Maintenance tip.

[John Schmidt]

If you've ever had to remove/replace the center cover where the seat release is, you then know how much of a pain it is to remove/replace the lock in the process. The major issue comes from trying to release the cable from the actuator on the end or the lock itself. A person needs baby sized hands and 14" fingers...kinda like adjusting the pilot screws on the carbs. Generally, all that's needed is an extra 1/4"-3/8" slack in the cable to undo it.

Here's how I do it, using either a 7/32" or 6mm allen wrench. Pull the cable to move the seat latch to the fully open position...all the way back in. Then stick the allen wrench into the slot where the seat goes to engage the latch. It will hold the latch in a retracted position and gives you an extra 1/4" or more length on the bottom end of the cable to release it from the end of the lock. Prior to doing this, you need to remove the spring shim that holds the lock, then back the lock out just enough to disengage the square tab on the side that holds it stable. This allows you to rotate the entire lock ass'y. enough to disengage the cable, thereby allowing you to remove the lock and the center cover.

Next, before replacing the center cover I take the time to cut off the portion that protrudes above the main body it, then polish/sand it down smooth to prevent it from cutting wiring. It gives extra mobility in a tight spot, plus...that section is hidden anyway so nobody sees it. Also, it allows you to pull the bank angle sensor out far enough to remount it from the outside since now you have access to both screws. I've had that upper portion of the cover on the old bike removed for at least 15 yrs. with no issues. Just passing this all on to anyone blessed with the irritating job of r/r the center cover.

[da prez]

Thanks John,  I will try it on the next one I work on. 

                da prez

[Chrisj CMA]

I’ve only changed out one center cover. My best memory is that I didn’t mess with the cable at all. Just removed the lock and left it attached. Is there a reason to disconnect the cable?

[Jess from VA]

If my alternator or center cover need work, I think I'll just sell the bike and get another.   

Maybe the interstate headlight bulbs and Ujoint boot too. 

[Bagger John - #3785]

I’ve only changed out one center cover. My best memory is that I didn’t mess with the cable at all. Just removed the lock and left it attached. Is there a reason to disconnect the cable?

You need to pull the lock assembly out the front of the cover, as I remember. To do this, the cable has to come loose from the mechanism.

My first two Valks liked to loosen that cable all by themselves, so I had the reverse of John's problem.

[Avanti]

The lock can not be removed from the center cover with out detaching the cable and therefore the cover can not be removed from the bike. So the latch being fully retracted does make removal much easier. I have never cut the cover, but I do understand why someone might.

[John Schmidt]

I’ve only changed out one center cover. My best memory is that I didn’t mess with the cable at all. Just removed the lock and left it attached. Is there a reason to disconnect the cable?

You need to pull the lock assembly out the front of the cover, as I remember. To do this, the cable has to come loose from the mechanism.

My first two Valks liked to loosen that cable all by themselves, so I had the reverse of John's problem.

John, both the trike and the Tourer cables came loose at the top near the latch. I tried removing the latch and reinserting the little knob at the end into its retaining slot...to no avail. It still came out. So on both bikes, I mixed up some epoxy, slipped a thin wire under the cable at the slot location and tied it to the frame where the latch is bolted. Using a screwdriver I smeared the epoxy around around that end of the cable and on the retaining knob...than let the stuff dry. Might sound like overkill but I also fought with both cables coming loose at the top, seems once you remove the latch and cable as a unit that little retaining knob never again holds it in place at the top like designed. If it does, you're either lucky or blessed...or both. 

One cable I had to repair...son-in-law got a little over zealous. I still had the outer casing so picked up some cable at Ace Hdwe. and created my own. I cut the cable to length, then using my self-made tool I built a new lead piece on each end once threaded into the outer casing, then out came the epoxy. They're in there to stay...at least the outer casing is.