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TOPIC: Re:Seat latch problems
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Seat latch problems 4 Years, 6 Months ago
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Hi I'm new to the clinic and my 2006 Road Star. Had a hell of a time removing the seat 'till I read the tech tips on it. Finally got it off by pushing down on the front of the seat with my knee. Then I proceeded to lube the locking mechanism. I was wiggling the the latch around to help get the lube in there really good. I pushed it forward and it went way forward, and now I can't get it to go back.
Admittedly my ignition switch is a little wonky, even to start the bike i have to wiggle the key a little. When`I turn it to the left (without pushing down) it doesn't turn very far and it has a springy tension against it. How far to the left should the key turn to unlock the seat? I don't want to put a lot of force on it, as I have broken off a key before and it really sucks. I did it right before 'cause I got the seat off. But understand this , I had been fighting that seat for hours in my garage in Arizona in 110 degree heat. I was so excited when it came off finally that I didn't pay attention to how far I had gotten the key to turn on that particular try.
Am I making this more difficult than it needs to be? Is it just inexperience? What can I do to return the seat latch to the unlock position? I read a thread about putting a wire tie on the latch to use as a manual override. How big a wire tie, where do you tie it and how do you route it? I welcome any suggestions. I love this bike but we are getting off to a bad start all because of something as simple as taking off the seat.
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Spydr (User)
Let's Ride !
Platinum Boarder
Posts: 2252
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Re:Seat latch problems 4 Years, 6 Months ago
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I think Most of us put a Knee on the seat when we try to unlock it.
As far as how far to turn the key... Don't force it.
Feel for spring tension (much like your gas cap, but firmer).
When you feel the spring, turn the key a bit more and remove the seat (as you already did)
To return the latch to open, find that spring tension, turn the key,
then Pull the latch open with a Finger. Then don't do that again  |
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Re:Seat latch problems 4 Years, 6 Months ago
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OK tried that..didn't work. I even took a little screwdriver and tried to push the latch back. I'm turning the key harder than I think is good for it. Is there anything else I can try? What if I remove the dash panel? Can I get to the ignition end of the cable and pull it from there?
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Re:Seat latch problems 4 Years, 6 Months ago
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Before I modified my seat latch, I took the whole latch apart under the seat. Cleaned all the gummy, crusty dirt out of it with WD40. Dried it good with towels and then hit it with simple Singer sewing oil. Also lubricated the cable with the same oil.
I'd jiggle the key a bit, turn, and it would open.
On the seat side of the action, I put the heel of my right hand on the nose of the seat and cupped my fingers under it between the seat and the tank. I'd push down as I was turning the key with my left hand, and lift up as the key went to the left.
With the new latch and chrome key ring that I use between the seat and the left side cover, I now just walk over and pull the chrome ring, and the seat opens. Once or twice a year, I clean the latch under the seat, but that's it. So much simpler.
I used 100 lb ss test fishing line, a swivel and a chrome key ring. Voila.
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Re:Seat latch problems 4 Years, 6 Months ago
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Re:Seat latch problems 4 Years, 6 Months ago
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good idea
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Re:Seat latch problems 4 Years, 6 Months ago
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Sounds exactly like when I got mine home. I wasnt as lucky as you to have this place for advice though. My wife somehow popped it off at first and I was like how the hell did you do it. Put it back on and didnt think it would ever come off. I too was afraid of breaking the key. Once I did get it off using my knee I put a rag under the latch and sprayed the hell out of it with brake cleaner then came back with WD40. Now it pops off with no effort at all. I just turn the key till it gets tight and pull the seat right off. I know youre frustrated but you WILL get it. Just dont break that damn key. Let us know how it turns out.
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Re:Seat latch problems 4 Years, 6 Months ago
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Thanks to all who contributed. I removed the seat latch mechanism, and once I had it off and looked at how it worked I was able to return the latch to the unlock position. Then I played with the key. With the seat off I could see what it takes (as far as using the key) to actuate the mechanism. Don't think I'll have any more problems with it. The postings about this were really helpful, as well as those who responded. Thanks again!
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Re:Seat latch problems 4 Years, 6 Months ago
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I just did the metal wire and chrome key ring trick. Awesome..Thanks Ricohoc
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Re:Seat latch problems 4 Years, 6 Months ago
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cooper wrote:
I just did the metal wire and chrome key ring trick. Awesome..Thanks Ricohoc
You're welcome. 
I did it with a coat hanger the first time. Got the stainless steel wire and fishing swivel (that came from a link that Curt supplied) to upgrade the modification. That fishing swivel keeps the wire and ring from getting all twisted up over time. I added that later when I was under there for other stuff.
I'll tell you what finally made me modify it. I exerted so much energy and so many expletives trying to get the seat off after an hour of combat, that I was too exasperated to do the work after I finally got the seat off.
The next morning, before I did anything else, I modified that damn latch.
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