Aluminium Panniers - drilling holes
 

Having bought a set of Touratech 'non pre mounted' panniers for my F660 Dakar, is it advisable to avoid drilling holes on the welded seam or doesn't it matter where I make them.

Touratech USA Instructions
 

Sorry that I haven't mounted a set of these myself so I can't really answer your question. I have seen instructions for doing this on the Touratech USA site that might be of help:

http://www.touratech-usa.com/instl/p...840AD3ECDE73AA

If that link doesn't work, just go to Touratech USA and click around till you find the luggage section.

aluminum panniers drilling holes
 

Speaking as a welder I can suggest that it is best to avoid ,if possible, drilling on or through welded seems or joints because they will be under some stress and obviously a weak point if subjected to more stress.Could be the start of cracks.Also they will not be flush with adjacent surfaces. Better try to drill through unwelded zone, or apply buffer plates or washers either side to distribute stress.