Seat Latch Seized!

I tried searching for similar threads, but alas, I found none that fit my problem. So here it goes.

On Saturday, I wanted to put a trickle charger on the old Kaw because the past few mornings she's been rather cold-blooded. So I bring her into the garage, go to unlock the seat latch annnnnnnd, huh. The seat latch wanted nothing to do with me. This was actually the first time this happened; the last time I had to pop the seat open was only a couple weeks ago.

Soooo, anyway, I had to reach underneath the seat with a wrench to undo the bolts that hold the other part of the latch onto the seat pan. Got that off and raised the seat to remove the latch.

I brought the latch to the local Kawi dealer and they couldn't get it unstuck. They told me to just buy a new one for $50. Ummm, no. So then I tried some pentrating oil back home. That didn't work. I whipped out the MAPP gas torch, put the heat to it and then squirted some oil in. Nothing. I really didn't want to break my key (although I do have an extra) so I kinda just stopped there.

Any Thoughts? Experiences? Any locksmiths in the house haha?

I'm kind of at a loss so I'll take what I can get. Thanks to all and happy riding!

-Ian

locks and latches.one thing i'ved learned. if its more than a loose bolt, you'll always have problems with it. replace it , and go on. if you dont, it'll bite you again at the worst time possible

rpiian wrote:

... go to unlock the seat latch ... had to reach underneath the seat with a wrench to undo the bolts that hold the other part of the latch onto the seat pan. Got that off and raised the seat to remove the latch... didn't want to break my key....

Am surprised to learn the seat lock is so easily defeated. :ohmy:

Might try soaking it for a few days in PBBlaster.

Good Luck!

Yea... on my bike the plastic fender underneath is kinda - ah - floating, haha, it allowed for easy access to the latch bolts. But anyway, I guess I will just try soaking it for a few days and see what happens...Thanks for the help!

If it worked before, I'd soak it in some type of penetrating oil.
Is it possible that the key is badly worn, or that there is a lot of dirt/sand in the lock?

I'm a Locksmith.
I'd try to disassemble the lock if oiling doesn't help.
Otherwise a used one off ebay may be the next place to look.