| Author | Message | ||
     Bmmrbill |
I know this has been covered but hard to find clear solution. I have a bag with broken latch. What is the best way in? What is least destructive. I've seen photos with hole in latch are there any details on where to locate hole to move latch? This would seem better than grinding bolts off. What tool is required to remove hinge or latch bolts/screws? | ||
| Essmjay |
I drilled small holes in the back of the bag and poked a stiff wire in to open mine when the latch broke on my S3's right bag. After repairing the latch I used black silicone to plug the holes so they are still there if I need them. I will try to get a photo for you. | ||
| Bmmrbill |
Ok, so it is not rocket science, got it open. Any body have a latch assembly for sale from a dead bag. Anyone have a repair technique to fix cheap tab. I do not think JB Weld will stand up. | ||
| Buellistic |
There was an up-date on S3T saddlebag latches in 1999 ... These latches were given to all 1997 S3T owners that knew how to get them at no charge ... Of course there was not supposed to be any latch problems after 1999, but "i" did not believe that one either ... | ||
| Dfbutler |
You can get the latches through parts. I know and I have a 99. | ||
| Bmonnig |
I'm in the same boat. I broke the left side latch handle on my '97 S3T a few weeks ago. The right latch handle broke yesterday, after I put the deep-lids on. :/ Are the "new" latches -significantly- better than the old ones? The old ones break much too easily, IMO. I don't want to buy new ones unless they're much more robust. I'm considering taking my old latch handles to a local machine shop, and seeing if they can whip up an aluminum / steel version for me. | ||
| Buellistic |
The LATCHES "i" am referring to are the stuff inside the saddlebag ... What "i" have found with latches that we open the bags with are broken by people trying to open your saddlebags ... Had this happen to me at DAYTONA one year ... "i" do not put the bags on now unless the wife rides with me or has been riding with me and have not had time to get them off ... | ||
| 5liter |
91298-97y Right hand latch less lock 91297-97y Left hand latch less lock You want them with locks it's going to be expensive. | ||
| Buellistic |
When "i" replaced my latches "i" put the keyed alike locks in the new latches ... | ||
| Court |
Bill: If you have not done anything yet, drop me a note with your phone number and a good time to call. I am an expert at opening and fixing these bags and have cases of replacement parts buried here somewhere. I can talk you through the procedure and get you the numbers on the parts you need. Easy fix. Court | ||
| Velocity |
Hey how do you know if your S3 latches are the updated ones? I have a set to put on my S2. Thanks, Scott | ||
| Sloppy |
Mine broe after 5 years of frequent use. If cheap enough, I'd recommend frequent replacement. The cause is a metal tab that cold works itself to failure from fixed beam loading. You could also reinforce this tab with a simple brace to prevent recurrance. I wish I had - I switched to aftermaret soft saddlebags... | ||
| Velocity |
Sloppy thanks I see what you mean. Scott | ||
| 5liter |
Here's a pic of the old style and new style latches.  | ||
| Buell78758 |
Thanks for pics of new style latches, I have 2002 S3T that needs to have them replaced. CN | ||
| 5liter |
Buell78758: You can save your locks to transfer to the new latches. It takes a little time and patience. | ||
| Easy_rider |
Go figure.... One of my latches ('99 S3T) broke this week. There must be a 9-year life for these. What's odd is that it's the left side that I don't use that often. I have a '98 inner on the other side that I'm getting a little nervous about using. I'm usually hauling either schoolbooks or beer! | ||
| Sloppy |
Thanks for the pictures of the latches, but I don't see that it would prevent the cold work fracture failure. This fracture occurs at the shaft and hence a reinforcement here would reduce this failure. It looks like they reinforced the latch to make better contact with the bag hatch mechanism? It's tough to tell with that photo. I'd stick with a recommendation of 5 year replacement frequency since if you have a failure you'll need to drill holes in the luggage to open them...  | ||
| Velocity |
5liter, thanks for the picture! I havent started using them yet, so I guess I will start off with the new latches. I have the old on now. What is the cost to replace them? Thanks Scott | ||
| Bad_karma |
I have notice that the latch assembly holds water. I wonder how much that plays into these failures. I had to replace mine two years ago. Joe | ||
| 5liter |
Velocity: I bought replacements a few years ago so I don't remember the price. They were non-keyed(no lock) and they weren't that much. If you transfer your locks it should be cheap. | ||
| Velocity |
Ok I will head to the local dealer on Sat and order the parts using the numbers you posted. Let you know. Scott | ||
| Easy_rider |
Is anyone willing to post or call me with the least destructive way to open a failed latch? I'm going to a swap meet tomorrow, would like to ride, and would like to have some room to bring a couple of things home! 317-809-1808 | ||
| Jramsey |
Roger In the center of the latch well just behind the pull lever there is a bump/lump which is the center or the latch assy. Drill a 3/16" hole 1/2 inch behind this bump and 3/8" out from the inside edge. You should be able to trip the bellcrank with a nail. When you get your new latch assy. tweak the latch wires so as to remove excess play/slack so both locks open at the same time. I just replaced mine last week. | ||
| Easy_rider |
Thanks! Thanks for the info and the call. I got it first shot. After looking at the mechanism on the other side I used those dimensions but came in from the lid side. I meant to take the time to look at where the nail was coming through relative to where the optimum point looked to be to pass along in this post, but didn't get a chance to look it over. I did make it to the swap meet, but ended up taking a daughter instead of the bike. It's still nice to know I've got a usable bag again. | ||
| Jramsey |
Wife said you called. Went to town this morning for a Sunday paper and got back home 5 minutes after you called. Glad I was able to help out. |
