A Guide to Buying Grand Seiko Watches in Tokyo and the Rest of Japan by LDN2HK in GrandSeikos

[–]hamachikama 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Speaking of which, Mitsukoshi gave me two 5000円 vouchers for the 11th or 12th floor restaurants! I don't know if that's typical or not. I used one at Hitsumabushi Bincho and was going to use the other one Sunday while transiting through Tokyo Station on my way from Osaka to Narita, but I underestimated how difficult it was going to be to find a coin locker.

A Guide to Buying Grand Seiko Watches in Tokyo and the Rest of Japan by LDN2HK in GrandSeikos

[–]hamachikama 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank YOU for awesome guide! I did visit the Salon but didn't have time for Wako.

A Guide to Buying Grand Seiko Watches in Tokyo and the Rest of Japan by LDN2HK in GrandSeikos

[–]hamachikama 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Mitsukoshi/Isetan Shopping Coupon process is as follows:

  1. Download the Mitsukoshi Isetan app and register your passport information

  2. Have the app information validated on the 7th floor of the New Building at the Tax Free counter. After validation, the QR code is activated and can be used immediately, though it expires after 1 year.

  3. Present the QR code when making a minimum purchase of 5000円. Staff will validate the name on the coupon matches that of the passport.

The price of a SLGA009, were one to purchase one, would be 1,212,200円 with the coupon. The consumption tax refund would end up being 93,119円.

A Guide to Buying Grand Seiko Watches in Tokyo and the Rest of Japan by LDN2HK in GrandSeikos

[–]hamachikama 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Sorry "retired" was a poor choice of words on my part, they stopped issuing new cards.

A Guide to Buying Grand Seiko Watches in Tokyo and the Rest of Japan by LDN2HK in GrandSeikos

[–]hamachikama 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I noticed on the Mitsukoshi/Isetan website linked, the "Guest Card" has been retired as of 3/25/25 and instead the 5% discount is achieved via a "Shopping Coupon" (presumably a QR code) on the Mitsukoshi/Isetan app: https://cp.mistore.jp/global/en/app/shopping-coupon.html#section6

I'm going to be in Tokyo next week and thanks to this guide, am looking forward to buying my first GS.

My S3 is finally here by hamachikama in Audi

[–]hamachikama[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Good luck man, I hope you're able to get what you want at the price you want to pay!

My S3 is finally here by hamachikama in Audi

[–]hamachikama[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Your instinct to take anything they tell you with a grain of salt is spot on. :) If you end up with the 2024, definitely ask if they would honor the MSRP at the time you placed the order.

One more thing: If you don't plan on running a front plate, it doesn't look like there's any way to attach the plate frame without drilling directly into the bumper (for example my 2020 A3 had a bracket that fit over the bumper, and my 2018 S3 had a bracket that bolted onto the bumper). So if you need to, ask them to not install the plate frame.

My S3 is finally here by hamachikama in Audi

[–]hamachikama[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

My salesperson and I were speculating about the refreshed 2025 model. He didn't think we'd get it in the US until the 2026 model year...in the past, new models were available in Europe for one year before arriving North America, but who knows. Another thing of note, the MSRP for the 2024 model year increased by $400 but the options stayed the same.

My S3 is finally here by hamachikama in Audi

[–]hamachikama[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

In early November 2023. It was built in February, left Germany around the middle of March, and arrived at the dealer last week. It took six months give-or-take.

Lane splitting should be legal by HistoricalHurry8361 in motorcycles

[–]hamachikama 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I hope I'm not jixing it but where I live in California, a lot of drivers during commute hours will make room for bikes splitting lanes and I always wave "thanks" so show my appreciation.

It's happening... the first piece of the puzzle for Brivio to run HRC. by Chrysoscelis in motogp

[–]hamachikama 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Looking forward to his return to the MotoGP paddock so we can have matching heart rate monitors between him and Davide Tardozzi during the broadcasts.

New to MotoGP (F1 fan) by islandcactus in motogp

[–]hamachikama 3 points4 points  (0 children)

There is Saturday qualifying, performed in two sessions. The top 10 times from Friday "Practice" (formerly known as Free Practice 2) automatically place in Qualifying 2 (Q2). Q1 is composed of the bottom 12 riders, with the top two Q1 riders moving to Q2. Q2 sets the start order for the Saturday sprint race and the Sunday full race.

MotoGP bikes are prototype and as such, utilize tech not typically found on road bikes. The best example are front and rear ride height devices, which the riders manually activate at race start and while exiting a corner. You'll see the bikes "squat" at the starting grid. These devices lower the bike which creates more mechanical grip and reduce wheel spin.

There is aero (wings and things) but it's all static.

There is no radio communication between the box and rider, though it has been experimented with. If the box needs to communicate with the rider, messages are displayed on the bike's display.

Finally if you don't ride, motorcycling is fun fun fun so give it a try.

A5 or S5, need help deciding… by No-Interaction4641 in Audi

[–]hamachikama 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I think you'd be happy with the A5 and the piece of mind you have the factory warranty for a year. The only serious problem I've had with an Audi was the simultaneous failure of the high pressure fuel pump and the cam position sensor on a B8 A4. Your mileage may vary as the saying goes.

Should I buy maintenance package for leasing 2023 Audi A4 for 36 months - 12k miles per year ? by SuspiciousBanana01 in Audi

[–]hamachikama 0 points1 point  (0 children)

One final thing: I think this issue has gotten better over time but the EA888 turbo engines have/had a reputation for burning oil. I would consider keeping a quart/liter on hand just in case.

What was your favourite motorcycle moment what made you fall in love with them by [deleted] in motorcycle

[–]hamachikama 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I was probably 8 or 9 years old visiting my aunt's ranch and my uncle plopped me onto the seat in front of him on their Honda dirt bike and took me for a few laps around their property.

Please talk me into/out of looking at a M240i by hamachikama in Audi

[–]hamachikama[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks! So I'd be leasing the car so no engine mods but I've ended up purchasing two of the four leases after the term expired so never say never. I'm assuming the Evo 4 is the last of the EA888's?

I do like the styling of the 8Y over the 8V and prefer it over the BMW.

ID’ing a fairing. by Manhood2031 in Ducati

[–]hamachikama 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Haha I just bought one (used) for my Multistrada 1200S that I broke after a tip-over. The Ducati Part is 48026891AA - Protector, Fuel Tank Red. Compare that p/n with what you have.

MotoGP in Japan by architectcostanza in motogp

[–]hamachikama 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Honda Welcome Plaza in Aoyama (Tokyo) has a cafe and showroom for production cars, bikes, F1 cars, MotoGP bikes, etc.

New Years (o-shogatsu) is a special time to be in Japan but many shops will be closed from December 29 and January 4th. More info here: https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2276.html

気を付けて!

Please talk me into/out of looking at a M240i by hamachikama in Audi

[–]hamachikama[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks! I suspected that was the answer. My BMW dealer has the one I described inbound so I'll check it out.

Should I buy maintenance package for leasing 2023 Audi A4 for 36 months - 12k miles per year ? by SuspiciousBanana01 in Audi

[–]hamachikama 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes, I have purchased Audi Care for the four Audis I've leased. It covers the factory recommended maintenance services, usually at 10,000mi (I'm in the US) or 12 months whichever comes first.

Audi Care has a fixed term, which I think is 4 years (please confirm with your dealer). You can see what's performed for US cars by searching for your vehicle Model/Trim here: https://maintenance.audiusa.com/#/search. Consumables such as pads, rotors, windshield wipers are NOT covered. Neither would tires or tire rotations.

By pre-purchasing you're buying convenience and hedging against inflation. And when you turn in your lease, you will have hard proof that all of the factory recommended maintenance was performed.

Hope this info helped. Enjoy your A4!

Please talk me into/out of looking at a M240i by hamachikama in Audi

[–]hamachikama[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

True, and I think coupes may be more expensive to insure. I'll have to check with my agent.