They replaced mine with eight holes in the top of each pannier. I would think that unless the modification effects the integrity of the pannier, or can be attributed to the cause of the warranty claim then you would be OK.

Putting a drinks holder on say the rear of the pannier may well effect the locking mechanism so I would steer clear of this, if you want to fit drings holders, do it to the front. Alternativly, I made up small bracket that fixes to the rear footpeg hanger so I could put a bottle holder on each side - It was OK for my long trip and I removed them when I can back. You can just about see it on this picture, taken a year ago yesterday !!

http://www.smokingtailpipes.com/Gallery/P9020075.JPG

Thanks for the reply

I am placing my order for a Tenere this Wednesday and will need panniers but before i decide on which ones can anyone tell me how the Yami panniers are fitted. Are they like the BMW ones that can be removed easily or are they like the touratech ones that need to be unbolted.

Any issues apart from the key one (This doesnt bother me as Im a locksmith by trade and never leave home without my lock picks). Anyone killed theirs yet and if so, how long did it take.

Thanks in advanced

I have the Yamaha boxes fitted on my Tenere and they come off in a couple of seconds, pull out the locking mechanism and off they come.
I would not leave anything valuable in them as the lids look they could be popped open with a screwdriver by a 5 year old.

I didn't kill my first set, but I did give them an injury! The top mounting developed a stress fracture, and Yamaha replaced them.

However - in fairness, I have to say that after hauling nearly 3 times their intended weight all over the continent on some very rough roads, for what will ammount to 2 or 3 years touring for most, I though they did very well indeed. In fact I never though they would make it to the end.

They are much tougher than they look and feel!

by stress fracture do you mean a crack in the upper part where the case is hooked over the attachement bar ?

My left case had this as well and they also replaced it ...

Again by looking at the manual they mention max weight should be 5 kg
and that is completely ridicoulous for a case like that ...

My HB Xplorer topbox only has a 5kg rating from memory though that may be due to where it sits ie high up at back , not sure what HB rate thier side cases at as I've got the yam ones.

and are you loading more then 5 kilos in the side onces ?

I would easily wanna load 10-15 kilos on each side , if that is not possible than there is no use of buying these expensive cases :)

Yes, just like yours.