Yamaha Factory Luggage failure

[tomatocity]

Too bad some enterprising soul can't come-up with a fix for these various ailments, because I really like how the OEM cases hug the side of the bike...they look good as well. I'm hoping Yamaha will come-up with something better for 2012 (the REAL 2012 for you statesiders!) that is readily adaptable to all years.
Right now, I'm wrestling with the idea of spending a chunk of change on the H&B Gobi black and silver side cases. They don't hug the bike like the OEMs, but the quality is a given, and I can't see paying very close to the same price for cases that come unlocked, have fiddly mechanisms, aren't as durable, and aren't fully waterproof (although that part should be an easy fix). The Jesse are a solid case, but I don't really like the cup style lids for some reason. Micatechs seem well though out and well built, but something about them doesn't really trick my trigger. Might change my mind if I saw them in person.

The HB Gobi cases are well made with a downside of being HUGE on the outside and smaller on the inside. This is do to the housing that can hold water. I never had the guts to use gasoline. The cases were in the high 40 inches wide on a DL1000.

 

[Tremor38]

The HB Gobi cases are well made with a downside of being HUGE on the outside and smaller on the inside. This is do to the housing that can hold water. I never had the guts to use gasoline. The cases were in the high 40 inches wide on a DL1000.

That makes sense and is definitley something to factor in. Thanks for the info.

 

[fender5803]

Just wanted to say the latch and locks are working OK so far. I have only had them for ten days but seem to be opening and closing them a lot. So far so good. it does seem like there are some extra steps needed to use them but it becomes second nature soon enough.

 

[pqsqac]

Not sure if you have checked out Caribou Luggage but I'm running 36 liter Pelicans with Hep-Beck racks and absolutely love them. May not be the most aerodynamic or pretty to look at but for 800.00 roughly a great value and indestructible.

Sent from my BlackBerry 9650 using Tapatalk

 

[tomatocity]

Not sure if you have checked out Caribou Luggage but I'm running 36 liter Pelicans with Hep-Beck racks and absolutely love them. May not be the most aerodynamic or pretty to look at but for 800.00 roughly a great value and indestructible.

Sent from my BlackBerry 9650 using Tapatalk

But this thread is about Yamaha Factory Luggage.

 

[Swagger]

If it's any consolation I've had my OEM panniers and top box for 16 months and have had no problems with them. I've had em fully loaded up for many long trips riding through all weather. I think I've said before ... if I were to do something really serious long duration over dirt I'd possibly go for something more robust. Metal Mule or Zega Pro.

 

[pqsqac]

Pardon me I was responding to Tremor38, I should have clarified.

But this thread is about Yamaha Factory Luggage.

 

[RidingUpandDown]

On a recent long trip I unlocked the r side case, to get things out/set up camp... and then could not get the lock to function again, the key would not turn the tumbler so the cover could not be closed, since key would Not turn could not engage the j-hook/latch and cover remained resting on j-hook/latch, opened/unable to close. Believe me, short of breaking the key I tried as I had my computer in that side case, was fully loaded everywhere else and Needed that wx-proof/locked space! ::002::

I was pushing a schedule and rode on for about 1200 miles w/ a bungee holding the cover down, luckily I was in good wx. :-\

When i finally had more time and unable to get to a dlr I removed the rubber cap on the inside of the case covering the tumbler and found both of the little star screws securing the tumbler were loose and, I guess, that is what made the lock bind. I did not have the drivers for those screws but tightened them as best I could, and after some twiddling the lock did then function. Now I can lock that side case but worry that it may become locked-shut and may then be unable to open. Yes the computer has been removed, and I'm waiting to get the bike to a dealer, altho now they'll prolly just say there's nothing wrong with it.

Time to locktite those little tumbler-securing-screws(under rubber cap, inside case), mention to your dealer, and be aware, at least, they may be something to add to the check/tighten/torque schedule of routine maintenance.

Cheers, d ::001::

 

[tomatocity]

I believe the Yamaha instructions refer to using Loctite on the two lock screws as well as other bolts during installation. I had two of the screws fall out during a trip. Luckily the rubber cover kept the screws from falling into the case contents. Took five minutes to complete the repair.

Another thing I recently discovered is the cases are not water tight from the bottom of the cases. Seems to be a design issue though should be corrected with a good / marine sealer.

 

[Buckeye56]

I have ridden in rain several times, twice on long trips and not had any water get into the OEM luggage. Maybe you have a defective unit(s)? Please post any details you came across so we can be on the lookout for possible issues.

Thanks!

 

[Twitch]

No leaks here with the side cases. I had one day-long ride back from Birmingham in heavy rain and wind most of the day and the boxes kept dry on the inside.

 

[HoebSTer]

maybe i can fill the tub and see if they leak!!! I could watch where the water comes in.

 

[tomatocity]

Food spilled in the side case while returning from a restaurant. I decided to fill the bottom of the case with water and use a towel to remove the water. To my surprise the the water leaked out of the case between the side of the case and the lip of the case bottom.

Time to check the other case to see if it leaks.

 

[HoebSTer]

hey tomato, i wonder if one silicones the inside seams, if this will prevent water from getting in??? Oh and by the way, are you planning on installing the Pro-Taper bars like the Contour Raptors or something? Can you document this, as I want to see pics on how you made the bar ends work.

 

[tomatocity]

hey tomato, i wonder if one silicones the inside seams, if this will prevent water from getting in??? Oh and by the way, are you planning on installing the Pro-Taper bars like the Contour Raptors or something? Can you document this, as I want to see pics on how you made the bar ends work.

I plan on testing the other side. If I seal them I will use a marine sealer or something like.

I will do a writeup on the ProTaper handlebar install.