First Ride

[SJC]

Departure 9 am
Garmin set to twisty, hilly adventure
Honda AT
Honda VFR1200X
Yamaha Super Tenere
300 km ride of 50/50 asphalt to gravel mix in rural Ontario.

This was my first ride aboard my new 2018 Super Ten.
Smooth shifting
Smooth power in T mode (S mode does lurch on/off throttle but it’s livable. I simply forgot to switch it back to S. Power in T is adequate.)
From easy gravel road cruising at 80 kph to a few high speed blasts up to 180 kph, I’m going to enjoy this machine.

Even though I have generously lubed the Yamaha luggage locks, pushed down the lids prior to carefully twisting the key, I noticed that the key already has a slight bend in it.
Is there anything else I can do to ensure that the key doesn’t get screwed up even more? (Getting rid of the luggage is not a solution, so save your breath)

 

[magic]

I had some extra keys cut by a locksmith. They are stronger then the Yamaha key blanks. I keep a spare key in each of my riding jackets just in case. Enjoy the new bike.

 

[MFP]

It definitely seems that the OEM Yamaha key is made of a soft metal which is especially weakened in the shaft part of the key when the cuts/teeth/notches are deep.

 

[Sierra1]

And, they are very susceptible to being hit if you move the box with the key in the lock. I now make sure that the key is removed, unless I'm actually inside the box.