Seat Removal when the key doesn't work!

[crackerjoc]

Does anyone know how to remove the seat when the key lock doesn't work?

Let me explain my moronic mistake I made last night. I had the rear fender off working on the lights. When I put the fender back on, I didn't reconnect the seat release cable under the seat. However, I did snap the seat back in place. Now the key lock doesn't work, and I can't get the seat to budge, and can't pry the seat up enough to get to, or even see, the release mechanism.

Any help would be really appreciated before I end up destroying my seat.

[Heavy-H]

OK. Whatcha have to do is.... Unbolt the two bolts holding the rack on and the two bolts behind the exhaust (on a dlk) Then slide the fender back........

[bald blur]

I can't find it but I know this has been answered here before. try google to search the site. Hopefully someone else will remember where this is and get back to you quickly.

[henerythe8th]

If I remember correctly you have to start with a torch.

That's what the Brit's call a flashlight...

and collect a piece of stiff wire, aka clothes hanger.

You may have something under your seat interfering with the operation of the cable operated latch, otherwise you may have an issue with the latch itself.

If you can move the obstruction, do so and operate with the key. If it's an issue with the cable then pull the latch from the clutch side of the bike or push it from the throttle side.

[crackerjoc]

Thanks Heavy-H. It wasn't quite as easy as just removing the rear fender, but that was the start. I didn't know if the fender would move back far enough to get to my brake light connector so I could undo it, but it did. This would be much more difficult if I hadn't removed the fender before.

After removing the fender, I could get my hand into the tool box space under the seat. You can't do this if the fender isn't completely removed because the luggage rack is in the way. However, there was a plastic barrier that is part of the seat that extends down, blocking access to the seat release mechanism from the rear. By inserting my finger thru a small space to the right of the plastic barrier, I could just extend one finger far enough to touch the seat release mechanism, but not far enough to move the mechanism to its release point. After trying coat hangers and myriad other methods, I finally tried taping a small popsickle stick to my finger. Experimenting with different lengths, I was finally able to release the seat with my new "extension".

Hope I never do this again!

[henerythe8th]

So, why could you not use the key?

Something in the way or cable not connected?

[Heavy-H]

Happy you got it done. I hear ya, one time is enough. Those plastic barrers really do their job don't they. Now I make dang sure nothing is in the way when I put the seat on...

[crackerjoc]

So, why could you not use the key?

Something in the way or cable not connected?

If you remove the rear fender, which I did to install a Hyper-Lite, you have to unhook the brake light connector and the seat release cable. The reason I got in this mess is because I didn't hook the cable up under the seat after I removed the rear fender.

DON'T EVER FORGET TO RECONNECT THE FENDER RELEASE CABLE!

I know I won't (famous last words!)!