their security dept is called to advise it's a legit transaction.

[dec]

Went to Red Baron once for some bits for an RVF and thought they were ok, have a small warehouse out the back full of spares which seemed to be catalogged pretty good.. only problem for me is that is too far from Pattaya .

Get all my stuff on ebay stores, mostly from the states which works out ok but that can go wrong as well, just picked up a set Gilles swingarm lifters yesterday and turns out they have sent totally wrong product (some kind of swingarm protectors)

[KRS1]

Went to Red Baron once for some bits for an RVF and thought they were ok, have a small warehouse out the back full of spares which seemed to be catalogged pretty good.. only problem for me is that is too far from Pattaya .

Get all my stuff on ebay stores, mostly from the states which works out ok but that can go wrong as well, just picked up a set Gilles swingarm lifters yesterday and turns out they have sent totally wrong product (some kind of swingarm protectors)

What ???!!! Now there's thai people abroad selling things on ebay and sending the wrong products now too? Must all be from the same village as Monty1412 suggest.

[BigBikeBKK]

Another reason I import all my aftermarket parts. I haven't been screwed yet dealing with the UK, Germany, Portugal and the US.

Garry, who have you dealt with who doesnt hang up or ignore your internet communications based on a.) 'we don't ship there,' or b.) they're of the [fair] assumption that if youre in Thailand, you're 99.9% sure to be a scammer?

thx in advance!

I'm not Garry, but in my experience there are far more shops that DO ship to Thailand than there are shops that DON'T.

Here are some of the shops I regularly use for OEM and aftermarket parts to Thailand:

http://www.indysuperbike.com

https://www.motomummy.com

http://www.bikebandit.com

http://www.cheapcycleparts.com

http://www.motospecialties.com

http://www.gpscity.com/

http://www.ridersdiscount.com/

http://www.kneedraggers.com

http://www.blueridgeperformance.net/

and of course, good old eBay.com

FWIW, for OEM Suzuki parts, Red Baron often gives me better prices than I'd get if I ordered from the US and paid shipping and duty.

Ride On!

Tony

[VocalNeal]

Do you get taxed on your imports? If not do you mind sharing where you get your parts from as I have been looking into importing some parts but don't like the looks of the import taxes.

Cheers

Dezy,

There is no free lunch. Most bike parts are subject to 30% duty (on the landed cost which includes freight) and 7% VAT. Asean and free trade agreement not withstanding.

Sometimes the post office simply delivers the parcel, If so that should be treated as a bonus and not part of the buying decision.

More often you have to go and collect it and pay the duty. In BKK this means going to Hualampong. You could use FedEx / UPS etc. where you WILL pay the duty plus 1200 baht service fee plus... See the FedEx rip off threads.

Edited January 15, 2012 by VocalNeal

[dezy1801]

Do you get taxed on your imports? If not do you mind sharing where you get your parts from as I have been looking into importing some parts but don't like the looks of the import taxes.

Cheers

Dezy,

There is no free lunch. Most bike parts are subject to 30% duty (on the landed cost which includes freight) and 7% VAT. Asean and free trade agreement not withstanding.

Sometimes the post office simply delivers the parcel, If so that should be treated as a bonus and not part of the buying decision.

More often you have to go and collect it and pay the duty. In BKK this means going to Hualampong. You could use FedEx / UPS etc. where you WILL pay the duty plus 1200 baht service fee plus... See the FedEx rip off threads.

Yeah seen the FedEx rip off threads mate hence why I said I don't like the looks of the import taxes

[Kwasaki]

So, Red Baron accepted the return and issued a full refund...

Sounds like the OP needs to have his head examined...

Red Baron remains my number one choice for OEM and aftermarket parts for my Gixxer. They've even helped me out with my Kwacker even though I'm not a member and they could easily have told me to go to Kawasaki.

In my experience Khun Vikrom and his staff are knowledgeable, courteous, and professional.

http://www.redbaronbkk.com/

Ride On!

Tony

I as wondering when the Red Baron Fan Club member No 1 would show up and here he is.

No doubt you get good service on your Thai made Kawasaki , the engineering standard and their expertise are just a perfect match.

As for head examining... probably... Im from that silly old school that if you buy something and it does not fit or perform then you should be able to take it back for replecement or refund.

By the way thanks for the promotional link to their website.... Im actually surprised they don't have emblazoned on their doors "Red Baron.. where BigBikeBKK shops". Surely you at least deserve a mention on their website.

Give your buddy Khun Vikrom a nudge.... I'm sure his knowledgeable staff can oblige after all they seem to have a penchant for misfits.... both mechanical and human

promote on !!!

Monty

You've got a big chip on your shoulder the big culture shock is too much for you I guess, with that attitute, goodluck with getting future parts in Thailand anyhow.