Saddlebag latch problem
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Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 89
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Saddlebag latch problem
I'm having trouble getting one of my saddlebag latches to close properly. After hooking the top into position the latch is binding and won't close flatly against the side and can't be locked. After several attempts at redoing the position of the top it suddenly works properly but can't figure out what I did to make it work! Are there any adjustments I can perform
Tourer
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 253
Likes: 1
From: S E Michigan
Huh, funny that you should bring this up. I very recently had some trouble with my saddlebag latches as well. I have over 51,000 miles on my 2010 and I noticed a small screw lying on the garage floor with some red loctite on it. It appeared new and never used. Just passed it off as it belonged to something else. Then later the latch came completely off the saddlebag lid. All five screws vibrated out and fell out one by one. $5.25 later I picked the necessary replacement torx screws from the stealer. This time I used some blue loctite in addition to the red that comes pre-installed on the screws. I checked the other bag and it had lost one screw with the remaining ones fairly loose. That is where I would begin to look.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,306
Likes: 39
From: Everywhere
Mine would do that, and I would simply insert my key and make sure the lock was fully unlocked and it would close easily. Had been meaning to take the lock apart until it fell apart on its own. Picked up a new set of locks w/matching keys and haven't had problem since.
Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 150
Likes: 13
From: Fl
Huh, funny that you should bring this up. I very recently had some trouble with my saddlebag latches as well. I have over 51,000 miles on my 2010 and I noticed a small screw lying on the garage floor with some red loctite on it. It appeared new and never used. Just passed it off as it belonged to something else. Then later the latch came completely off the saddlebag lid. All five screws vibrated out and fell out one by one. $5.25 later I picked the necessary replacement torx screws from the stealer. This time I used some blue loctite in addition to the red that comes pre-installed on the screws. I checked the other bag and it had lost one screw with the remaining ones fairly loose. That is where I would begin to look.
Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 686
Likes: 37
From: Central Wisconsin
My issue was on the high side saddlebag. The canvas/nylon fabric or whatever it is, folds on top of the top edge of the bag. An extra 1/16" of material pushes the lid up and it won't snap the latch shut. Now the material has a crease in it and more easily folds into the wrong position. Just a little tug on the material and it stays un-creased long enough for me to close the lid and snap it shut.
I finally figured out why the one bag does it but not the other
Low side bag is mine and never packed tight.
High side bag has all of my wife's gear in it, and it is ALWAYS PACKED TIIIGHT!
I finally figured out why the one bag does it but not the other
Low side bag is mine and never packed tight.
High side bag has all of my wife's gear in it, and it is ALWAYS PACKED TIIIGHT!
Last edited by Big Boz; Sep 19, 2013 at 07:21 AM.
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Tourer
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 251
Likes: 0
From: Brooklyn, NY
Same problem
Huh, funny that you should bring this up. I very recently had some trouble with my saddlebag latches as well. I have over 51,000 miles on my 2010 and I noticed a small screw lying on the garage floor with some red loctite on it. It appeared new and never used. Just passed it off as it belonged to something else. Then later the latch came completely off the saddlebag lid. All five screws vibrated out and fell out one by one. $5.25 later I picked the necessary replacement torx screws from the stealer. This time I used some blue loctite in addition to the red that comes pre-installed on the screws. I checked the other bag and it had lost one screw with the remaining ones fairly loose. That is where I would begin to look.
pretty spooky?!? Lol
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 28,842
Likes: 16,580
From: Wisconsin, USA
On my 2003, the hook part was glued to the plate underneath and was coming loose. Had to reglue back on with emblem adhesive. I dont know if your year has same design, but I would get in there with a good light and see what isn't working.
Good luck.
Good luck.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 2,509
Likes: 1
From: Southeast WI
+1 on that....just happened to me because I forgot to close the latch and rode with it that way for a while. The pin vibrated out a bit, preventing the latch from closing properly. I thought I'd be buying a new latch assembly. Took it apart, slid the pin back in place, lubed it up......good as new.