Now I'm Ticked Off

[clsimmonsjr]

I just had my IS trike in shop to get the seat latch fixed a couple of months ago. They ordered a new latch, put it on, about 100.00. Now I need to install a new battery to go ride in the christmas Parade and the seat latch is broken again and cant get the seat off. I'm Pissed!

[mikeb]

sounds like ya need to push down in the seat when ya try to unlatch it..

[Baloo]

What do you mean by latch exactly? Did they replace the cable too? I had the same problem on my 99 I/S last spring. Turned the key to remove the seat to get access to the battery, but there was no way I could unlatch the seat, even if I pushed down on it while turning the key. I unlatched the seat by removing the LH cover and coolant tank and releasing the latch with a long screwdriver. I ordered and replaced the cable that runs from the lock to the latch and it solved the problem. I don't remember the exact cost, but I'm sure it was well bellow $100.00.

[blackvalk]

I had the same problem, but I was the person that replaced the latch. What I had to do was take the left side cover off and look at how the latch normally releases. I couldn't see it at the time, but the cable had released from the latch. I used a long screw driver to release the seat, which was pretty simple once I identified how it normally works. Then, I re-connected the cable with the barrel on the end. I don't know why it released, but it did.

I also would recommend using Lock-Tite on the bolt that holds the assembly in place. THAT was my original problem. There was NO latch assembly which is why I replaced it in the first place.

Good luck, Happy Thanksgiving
Bill

[Momz]

Been there,...done that!

When expericencing the "no latch" scenerio, it would indicated that there is a problem with the cable itself.

I had the same recurring problems and I tried all the recommendations on this tech board to no avail. My problem was due to a slight kink in the cable, not the cable sheath, lock, or key mechanism. A new cable was less than $12.00 and saved my sanity. But beware that you must remove your battery and the latch mechanism, dissassemble the mechanism to attach the cable before reattaching the mechanism to the frame.

It sounds more complicated than it really is, but it is the final cure. OH,....don't forget to lube the cable and the mechanism with a spray lubricant (I recommend Tri-Flow).

Good Luck

[valkmc]

I had the same problem twice when my 98 was new. First time got it fixed under warranty, the 2nd time I was stopped for speeding and could not get the seat open to get my insurance card. I went home removed the cable and took a long cable tie. I looped it through the latch and ran it over the top of the plastic in front of it. I now just reach down and give it a tug and the seat pops off. No lock but you can not see the tie unless you get down on your knees next to the bike. Same tie has been on the bike since 1999.

[Printer Mike]

Not being able to release the seat latch was my first problem when I got my '98 Valk last August. There is an independent Valk mechanic close to me so I let him fix it. Charged me $20, but I don't know how he fixed it.