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

 

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.

 

There are tabs on the out side of the bag but behind the latch,., you can adjust those.. an as stated above missing or loose screws

 

Also check the latch hinge pins, they are known to slide out enough to make closing the lid difficult

 

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.

 

Had the exact same issue...2012 FLHX at 9000 miles.

 

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!

 

Had same problem. 2012 SG 26k miles. Saw latch coming loose. Found 2 screws missing. Happened to check the other side and found 1 missing. pretty spooky?!? Lol

 

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.

 

+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.