Living with OEM luggage.

gv550

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Sep 14, 2016
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Listowel, Ontario, Canada
Canadian S10s are supplied with the Yamaha panniers so I've been using them for almost 3 years. Definitely not the most rugged compared to aftermarket or other OEMs but they do integrate well with the bike. I bought the Yamaha top case just to have lockable storage for my expensive helmet. With the panniers and immobilizer ignition the bike is still $2000 less than it is in USA so not much room for complaining.
A few things bugged me about the panniers, the obvious cheezy locks, the need to use the key every time to open and close them, the lids won't stay open when cold, and reports of the panniers breaking.
The first thing I did was remove the straps so the lids open all the way forward.image.jpeg

Then I removed the latch springs so there is no tension on the J hook. Much easier to turn the key.image.jpeg

I drilled a 1/16 hole in the top rib in line with the J hook and fastened a wire to the hook, through the hole and formed a ring so I can open the lid without using the key. .image.jpeg

I made the noose around the j hook long enough so I can slide the wire in so the ring is not accessible for times that I really want the panniers locked. .image.jpeg


I added a 1 gallon Rotopax to the right pannier. image.jpeg

I adjusted the bottom pannier support so the rubber stopper fits tight against the bottom of the pannier. I think this helps to carry the load and hopefully prevent the top plastic mount from breaking.
 

Sierra1

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Nov 7, 2016
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14,812
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Joshua TX
Yeah, I got a good deal on all three bags, which is the only reason I have the OE ones. I'm just glad that the box engineers weren't allowed to build the bike. But, as much as I use them, the OE boxes are "good enuff". Be careful letting the lids go to far backward, I don't imagine they over-engineered the hinges.
 

Ape

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Jan 20, 2015
Messages
62
Location
Kamloops BC
I also have the oem bags. I use them for commuting back and forth to work holding rain gear and the likes as well as my work gear. They are great for shopping trips as well. I once had a 50 lb bag of dog food in one and 2 bags of fertilizer (50 lbs) in the other and some groceries in the top box. I like the fact that when removed I don’t have big metal racks hanging of the bike. They are also very quick to remove and put on when needed. Probably not the most durable but I know they will hold a good load and don’t look half bad.
 

WJBertrand

Ventura Highway
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Jun 20, 2015
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Ventura, CA
I just made these shorty keys and then epoxy potted them in some radio knobs I bought at Fry's Electronics. I found if you click the position of the key/knob, just off center in the "Open Close" direction, the lids will stay closed and the keys will not fall out. If I'm leaving the bike somewhere I want more security, I just remove the shorty key knobs, throw them inside the box and use the ignition key to lock up.

locks cropped.jpg
 
Last edited:

mevans70

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Jun 5, 2016
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Location
Utah
I just made these shorty keys and then epoxy potted them in some radio knobs I bought at Fry's Electronics. I found if you click the position of the key/knob, just off center in the "Open Close" direction, the lids will stay closed and the keys will not fall out. If I'm leaving the bike somewhere I want more security, I just remove the shorty keys knobs, throw them inside the box and use the ignition key to lock up.

View attachment 53382
Nice idea. Thanks for sharing.
 

Cycledude

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Jan 29, 2016
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Rib lake wi
I did pretty much the same thing but never remove the key, after being inserted for the past 3 years they seem to be welded in place and would be quite challenging to remove. Most folks would not be able to open them anyway because no one told them you have to push down on the lid in order to turn the key. The only thing I can figure is Yamaha must have some kind of contract on those bags or they would have redesigned the very goofy locks years ago.
I just made these shorty keys and then epoxy potted them in some radio knobs I bought at Fry's Electronics. I found if you click the position of the key/knob, just off center in the "Open Close" direction, the lids will stay closed and the keys will not fall out. If I'm leaving the bike somewhere I want more security, I just remove the shorty key knobs, throw them inside the box and use the ignition key to lock up.

View attachment 53382
 

MFP

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May 9, 2018
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Location
NYC, NY
For what it is worth and for those who may not be aware, the Yamaha OEM side and top cases are made by Shad.
 

Kasey0020

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Dec 13, 2018
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Indiana
While I dislike the flimsy OEM bags I really like the mounting system. has anyone ever seen a sturdy Pannier that uses the same mounting system? I am pretty sure I am just wishful thinking
 

Sierra1

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Nov 7, 2016
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Joshua TX
While I dislike the flimsy OEM bags I really like the mounting system....
I agree. I put up with the boxes, because I don't often use them. And when they're not on, the mounts are very unobtrusive....almost invisible. If I was one of these guys that go mega-distances, I'd have a different system. Just remember to push down on the lid, BEFORE you turn the key; makes it much easier.
 

Luke

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Mar 29, 2019
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Sarnia, Ontario
Agreed, the mounting system is excellent. I had Trax bags on the last bike that seemed to be mounted too far from the bike, making the overall width too great. The Trax bags were higher quality, but I now like the Yamaha bags better for how they catch less wind.
The Yamaha bags integrate nicely to the bike and keep the width to a minimum. Not the best available, but my personal preference now. Nice mods, thanks for the ideas.
 

Bigbore4

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Andover Minnesota USA
Be nice if Yamaha sold an adapter mounting plate you could put on whatever side cases you want. They are clean when you pull the bags off.
 

tlrskunk

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Jun 5, 2019
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What do you feel a set of OE bags is worth?

I am looking at buying a Hold over 18 ES and it currently has factory bags on it. he'd like to throw me a deal and offered me the two side cases for 960ish. I was thinking that's a little high Suggestions on a counter offer?
 

Jlq1969

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Argentina
What do you feel a set of OE bags is worth?

I am looking at buying a Hold over 18 ES and it currently has factory bags on it. he'd like to throw me a deal and offered me the two side cases for 960ish. I was thinking that's a little high Suggestions on a counter offer?
If you are only going on the road, they are good and that is enough. if you plan to do off road, the anchor of the yamaha panniers will not allow you to place soft panniers (bags), and in off road, (hard pannier + fall ) = break
 

tlrskunk

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Jun 5, 2019
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They'd primarily be for on road use.
If I was going off road i'd just pack lighter.
 

thughes317

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jeckyll

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Lotusland
If you are only going on the road, they are good and that is enough. if you plan to do off road, the anchor of the yamaha panniers will not allow you to place soft panniers (bags), and in off road, (hard pannier + fall ) = break
I find that you have to ride standing with hard luggage.
For years I refused to use anything besides my wolfman panniers, but then bought the superT and had to adjust my riding style.
 

Jlq1969

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I find that you have to ride standing with hard luggage.
For years I refused to use anything besides my wolfman panniers, but then bought the superT and had to adjust my riding style.
So is. I do not count a fall on the road, because there will be a break, but the hard pannier can save a leg. But in off road complicated (with rocks and helping with the legs) ... a fall with hard panniers, sure is a break of the pannier. With soft paniers, you can even save the bike from some damage. I would not, hard off road, with the S10, I prefer my wr 450. It's like having sex with someone of 280 kg, and me down ..... something is going to break:)
 
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