[dthogey]

After reading many posts regarding the top case latch being weak and breaking, I decided (based on commentary) to not use the latch for normal riding. The case is heavy enough to stay closed on its own. My intention would be to just use the latch for security when parked.

Well a few weeks ago I found out that under the right conditions (75-80mph on the freeway and wind gusts up to 50mph) the top case CAN blow open if not latched. I didn't even realize that this happened until a passing motorist pointed it out to me. Luckily nothing blew out. I had a bag full of electronic stuff in the top case, an Ipod, a toshiba tablet, charging cords etc........I got lucky!!!

To make it worse, shortly after i decided to ride around with the case unlatched my wife told me what a bad idea it was. I had to set her straight and ensure that there was no way that heavy lid would blow open.

She didn't say I told you so, but the look on her face when I told her this story told me her thoughts!!!

 

[Cochinosucio]

Seven years, I have never broken one.
On the other hand, last week, my wife slammed the lid, with the latch closed. Now I need a new latch kit...... :brick:

$360 at http://www.lttrunklatch.com/p1.htm

LATCH YOUR TOPBOX WHEN RIDING. Unlocked is UNSAFE.

 

[Bones1955]

Mine's a 2000 and it seems fine and works easy.
I don't understand why people say they bust easy?
Watch it happen to me now!
Do the latches need lubrication?

 

[Bones1955]

Seven years, I have never broken one.
On the other hand, last week, my wife slammed the lid, with the latch closed. Now I need a new latch kit...... :brick:

$360 at http://www.lttrunklatch.com/p1.htm

LATCH YOUR TOPBOX WHEN RIDING. Unlocked is UNSAFE.

Ah...
You posted as I was typing.
Still seems like a lot of money!

Note to myself > Do not slam top down with latch closed!

 

[Cochinosucio]

Ah...
You posted as I was typing.
Still seems like a lot of money!

Heck yeah that's alot...... It seems like EVERY part or farkle for these beautiful bikes starts at $300 and goes up!

 

[Sit]

I put a fix it before it breaks kit on my latch only because it was cheaper than the replacement and I did not want to mess with that later if it broke, just insurance I guess.

I think the issue for most folks is depending on the weather seal around your lid, the latch has to pull the lid into that and it causes some stress on the latch. My box lid was like this and the latch was slow moving to latch. When pressing down on the lid, the latch moved easily and did not seem to have much resistance at all. I have messed with other lids on older bikes that the latch also moved very easy without doing anything to with the lid. I checked these cases and found the weather seal very old, cracked and not much of a seal at all. So I imagine if you just took the simple precaution to push down on the lid while working the latch, your latch may never break.

 

[Bones1955]

I put a fix it before it breaks kit on my latch only because it was cheaper than the replacement and I did not want to mess with that later if it broke, just insurance I guess.

I think the issue for most folks is depending on the weather seal around your lid, the latch has to pull the lid into that and it causes some stress on the latch. My box lid was like this and the latch was slow moving to latch. When pressing down on the lid, the latch moved easily and did not seem to have much resistance at all. I have messed with other lids on older bikes that the latch also moved very easy without doing anything to with the lid. I checked these cases and found the weather seal very old, cracked and not much of a seal at all. So I imagine if you just took the simple precaution to push down on the lid while working the latch, your latch may never break.

Good info!

 

[Cochinosucio]

So I imagine if you just took the simple precaution to push down on the lid while working the latch, your latch may never break.

That's exactly why I haven't broken one in seven years.... However, my wife accomplished that in just six days.....

 

[wrmoss]

One corner on my latch had already broke when I purchased my ride...probably should have bought the new latch, but I want with the fix it before it breaks kit. Secured the one dog that was still in order. That was two years ago and no problems. Highly recommend the kit...a little preventative medicine is always cheaper. Just my two cents... :think:

 

[Cochinosucio]

I put a fix it before it breaks kit on my latch only because it was cheaper than the replacement and I did not want to mess with that later if it broke, just insurance I guess.

Same company sells that latch kit for $128... that's a good price...

 

[deputy5211]

Same company sells that latch kit for $128... that's a good price...

Got a link handy?

 

[Cochinosucio]

Got a link handy?

Here you go Tony!

http://www.lttrunklatch.com/fix-it-before-it-breaks--2.htm