so... is it safe to say that the cases are great but the locl/keys are crap? :munky2:

Ive thought about this a bit and possbily the locks themselves tight to close. Its maybe something to do with the design so that there is no play in the lock so when used on bouncy ground the lock doesnt come loose and all your gear fly all over the show.

Not to be annoying but has anyone tried to push down on the lid of the case hard before they insert the key and then turn slowly.

My deauville panniers needed some nack to get them opened

That's a valid conclusion.

Then in that case if enough of you complaint to Yamaha, it should be an easy fix for them to change locksmith manufacturer.

I would concour with that. They are very stable over the rough stuff - This I know from experience.

Yip, thats just what I do, the rubber seal inside the lid requires that they are closed tightly, if it was slack the complaints would be about water getting in.

I had my lock lubricated by the dealer, they work perfectly now. Not tight, no risk of a snapped key - perfect.

Inside the mechanism, it's a pretty complicated setup, it's not a normal barrel and catch setup - it's a low profile ABS setup - this allows for the same lock to opperate the lid and attaching parts. Plastic on plastic, with the smallest piece of dirt will give problems - lubricate it with the right oil and it works fine. I tried a few different oils, then the dealer (J & L Motorcycles - Carlisle) put some stuff in that he described as 'lock oil' and,,,, problem gone!

I would suggest that the problem here isn't with the parts themselves, but the lack of PDI and incorrect lubrication. Me, I've a great dealer with skilled technical staff, this appears to be the difference.

The problem is in the springs
 

Well eventually the automotive locksmith stripped the locks down at the dealers and found the springs inside the locks to be to long.

The dealer explained the problem as follows..... " inside the barrel of the locks there are three springs. It appears the springs are 3mm to long. Although this doesn't sound a lot it is sufficient for enough resistance to weaken the key and cause it to snap in the lock. To compound matters the mechanism is plastic and will take time to bed in. The locks will become less stiff as they are used."

The dealer went on to say the locksmith chopped the springs by 3mm and oiled the plastic mechanism.

The result is 100% better. The luggage is now on the bike and ready to use. Although it is a little stiff It is no where near as bad as it was. I no longer fear snapping the key and expect the locks to improve with use.

The dealer informs me that he will be contacting Yamaha to give feedback however, my view is as the Capt suggest to have some sort of poll to see who has got the luggage and to see if we as consumers are happy with the locks.

I don't mind collating feedback but wouldn't know how to conduct a satisfaction survey.

Hope the advice re the springs helps.

bigwink

Congrats XT660ZRider! AM happy for you that the issue is resolved. I will also try to put some "lock oil" on mine, I have to find it first though.

Tears once again. Perhaps I spoke to soon but when I got home from work I thought I'd check my cases and marvel at the ease at which the new locks worked.... Unfortunately, the key jammed and after a little care I removed the key with fears it was about to break.

I have contacted Yamaha who were very appologetic and state they will send my cases by courier to the people that manufacture the sidecases and give me a full refund.

I don't want to be to harsh on the panniers because if i'm being honest i quite like them. If the locks can be sorted out i think they are very stylish and worth the money.

Sorry to hear that, but as you say you love the cases why doesn't yamaha take them to a professional locksmith at their expenses to fit a decent set of locks instead?

Having bought XTZ660riders bike and panniers my solution was to strip down the locks , clean all the oil off and spray with furniture polish ! :unibrow: Seems to work ok now - lid needs to be held down when locking and probably when unlocking too to reduce load on the key . I have also radiussed the key where it is cut to reduce the stress concentration - time will tell if it allows the key to survive !