Broken Latch Replacement $285.00

[VernRuth]

I did some research and found that I can get a replacement from one of the members but I found the price went to $285.00. Seems like a lot o money for a piece of metal. I know there is a lot of work that went into this and I'm not saying that prices for everything haven't went through the roof it just seems that there must be another way?

[jzeiler]

Your only other option is buy the lower part of the top case for $795.00.


Considering the complexity and low production run, $285 is a bargain for this "piece of metal".

[STARFIGHTER]

Or........there's always the oriental art of bungee

[MattKas]

The other vendor sells for $379.

http://millenhaus.com/shop/index.php

I am not sure what the quality level is with millenhaus which can justify almost $100 difference. Both seems to be made of billet aluminium.

I did some research and found that I can get a replacement from one of the members but I found the price went to $285.00. Seems like a lot o money for a piece of metal. I know there is a lot of work that went into this and I'm not saying that prices for everything haven't went through the roof it just seems that there must be another way?

[Axle]

Matt is right, the other vendor is dearer I waited 6 months and gave up. I ordered and recieved the cheaper one in 6 days. :) it is just a piece of metal but you cant buy them as a bmw part, I think it is good value. I got one sent to me in Australia, it was a perfect fit top quality finish installation was simple best of all it will never break again, a top box here is 1200

[bmwrider79]

For those that are interested in the latch replacement PM me. I do not advertise. It keeps it affordable.

If you really want to know why I charge what I do buy a machine shop and make one that looks, but does not break like the OEM.

I do this more as a service to my fellow LT'ers. Yes I do make some money to cover wages and my time.

Thanks to those that have said kind words about my service.

[rickym]

Mike, (BMWRider79)
I just recieved my replacement latch in the mail today and couldnt be any happier with your service and timeliness. It was well worth the money and I really appreciate the fact that any question I had was answered by you personally via phone call. It was nice getting to know you but I hope we never have to do business again :) Hope to see you on the road sometime.
Thanks for everything,
Rickym

[MattKas]

I agree. when I talked to Mike yesterday morning, he sounded very friendly and customer oriented. Even the lady who picked up the phone (probably admin or secretary of Mike, I think Mike is the president of his small business) was familiar with "Trunk Latch". In addition Mike is very knowledgable about the processes to produce the Trunk Latch. I decided to purchase a Trunk Latch from him as well. The delivery is in June 15th. Although I lived in Illinois for 15 years, never had a chance to meet with Mike, before.)

Mike, (BMWRider79)
I just recieved my replacement latch in the mail today and couldnt be any happier with your service and timeliness. It was well worth the money and I really appreciate the fact that any question I had was answered by you personally via phone call. It was nice getting to know you but I hope we never have to do business again :) Hope to see you on the road sometime.
Thanks for everything,
Rickym

[cpaine]

Mornin' all..

Just got through fitting my replacement trunk latch supplied by BMWRIDER79. Couple of comments for those afflicted by the crappy pot-metal original breaking:

The replacement latch is:

- extremely well finished;
- extremely well machined;
- supplied with all the bits and pieces you will need to fit to do the job;
- supplied with printed instructions and pictures on CD-ROM;
- well priced considering the quality - you won't ever need to buy another one.

Mike (BMWRIDER79) was:

- speedy in answering communication from me;
- excellent in providing in info re despatch to OZ;
- well-priced for packing and shipping.

I have been at this project for many months with another supplier, who promised a lot but delivered nought, and answered email only occasionally. Once I sought out Mike through this board, I had the replacement in my hands within three weeks, even though he had no stock at the time of my original communication.

Thanks for a great product, and a professional, businesslike approach to resolving my busted latch blues.

Regards
Chris Paine
Carool, NSW, Australia

01 K1200LT - complete with functioning trunk latch (at last..)

[bmwrider79]

To those that have experienced the broken latch and purchased my replacement fix Thank you.

For those that have shared their good experience with my latch kit Thank You.

I am keeping with the word of mouth advertisement to keep price down.

As of August 4th I have 10 left ready for shipment. Unless demand exists this will be the last batch for a while. The next batch will require 10 pre-orders and a 6 to 8 week lead time.

This is mainly due to end of summer riding season and a much lower demand.

I make theses as a service to my fellow LT'ers. If I did this for profit alone I would charge about $100.00 more for the product. A lot of time goes into each one. Hopefully the aluminum prices stay the same so I keep the price the same for the next batch.

Send a PM for information

Allow a few days for a reply as I am not on the web site 24/7 as some people seem to be :)

Keep the shiny side up!

[bmwrider79]

Well I am sold out of latches as of Tuesday the 2nd of September.

I will make more when I get a minimum of 5 pre-orders.

$100.00 down payment will secure your order. PM for details

Allow a day or two for a response. I am not on the web site 24/7.

Once I get 5 orders it will be 5 to 6 weeks to complete 1st batch.

We are going to a new powder coater for next round of latches.

[JATownsend]

I ordered Mike's 'Latch Replacement Kit' a month ago. I finally had the time to install it last week.

WOW!!

The first thing you notice when you handle the new latch is just how solid and robust it feels compared to the OEM POS!

Mike was an absolute pleasure to talk to and the kit is complete. As others have said there is excellent documentation, a CD with reference photos and all the hardware is good quality stuff that fits and works.

Follow Mike's every step...YES, epoxy the washers on and let them cure!

I now can open and close that trunk without worry and it locks up tight!

Thanks Mike, Great Work! :dance:

[C-A-D]

Just received my kit from Mike today! Quality seems really good. Instructions and pictures attached tell the whole replacement story so that the procedure should be quite easy. I'll test those next weekend.

[beamerguy5]

I experienced a broken rear latch on my 2000 K1200LT last July. Yep, the dealer solution is the entire bottom trunk for $795. Michael Gore at Three R Plastics (815) 675-0844 has an excellent repair kit for only $285. It is well worth it, high quality, includes all of the parts needed and an installation CD with written instructions. The repair was easy, only took about an hour. The end result is a rear latch that is better designed than the original and will last as long as the bike. The service from Michael was also outstanding. After paying with PayPal I had the kit in less than a week. I highly recommend this latch repair to anyone who needs it. Thanks Michael!!

Dave Rice
Boise, Idaho

I did some research and found that I can get a replacement from one of the members but I found the price went to $285.00. Seems like a lot o money for a piece of metal. I know there is a lot of work that went into this and I'm not saying that prices for everything haven't went through the roof it just seems that there must be another way?