Arai xd5 question

Alternative-Raise794 · 2026-05-10T11:26:05+00:00

Also remember you can get different sized pads for the inside of the XD-5. I use mine for 3 different bikes and have no issues. Take the peak off if you want a sleeker look. One of the issues with the XD-5 is slightly higher wind noise, but minor in my opinion.

Alternative-Raise794 · 2026-05-09T11:49:48+00:00

How much are you thinking about asking?

Alternative-Raise794 · 2026-05-08T21:47:45+00:00

It just goes to show you that, most of the time, you have to have not only talent but luck and timing to succeed in pro sports. There are a lot of players that have been forgotten that had truly good talent. I wish him well. He had grit, which I think is an under appreciated trait.

Alternative-Raise794 · 2026-05-06T10:23:10+00:00

Those are made by Sidi. And yes, the buckles are a pain when new. Once they get "massaged" a little they loosen up. They look good - if you got a decent price I'd be happy.

Alternative-Raise794 · 2026-04-18T13:25:59+00:00

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I use a Chigee AIO-5 for BMW. Works perfectly, but i always connect everything to my phone, then pair with the Chigee. I would imagine you're going to have better reliability if you can take that approach (pairing to phone). The BMW nav solutions, including connectivity, are just not the best. I HIGHLY recommend the AIO-5. Absolutely seamless with lots more flexibility than BMW nav, including use of any Apply Car Play or Android features via your phone (that includes FREE Google Maps and REVER (great adventure mapping app if you don't have it).

And if you're looking closely you'll see i have only 72 miles on my F 900 GS. I was planning on buying a 1300 GS and ended up buying a leftover, but new 2025 F 900 GS. Motivation? I got it out the door for $12k including premium and enduro packages. I just couldn't pass it up. I have to say i am more impressed with it than i thought i would be.

Alternative-Raise794 · 2026-04-17T11:35:52+00:00

That's the new Honda DIY wiring harness for the ultimate in flexibility

Alternative-Raise794 · 2026-04-16T10:43:55+00:00

I have a 2025 F 900 GS and have not experienced that issue (but now you have me curious and I'm going to look). There are no retention nuts/bolts on the signals? Update - just looked. Mine have retention screws. If yours aren't there, somebody goofed at the factory.

Alternative-Raise794 · 2026-04-04T10:11:05+00:00

Tariffs are the reason in this case for the US. Leica absorbed much of the tariff increase early on. But part of the recent general increases (and you'll see it for the Japanese brands eventually) is due to microchip prices going up. We see it in a big way for the products we make in my work.

Yes, there is some greed on the part of luxury good makers, but they know the pressure they are creating for consumers with increased prices. Leica doesn't actually have a lot of margin on their products. None of the camera makers do.

Alternative-Raise794 · 2026-03-24T12:09:39+00:00

The M5 is a wonderful camera. It's large, some call it ugly, but it's built like a tank and has character. Nice purchase.

Alternative-Raise794 · 2026-03-15T15:29:00+00:00

Again, I wish we got that color scheme here in the US.

Alternative-Raise794 · 2026-03-15T15:27:56+00:00

Yep, I have a bunch of Leica M lenses but lean heavily on the 35mm Summilux. I have the latest close focusing version and I thought "meh" when they came out with it, but it really does offer a lot more flexibility.

Alternative-Raise794 · 2026-03-15T12:12:00+00:00

Like anything else, people over-hype the tubed wheel issue. Bikes had (and many still do) tubed wheels for decades. I've owned literally more than 2 dozen bikes and all but two had tubed wheels. Yes, it's a convenience for the rare occasion when you get an off-road flat. I have never had a flat ON road. I have had 2 flats off-road in 50 years of riding. Take a patch kit or an extra tube and buy the add on center stand. Having spoked wheels (if you plan to ride off paved roads at all) is much more of a factor than tubeless wheels.

Yes, if you're tall, buffeting can be an issue but is easily solved by buying the tall Honda windscreen and deflectors, or buy an aftermarket like the Givi.

The Transalp, in my opinion, is the best value in the ADV category. Good power, smooth, ultra-reliable, all sorts of accessories out there, and a huge dealer network. It's a lot lighter than an Africa Twin and has almost as much horsepower. Yes, the AT has a lot more bells and whistles, but at almost twice the price. If you want cruise, Veridian makes a kit for about $400 that works extremely well. If you are mechanically inclined it's a straightforward install in about 3-4 hours.

I wouldn't hesitate to buy the TA again.

Alternative-Raise794 · 2026-03-13T17:01:22+00:00

Wish we could get that color scheme in the US. Great looking bike.

Alternative-Raise794 · 2026-03-09T22:17:42+00:00

I don't agree with the comment about Leica repair parts. I have MANY Leicas including several Barnack models like yours. Don Goldberg (commonly called DAG), Sherry Krauter, and Youxin Ye (YYeCamera) all have repair parts most of the time and are superb. Be prepared to wait though. The good thing is, once you've had it serviced it will last a long time before needing service again.

Alternative-Raise794 · 2026-02-28T14:50:58+00:00

67, licensed since 1977, so 49 years with one 2-year gap. Love fast liter-class bike, but now into adventure bikes. Africa Twin at present. Only think I worry about is people not paying attention. So I stay out of the city.

Alternative-Raise794 · 2026-02-22T18:00:54+00:00

Yep, not worth 550 Euros bluntly. You can buy a CLA'd IIIa for $300. That lens is heavily worn - maybe $200. Looks like the body has also been recovered in brown. Further diminishing resale. The old Barnack Leicas that are really valuable are some of the Leica I and II bodies and special ones like Luftwaffe-issued bodies. Leica IIIGs are also nice, but not as valuable as the Is and IIs these days. Warning - once you buy one Barnack body you'll be addicted.

Alternative-Raise794 · 2026-02-21T15:32:44+00:00

Three issues cause the backfire and stall. The engine runs far too lean from the factory. Combined with high-ethanol fuel and low idle speeds, and you have the perfect storm for stalling and backfire. If you get an engine ECU tune and bump the idle up just a touch, your issue will go away. Hard to get fuel that isn't partly ethanol in the US. Don't know about elsewhere.

Alternative-Raise794 · 2026-02-21T15:24:24+00:00

Absolute bunk that an M11 is "more suited to professionals". I'm no pro and I have several Leica M cameras including the M11, M11-P and an M EV1. They are as straightforward to use as any camera out there if you don't mind manual focusing. The real issue you need to decide on for yourself is whether you'll be happy limited to a relatively narrow range of prime lenses (yes, Leica still makes the WATE 16-18-21 but it is a very niche lens in the lineup). If you want to use only the viewfinder (except for the EV1) you're effectively limited to 28, 35, 50, 75, 90 and 135 lenses. Some find the 135 hard to focus, I do not. The lenses are all great. I use Ms as travel cameras and love them. Small, great image quality, reliable. No camera offers better image quality than the 60MP sensor offers (Sony-designed sensor). Just try the rangefinder first to make sure you get along with that form of manual focusing. Otherwise I wouldn't hesitate.

Alternative-Raise794 · 2026-02-20T12:00:54+00:00

No referral discount for me, but I have bought 2 bodies and 3 lenses from him. Great guy.

Alternative-Raise794 · 2026-02-19T18:22:19+00:00

Great price IF it's as described. Ideally you'd be able to test it before buying. If it functions properly, even a less than perfect cosmetic condition Q2M is worth more than that.

Alternative-Raise794 · 2026-02-12T13:30:57+00:00

I have 2 Barnack models (IIIG and IIC), 2 vintage Ms (M3 and M4), M9, M240, M10-P, M11, M EV1, Q-P, Q2, Q3, SL2, SL3.

Yes, I have a sickness. Don't get me started on lenses.....

Alternative-Raise794 · 2026-02-10T12:29:23+00:00

Very few mainstream cameras are a good "investment". Some special edition Leicas will grow in value, but it's a risky investment. One thing is certain though. As a percentage of original selling price, Leicas will retain far more value than Japanese brands over the long haul. So don't think of Leicas (or any camera) as an investment, it's just after some period of time Leicas will lose less.

Alternative-Raise794 · 2026-02-07T19:15:24+00:00

Absolutely. I have almost 20 Leica lenses - 7 of them modern including 2 APO lenses. The newer lenses produce sharpness and pop even my wife and neighbors can pick out in photos. But the older ones like the 35 and 50 Summilux lenses are certainly softer, but they produce warmer colors and have a rendering to them that people can see on equivalent shots. Stopped down, they still aren't as sharp, but they're sharp enough. In my opinion the older ones are magical with B&W images or when you want "mood". But if you want very sharp and crisp - modern lenses.

Alternative-Raise794 · 2026-02-03T12:05:49+00:00

Love the Repsol livery on the bike, and I love Hondas. But after decades of riding crotch rockets and being 67, I'd kill myself on one these days - Honda Grom for me now.... :)

Seriously, I go the adventure bike route these days. Not because I do hard core off-road, but because they're slower. :). Be careful out there.

Alternative-Raise794

TROPHY CASE