Nearly locked out from bike

My '03 came with a Sargent seat, which I love. It has always been a little stiff on the release. Today, about 20 miles from home, I went to lock my helmet on the bike with a security cable under my seat. Stuck the key in and tried to release seat. I tried a little too hard and twisted the key. Got it out and tried it in the ignition, no go. I pull it out enough to twist it back into being straight, a little at a time. Finally, I get it straight enough to unlock the steering and start the bike. If it broke, I would have been in real trouble.

Got 3 new keys made and proceeded to fix problem. Lubricated release and cable with Lock-ease graphite oil. No hang ups. Put seat back on, wouldn't release. Pushed down hard on rear of seat and it released. Filed down spots that were hitting frame, relieved hook for release, better, but not 100%. Took a piece of hard foam and sandwiched in between passenger cowling and back of seat. Bingo, now when I press down, it presses on the seat cushion and takes the pressure off the latch.

Lesson learned, carry a spare key and keep seat latch well greased! Otherwise, you going to be up shits creek.

 

The Sergent seat does fit much tighter than the OEM, but properly placed and properly pushed, it should secure and unlock OK. You should not have had to do any filing of anything. But hey, if it is fixed and works for you, then great. Now. Just remember, take a spare key with you when you go away on longer rides. Your spare key is no fookin good at home in Chilliwack BC Canada when you are down in Tecate Mexico.

 

It would go on without a problem, with plastic cowling, just couldn't push down hard enough on the actual seat, that plus key mount is a little flexible, so I didn't feel key twisting.

I will carry a spare key from now on!

 

If you push the seat down with your hand it would be easier to unlatch

 

When I removed the plastic cowling and pressed down on the seat, it released. There is a gap between the seat and the cowl, so it only presses on the edges! Putting a piece of stiff foam in the gap solved the problem!

 

i have same problem w/ cowl on my vfr, i just kinda wack it w/ my palm at front edge of cowl and it comes up

 

That's what you chumps get for buying a Sargent. I don't have those issues with my Corbin. otstir:

 

I don't know Mike I had Corbin once and it is hard as a brick

 

Understood. But you're a skinny Asian dude, and I'm a cheeseburger and chili fries eating cracker. I don't notice the hard seat.

 

That probably true ound:

 

Got me a Corbin on my '83, little hard. Sargent was on the bike when I bought it, even though I weigh 200+, my ass ain't that well padded.

 

LMAO. I have had both on various bikes, both nice but the Sargent was a lot lighter and a bit more comfortable.

 

Look carefully at the moving portion of the latch as the C-shaped portion that engages the seat pin often gets bent down from use and can be straightened up easily.