Lowyat.NET: Latest topics by James_How

Errant Contractors

James_How — Wed, 13 Nov 2019 09:27:33 +0800

Dear All,

Have you all ever dealt with errant contractors?

I have recently engaged a contractor to renovate my condo. Everything was smooth sailing up to 80% work completed. The remaining 20% represents the build in wardrobe for the rooms and kitchen cabinet.

The quotation cost of the wardrobe represents 35% of the entire renovation cost. Our agreed billing milestone was 20%/20%/20%/20% with the last 20% after work done. Along the way, everything was going fine till 3 months into the renovation where the only outstanding matter was the cabinets and by this point, we have paid 80% to the contractor. One fine day, the contractor ask if we could bank in RM3k to him first from the remaining 20% as he urgently need the money and we obliged.

However, its been 2 months since then and the cabinets are still not delivered. Worst he has stop answering our calls. My condo has now been idle for the past 2 months (total renovation period now 5 months). And based on work done so far, we have over paid him by 10K.

We plan to threaten him with police report and ultimately bring this matter to tribunal/ombudsmen. My concern here is, he is still holding our keys to the condo and have access to it anytime. We are concern he may come and damaged my property as retribution after the threat. (and no, we cant change the keys as we installed those anti-theft security doors with only 1 key to the door for access, with no padlock what soever).

To be honest, I have never been put in this situation before and not sure what to do. Any forumers here have past experience? Is lodging a police report the right way? and how do I reclaim my over payment? Do i go through tribunal or is there a specialized court for this?

Appreciate any feedbacks!

Practical Riding Advice/Technique for Newbie

James_How — Fri, 02 Nov 2018 10:57:05 +0800

Dear Sifu,

I have posted in March seeking guidance for getting into the world of bikes and concerns that I may have for riding bikes in Malaysia. Here's the topic link:

https://forum.lowyat.net/topic/4540083

My BMWG310R finally arrived last month and I have been practicing riding it as often as I can around my housing taman. I have basically only rode out of my taman 5 times only as of today post. During my practice runs around and out of my taman, some questions came to mind:

1) When I slow down during a corner or speed bump, while downshifting, do I hold on to the clutch? Or do I let go of the clutch immediately after downshifting?

2) I realized, when I am going at speed of 60-70km and I am on gear 6, while having to slowdown... i may be downshift all the way to gear 3 (while holding on to the clutch) and my speed is still hovering between 50-60km. So at this point, if i were to release my clutch, my whole bike will macam engine brake and jeark abit (is this normal? anyway to make this process smoother).

3) Travelling during peak hours on the highway means my speed is around 30-50km only. Is it okay to maintain in gear 3-5 during these time? Will it affect my engine?

4) Assuming I am on clear roads, and I am only cruising around 60-70km, do i have to go into my 6th gear? Or can I maintain gear 5 (my bike max speed is 140km).

5) If i have to stop on a slope, any technique to stop the bike from reversing (cause when i have to start again, to go into gear 1, holding on to the clutch will have a "neutral" moment and gravity will just pull my bike backwards)

6)Finally, I am still unsure when should i change gears for my bike or whats is the speed range for all my gears (any sifus can shed some lights on this?)

All your comments and input will be very much appreciated.

Best regards
Current newbie biker

Need guidance for getting into the world of bikes.

James_How — Fri, 09 Mar 2018 13:59:40 +0800

Dear fellow bikers,

Since young I have always dream to own and ride a motorbike. Due to safety concerns and strong parents objection, that dream never stood a chance. Recently had the opportunity to work in Ho Chih Minh city for a year and what better way to take full advantage of being solo in a new country to have a taste of my dream. Was fortunate enough to have a local friend teach me how to ride a scooter (just acceleration and brakes) and in a matter of weeks, i am riding like a local viet! Best time of my life!

Now I am back to bolehland. I have decided to take up a full B license (cause I plan to buy a higher CC bike and also damn it, I want to ride a bike regardless of any objection I may get from family or friends! We only live once!). I have already paid a deposit to purchase the latest BMW G310R bike while in the midst of taking my B license.

I have the following concerns that perhaps sifus here can provide input or recommendations!

1) Being a white collar professional, is it recommended to wear full protective gears? Will it crumple my office attire?
2) Where can I purchase proper safety helmets, attire etc (good quality, safety is everything to me).
3) My BMW is a naked bike, is it advisable to have a topcase (anywhere i can find a detachable top case that can easily be removed?)
4) What are the practical issues faced while commuting to work in a bike (like weather, road conditions, crazy car driver) and how to address those issues
5) I am fucking scared to ride on Malaysian road, in vietnam max i can go is 40km per hour je.
6) Can my normal leather working shoes (quite expensive) be worn while riding the bike? Will the constant shifting of gears damage my shoes?
7) Any gadgets that i can add on to my bike like handphone holder, gps tracker (incase of theft), bike lock?
8) Should i style my hair before or after i reach office lol.
9) Will it score me more chicks or scared them away?

All your comments and input will be very much appreciated.

Best regards
Future biker!

Bose, Longchamp, Prada, Gucci, LV Merchandise

James_How — Thu, 25 Jul 2013 19:18:28 +0800

Item(s) for Sale: - 1) Companion® 20 multimedia speaker system
- 2 )QuietComfort® 15 Acoustic Noise Cancelling® headphones
- 3) QuietComfort® 3 Acoustic Noise Cancelling® headphones
- 4) Longchamp handbag(s)/shoppingbag(s) LePliage

Package includes: New and unopen merchandise. Comes with the said products

Price: 1)RM1,400
2)RM 1,800
3)RM1,800
4)Handbag(s) RM300/ Shoppingbag (s) RM380 (Color option, let me know and I will see if its available)

Dealing Method: As this are expensive items that I am going to buy from overseas, I required confirmation orders by way of 70% deposits. Items will be deliver in the second week of August by way of meeting up.

Location: KL, Klang Valley, Subang Jaya, Petaling Jaya, Usj area

Contact Method: PM me or call me 017-3668331

* If you have anything else you want to buy from the above mentioned brands, please let me know. I will check on the availability and let you know. Make sure items requested is not to big as I am travelling alone by plane.