seat latch

[garyheskett All 49 x 3 st.louis]

A year or two ago, after reading problems about the seat latch problems, I took my seat latch apart and lubed it. Worked great till a few weeks ago. Then, I could not get the seat latch to release. After searching (I am search impaired, computer impaired etc), I attempted to try and get the seat latch released. After numerous unsuccessful attempts, I finally took the radiator overflow tank out. This really got me some room to get the seat latch released. My problem was the one mounting bolt holding the seat latch had come loose and the seat latch wouldn't release. So...if you have a problem getting to the seat latch, take out the overflow tank. Then you have some "room" to get the screwdriver in to release the latch.

[SirLancelot]

Try taking the right side cover off, you can then get a screwdriver in to release the catch. Can't understand why the advice is to remove the left cover which does nothing to help!

[jim@98valkyrie.com]

Had the exact same issue last week. After finally getting the seat off, I found that the mounting bolt holding the latch to the frame was loose, causing the latch to move and not release. Tightened bolt and all is well now.....

[hubcapsc]

If it is the same bolt, that happened to me too. Tightening the bolt too much
also makes it not work... 

-Mike

[Fla. Jim]

After repeated failures in the past. I got tired of fooling with a badly designed latching/key system. So I  rerouted the key end of the cable end to the left side cover and left it by the overfill tank. I also eventually to save wear and tear on the side cover mounting rubbers  ran it over the top of the center panel above the offending useless key/latch and let it hide under the tank. Works every time I pull the cable.

[garyheskett All 49 x 3 st.louis]

Sir Lancelot---I did read several posts when I searched.  I tried the right side cover first.  I tried numerous times on the right side, with no success. But, I have some problems with my vision and just couldn't get it from the right side. So then went to the left side. Had problems there too until I took the overflow tank out, then I could see much better, and got it released. I considered just removing the seat latch completely. I thought the seat might come off if I crashed and got ejected, but I did get ejected a few years ago and my least worries would have been the seat coming off! But, I lubed it again and put it back on.