I was going to drive everyone nuts with, Whats this tool.

Subj. Gives it away, I'd of probably ticked a lot of people off anyways.
Surfing here I realized some people have had this problem, my 1st step was to lube the latch. But recently a copy key of mine would turn the bike on but would not turn back to release the seat, (A small part of the key was kicked off - cheap key) So I used the factory key and made this tool if I ever had a problem like this or the many other problems that could cause same thing. Make your tool. It should be a hardened steel wire, I used an old CB antenna. From where you hold it and the loop comes in it's 4" then a 3/4 strip of electric tape. Then 4" more to 1st bend in the hook, both sections of the hook measure 1" each. Taking the side covers off may help you see where you need to be. I used a old CB antenna, I am not sure a coat Hanger wire would be stiff enough.


This is the working end that actually goes in from right side of bike.


This is the handle end that allows you to put the twist on needed to release the latch. Under the tape is a 'Hook' that flips around itself, the tape just keeps it sturdy and hooked as this hard a wire don't bend easily.

Below is how it looks going in from 12 noon above bike with seat on.


The tool is inserted here:


Below is how your left hand is... upward pressure when ready to turn with the right,


This shot shows it ready to twist, note the tape on working end just indexes where the tool needs to stop so that it is at the proper place in the latch area.


Here is what goes on under the stuck on seat.


You can see the inserted tool ready to work it's magic on stuck seat.


I am going to try to post this slightly helpful video. In this video the camera is sitting on the seat backrest looking down. The tool is coming in from about 2 O Clock as you sit on the bike. When seat is on you enter as pictured, there are some wire bundles you slide tool around keeping opening of tool pointed at two o'clock, Place left hand under tool and press the tape mark against the frame tube to steady it. When you get the marker (The tape) where it needs to be start to feel for the horizontal metal, you come up over that and pull back about one inch and put the twist on. Note that a little weight on the seat may be needed to relieve the pressure and you should 1st lube the area with a can of lube with an extension on it. If you have another RS handy it will be real easy to figure out and copy on the one with the stuck seat.
http://s34.photobucket.com/albums/d139/usmcxterra/?action=view&current=Seatlatchtool003.mp4

If you make this tool ahead of time, you can get familiar with how it's used in just a few minutes. It's rather easy once you do it just a few times and you'll know right where to put it when you need it. It's better to be ready. Another Clinic member installed a cable to the latch and it comes out under the cover so if he has this problem he can get to the cable and pull, this might be something you consider.

Impressive. I could have used that, last month. Whaaaaaaa!!!

That's great.

Thanks for taking the time to detail it and take pics.

Doc

Frank_W wrote:
Impressive. I could have used that, last month. Whaaaaaaa!!!

I think your the guy who inspired me to make it! So thanks to you! MC

Hrmmmm... A dubious honor.

Very nice device and a great description on how to use it.

Ride safe...

Frank_W wrote:
Impressive. I could have used that, last month. Whaaaaaaa!!!

I was going to get you one of those for Christmas Frank! And one for me also in case I ever get slammed with the dreaded seat lock!!

Hotelfox wrote:
Frank_W wrote:
Impressive. I could have used that, last month. Whaaaaaaa!!!

I was going to get you one of those for Christmas Frank! And one for me also in case I ever get slammed with the dreaded seat lock!!



Harrrr!!! Whatever you do, if you go prying around underneath the seat, don't dislodge the oil vent tube and then decide to go for a long ride. Your poor baby will get sick and throw up "black gold" all over the place.

Reminds me of a game I was playing with my cat, as a kid: I was sitting on the landing and threw a cat treat to the bottom of the staircase. Kitty went running down, gobbled up the treat, and when I shook the bag, she came running upstairs, at which time, I threw another cat treat to the bottom of the stairs. This went on for a while and it was great fun, until on her last trip up the stairs, she stopped and got sick. I felt so terrible....

(And then I felt like a particularly evil bastard for laughing about it...)

I keep mine attached to my bike and have it bent just under the edge of the seat so its hidden. not really worried about someone stealing my battery.

Isriam wrote:
I keep mine attached to my bike and have it bent just under the edge of the seat so its hidden. not really worried about someone stealing my battery.


Isriam...That's a great idea. I'll be doing this on the weekend. Thanks to MS1700 for going to the trouble with pic and description. I've been wondering about this for awhile...you guys have solved a potential problem for a lot of us