Yamaha Side Cases - Weather Seals, etc. -

[Twisties]

Part review, part whine, part request for help. Mostly just want to know if you feel the same. These are the Yamaha OEM Side Cases.

The dealer rep was having his bike kitted out when I got mine, and I got to see his side cases. I was attracted to the light, sturdy plastic, and roomy design. Now a set are mine and I find that:

The weather seals are not attached and come loose. I am constantly having to reinsert them. Are they supposed to be glued in? Could I use some sort of adhesive and glue them? A minor annoyance, but I assume the constant moving around will wear them, and they should be fixed in place.

The keys are a bit clunky. You need a key to open or close the lids. There is no closed but unlocked position. This is annoying since when gassing up the key is locked in the gas tank lid and can't be had. It's easy to turn the key and not actually have the lock engaged. You have to give them a good, strong confirmatory tug each time. It's also easy to overturn the key and release the side cases, although I've only done it twice, and it was obvious.

I wonder, does anyone know, are the latches all plastic, or is there a steel core in there. The little internal "L"-shaped piece that turns when you turn the key to engage the lid and lock the case. It looks to be plastic, but that thing needs to be strong.

 

[Koinz]

I have the oem sides cases and it appears to me that they are all plastic, even the rotating piece that the lock tumblers engage with.
I haven't noticed the gasket coming loose. You're talking about the gasket in the lid, correct?

I did lube my lock assembly up with Graphite spray and they seem to move pretty freely.

They are warrantied for a year, so if you have any issues, you should contact your dealer.

 

[Rynn Storm]

Part review, part whine, part request for help. Mostly just want to know if you feel the same. These are the Yamaha OEM Side Cases.

Did you watch the video -> http://www.yamaha-motor.com/sport/products/modelvideo/651/1136/0/video.aspx

 

[roy]

I will add that if you don't push down good when locking the hook won't fully engage and it will come open. Had that happen twice this weekend on a trip. Luckily nothing was lost. I agree they are a bit flimsy.

 

[Twisties]

I haven't noticed the gasket coming loose. You're talking about the gasket in the lid, correct?

Yes:

 

[Twisties]

Did you watch the video -> http://www.yamaha-motor.com/sport/products/modelvideo/651/1136/0/video.aspx

No, I hadn't. New to this since mine was an impulse purchase (sort of, I was looking for a dual-sport) Friday. Learning a lot, fast! This board is great. Thanks!

 

[Combo]

My seals stay in place but not sure if they are glued or not. If you push down on the lid each time you open/close them they work just fine. I lubed and worked mine with the key back and forth. Work great.

I like mine, I am use to them now, besides they will hold a 18 pack of miller lite each. ) For real :exclaim: Not that I purchased two 18 packs to find out. )

Well, you know..........Ballast :exclaim:

 

[Twisties]

I will add that if you don't push down good when locking the hook won't fully engage and it will come open. Had that happen twice this weekend on a trip. Luckily nothing was lost. I agree they are a bit flimsy.

Exactly!

 

[Twisties]

My seals stay in place but not sure if they are glued or not. If you push down on the lid each time you open/close them they work just fine. I lubed and worked mine with the key back and forth. Work great.

I like mine, I am use to them now, besides they will hold a 18 pack of miller lite each. ) For real :exclaim: Not that I purchased two 18 packs to find out. )

Well, you know..........Ballast :exclaim:

ROFL

 

[markjenn]

I think Yamaha considers the "can't latch without locking" behavior a feature, not a bug. (They make a big deal about not being able to remove keys and drive the bike without the cases closed, attached, and latched.)

I'd bet the weather seal problem is just poor gluing. If you warranty it, you probably will get a new bag, but it would be a lot simpler just to glue it yourself.

I think the mantra with these bags is NEVER FORCE ANYTHING. If something won't open/close/latch/unlatch easily, don't get a bigger hammer - figure out what you're doing wrong. They're not for the crowd that could figure out a way to break an anvil.

- Mark

 

[HoebSTer]

Like I have done in the past with Givi Cases. I take the shaft of the key that goes into the lock barrell, then I cut off the head of the key, warm it mildly and slide it through the end of a coke bottle lid. After that, I fill the whole lid with JB Weld and walla a key knob. Then I keep the key in each bag and top case all of the time unless I am staying someplace over night when I will pull the keys. I have three Yamaha coded keys on order to make me some keyed knobs for turning the cases and top box. Has anyone else found a better price for the keys? I have been quoted $33 a piece for these!!!

 

[Bigbore4]

<snipped>

I have three Yamaha coded keys on order to make me some keyed knobs for turning the cases and top box. Has anyone else found a better price for the keys? I have been quoted $33 a piece for these!!!

The US bikes don't have the "smart" key. My dealer gave me a blank (key cutter guy was out) and I stopped at the local hardware store and got it cut for 2 bux. If your dealer doesn't have generic blanks look on line.

Or call the parts dept at Larson's Cycle in Cambridge MN, they would likely ship you a bucket full for 33 bucks. Or if you can wait the three weeks till I get back from my ride I would be happy to get a couple and mail em to ya.

http://www.larsonscycle.com/

 

[dastard]

Like I have done in the past with Givi Cases. I take the shaft of the key that goes into the lock barrell, then I cut off the head of the key, warm it mildly and slide it through the end of a coke bottle lid. After that, I fill the whole lid with JB Weld and walla a key knob. Then I keep the key in each bag and top case all of the time unless I am staying someplace over night when I will pull the keys.

Have any pics of this. How well do the keys stay in?

Thanks

D

 

[Twisties]

Stopped in at the dealer and they re-glued the weather strips. I think they lubed the locks too. Between that, watching the video, a little practice, and maybe a little wear on the locks all is well. The locks now feel smooth with distinct detents, and smooth key insertion/removal. The weather strip has stayed in place throughout the day. I think the weather strip being loose contributed to the muddy feel of the lock.

I noted that there is a metal strip in the lid where the latch hook seats.

All seems well now.

Thanks for al the help!

 

[HoebSTer]

Have any pics of this. How well do the keys stay in?

Thanks

D

Dastard,
FOr Givi, the keys have always stayed in really well, even on weekends of gravel forest service riding. It is funny, we will stop for a break when someone points out, "hey you know your key is in your box?" Anyway, you can always tie a string to your Yamaha key, put it into the box and go for a ride with it tied the the box. If it falls out, the string will catch it, if it stays, well it stays.

 

[RogerJ]

Twisties.....you should be fine now. Had the exact same problem. Gluing and lock lubrication sorted it. :lamp:

 

[roy]

We should not be having to glue the weather seal and lube locks. Not for the price this stuff cost. I am all but going to call Yamaha and file a verbal complaint because IMO this luggage is cheaply made and being sold as a higher end product when in fact it's not. I logged 1500 miles with my cases loaded lightly this past weekend. Now paint is missing on the top rack bar from rubbing where the cases clamp on. My left back front red release pin hangs up. The right bag lid comes un done and did so twice so far. The locks are well just junk. What happens when the rubber front rack bumpers come up missing while riding with cases off? Nothing holds them on but compression, IMO theshipping at least be glued on. My right side rack already has a loose top alignment block on the rack, it is riveted on poorly.

Off my soapbox for now but for the price these cases and racks cost there should be better quality. I urge everyone else who bought them to let corporate Yamaha hear these issues when you experience them and trust me you will eventually.

 

[3putt]

I don't have the OEM sidecases, but I agree that Yamaha should know about issues. It is the only way they can improve or fix what is not working.

 

[Twisties]

Well, I thought I was satisfied with them now... You still have to press the lid down firmly to latch and unlatch the cases. I was parked on a slight incline so that the bike was a bit more upright than if it were level, but nothing serious. I probably had a bit more weight in the right case than the left, as well. I closed the lid, pulled to check, and it came up. So I gave it a nice push to close.... the bike came over and it was all I could do to save it. Thought my 4 day old bike was going straight down. Fortunately lesson learned with no cost penalty.