Bent the key for the hardbags

I recently bought a '07 vfr with hardbags. Still getting to know the bike, etc...

I've noticed that there is very little clearance for the handle over the key after the latch has been closed but before the handle is lowered.

Today I bent one of my keys slightly while lowering the handle before turning the key.

You hardbag owners, what am I doing wrong?

As I approach the bike, I get my key out, insert the key, turn the key, lift the handle, open the latch, and then open the bag.

I do my bizness.

I close the bag, close the latch, lower the handle, then turn and remove the key.

My problem is that the handle barely clears the key while I'm lowering the handle. Today, it bent the key slightly.

Am I doing something wrong?

Thx!

 

That's exactly the workflow I use as well. I've never checked to see how much clearance there is, but I've never clipped the key with the latch either. Was this a one time event or do you routinely clip the key with the latch?

 

Thanks for the feedback.

It happens fairly consistently, such that I've already become habitually careful at that point to slow down to ease the handle over the key. It just seems like the key is sticking up too far. Mebbe I'll shave the red plastic off for some clearance.

 

Um, guys, you don't have to move the carry handle at all to open the bags, only to release them from the mounting racks and remove them from the bike.

 

With the OEM bags, you have to lift the handle in order to release the latch. Technically, the handle does not have to pass over the key, but it is natural for it to do so.

 

I checked my cases and when the handle passes over the key, I have at least 1/8" of clearance. Is the cylinder flush with the case?

 

Hey Guys

I'm with Metallican525 on this.

I've got a 2007 with OEM hard luggage on it as well.

If you want to access your contents of the hard bags you don't need to move the handle, you leave the hard bag clipped to the bike and just release the catch mechanism allowing the lid to open, then do the reverse to close it up again.
However if you want to remove the case off the bike completely to lay it flat before opening the lid then you do have to lift the locking handle over the key, or, carefully release the locking handle but don't lift it up over the key completely and re-lock the case and remove the key before you remove the case off the bike. My locking handle is a bit too close for comfort as well.

Carpy

 

You guys are right about this! I just went out and fiddled with mine and finally figured it out. If you unlock the case, you can pull up on the latch using the key. That's what I've been missing. Thanks for the tip.

However, I still think that the problem DCS has is not right. The handle should not be clipping the key.

 

Mine on the 2002 is the same way. I put them on the other morning and did my 1 and a half hour ride to work, when I got there I went to open one and noticed that the handle was slightly raised. I hadn't latched it properly and somehow it didn't come off. I was shocked that I had done that as I try to make sure that they latch properly, in the future I will give them a little shake to confirm that it's latched.

 

Eggs sell lint!

I will try this "appropriate technique" and experience for myself the joys of opening the cases without lifting the handle. I never thought of it!

My used bike came with no manual or docs of any kind. The dealer showed me how the bags work. Should have known...

HOWEVER, it is important to note at this point that if I had received all manuals and documentation, I would not have read them, and would probably have asked this question anyway.

Until the next dumb question...

THANKS!

 

Hey Guys

I know I'm probably preaching to the converted but when I bought my bike with the hardbags attached, they came with a set of inner bags like these PANNIER LINER BAGS FOR HONDA VARADERO CBR 100 VFR 800 XL1000 TRANSALP | eBay
You can fill these up, stow them in your panniers and when you get to your destination remove them, throw them over your shoulder and leave your panniers attached to the bike. They weigh next to nothing (unlike the hardbags), and there's no chance of you hitting your hardbags on a wall or anything so you don't damage the paintwork. They also leave your hands free for picking up a beer on the way !!!
There's also inner bags available for your top box as well.
Carpy

 

Mine have those liners as well, unfortunately they are full of bike stuff on the shelf forgotten about until now!

 

Every once in a while I think of getting the liners, but I don't pack up and travel with them enough to worry about it.

As for the OP's original issue, I checked my handle clearance also and something is amiss with yours, the handle is close but should not contact the key at all. I actually take my key out before lifting the handle all the way, mainly cause I'm lazy and want to carry both bags at once to save me a trip.