Greetings to all. Can anyone advise re.Yamaha panniers are they as pants as some sugest? Yamaha currently running offer on new Tenere+extra kit including the Panniers. Would be grateful for any first hand experiences?

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I've had the Yamaha panniers from new (Oct 08) and they've been pretty good really, so much so I've kept them (even though I could do with a bit more space than the 29L they have) - can't justify replacing them as they still work perfectly well and do their job.

Some owners complained about stiff locks and broken keys. The keys have now changed in that they are much shorter to reduce stress fracturing. I reckon that the locks when new just needed a gentle touch (bedding in) - I never had a problem. They are free and easy now after 4+ years of use.

The only thing that has gone wrong with them is that one hinge pin fell out - there's two on each lid so no danger of loosing the lid. I replaced it myself with a bit of stainless rod.

I've fallen over twice with them on (low speed) and no damage, other than minor scuffs. In a hard fall they might tend to bend inward at the back, but the way they are mounted is kind of semi-rigid, so there is a bit of flexing which helps.

Big advantage is that it is possible to attach and remove the boxes without opening the lid, or delving inside to find knobs and wheels! They also leave the bike uncluttered when not fitted (just remove the rubbers or you'll loose them). They are also relatively light - both boxes, the rail and bottom mounts come in at under 10Kg altogether.

They have been 100% leak free.

Would I buy them again though? Probably not, but that's only because they aren't quite big enough for my needs (I'm getting old and like my creature comforts too much when camping these days!). They were pretty much all that was on offer at the time in 2008 and the dealer made me an offer I'd be silly to have refused.

If 58L is enough space for you and they're a good price - get them.

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i got mine with the bike when i bought it new. yes the locks are a bit fiddely but if you take care then its fine. bit of silicon spray on the mech and the mounting levers work all right. the only thing i don't like about them is that the key has to stay in the lock when taking them off the bike and that is when they can get bent. a bit on the small side when two are packing for a trip but it keeps the bike fairly narrow for filtering throught traffic.

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Thanks for the info. appreciate your thoughts. Currently planning overland to Oz so capacity probably an issue. However offer seems to good to miss with panniers,centre stand and hand guards at heavily discounted price.At the very least will have racks to which another luggage solution could be attached? Thanks again.

apparently the Yamaha handguards are a bit pants. I got Barkbusters instead.

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check out www.redbikejohn.com for all the latest race reports from the CHEC and enduroland.

+ 1.

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Don't worry about capacity. They make quite a good 'platform' for strapping on stuff that doesn't fit inside...



I'd also suggest packing a bit lighter than that for any sort of overland trip!

The racks probably won't be any use for mounting aftermarket luggage.

I do think the Yam panniers are better than their reputation, and mine survived thousands of miles (over)loaded on European tarmac. I sold mine in the end because I was only using them once a year, and the money I got more or less paid for a set of Adventure-Spec Magadan panniers which will be far more suitable for my US trip.

I'd suggest that might be a good plan for you if the discount on the panniers is good enough - buy them with the bike, then sell them on straight away and put the money towards something else.

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I spent a lot of money on travel and racing motorcycles - the rest I just squandered.

XT660Z - Commuter, Adventurer...Racer?

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