Need Help

[yankee]

Can't get my seat off my 2009 Classic. Key won't turn counterclockwise. Tried teflon spray in key slot but something is binding it. Won't budge.

 

[Molinoman]

First, have you ever taken your seat off before?

Second, if you have, not sure how to approach that.

Third, if you haven't, from what I remember you need to place your knee onto the rider's part of the seat. Reach over and try and turn the key, then pull the ring under the left side of the seat to pull it out. Hopefully you will here a click and you can grab part of the seat and lift up.

Again, if you have taken the seat off before and had no problem and this is what you are running into now...you may have to ride to the dealer and have them fix it or figure it out.

Good luck,

Dennis

37 dtg Dubai
38 dtg Home

 

[xhdskip]

OR

Get a clothes hanger out and go fishing under there for the latch.
You CAN get it that way.
Its fustrating, but it can be done.
I had the same problem with the wifes the first time I went to pull the seat off,
the key wouldn't budge.
Used alot of liquid wrench on it to finally get it to loosen up.
but the clothes hanger works too.

 

[HellFire]

It might not be the key cylinder causing the problem, it's more likely the cable operated latch under the seat. Try having someone sit on the seat and "bounce" a little to release the tension (someone heavy) while you try turning the key.

 

[wildwilley]

Tips for Removing the Seat

Yankee:

If you're stiil having problems, here's what seems to work on the the earlier Rockets (not sure if it's the same on 2009)...

• First, try and release the rear seat latch using the pull cable located under the seat on left (bear down on the seat and pull cable until seat loosens from latch). This will give you additional seat lift needed for the next step.
• Next, take a long handle screwdriver and a flashlight and try and locate front seat latch (key operated latch) from the opposite side or left hand side of the bike. Your will need to pull up on the seat to accomplish this so another pair of hands here would help. The key actuates a cable that pulls the latch open (towards the key) and cable stop is located in the latch arm that can be located and pushed open (towards key) with the screwdriver.

When you get the seat off, it is a good idea to use safety wire and make sure that the cable end is tied down so that it cannot slip up and out of the latch assembly. While you are at it, tie a leather strap or plastic tie strap onto the rear pull handle under the seat (to permit access) in case it gets turned around when the seat is installed. Best of luck!

 

[Molinoman]

Here is a picture of the underside of my seat. The screwdriver points to the pivot pin (for lack of a better word) that you have to push to get the seat off. I had my son pulling up on the right side of the seat as much as he could so that I could get in there and push that pin.



Good luck,

Dennis

36 dtg Dubai
37 dtg Home

 

[HellFire]

The newer 2009's have that latch and cable located on the bike with a key lock at the end of it. The pin is on the seat. The touring is different, but I think the classic and standard are the same. Must be another one of those little changes they made in 2008 that makes the rivco ignition relocation kit not work anymore.
The new setup keeps the beer kept in the air cleaner from being stolen.

 

[Air Force Mark]

I just lean across the seat (applying pressure) of my 08' classic while turning the key with my right hand and pulling the cable ring with my left. It gets easier with time.
Mark

 

[HellFire]

My trouble was always getting the **** thing back on. The first time I took off the seat I noticed the latch mechanism was loose, the torx screws were backed off and the whole thing jiggled. Of course as soon as I tightened it back up, it didn't work right again. The tech doing the PDI assembly must have been having the same problem and half-assed fixed the symptom by leaving the screws loose. It was obvious it was done on purpose since the factory blue chalk marks accross the bolt heads didn't line up. Thats what gave me my first clue that the dealer service dept was iffy and took short cuts.
I made the necessary delicate fine tuning with a wood block and 5lb hammer.
If you ever had to take your new car back for wind noise, door adjustment or water leaks and saw how that gets fixed, you wouldn't laugh. lol

Do we know if Yankee ever got his seat off?

 

[yankee]

Still not off

Thanks for all the responses. You guys are great. I can't get the time to try it right now. I'm deep into tax computations and I just took a break. I'll update you when I can. The weather has been crappy and I can't ride anyway. I happen to have a spare seat so Molinoman's pic was terrific. Now I know what to look for. Thanks