FIXED! Seat Latch not moving

I can turn the key, but the part that I pull down won't move. Any idea how I can fix it to access under the seat? I just put on a tailbag and I have a feeling one of the straps jacked up the cable or something. I've since been able to remove the straps, but I cannot get the seat release to budge. I've tried pushing down on the seat at the same time, to no avail. I've tried wiggling the seat around, no help.

How do I remove the seat without the release working?

 

I don't know if you can, short of damaging it. Was thinking maybe remove the lock and the lever assembly but it looks like you would probably have to remove the plastics first.

 

Remove lock to try pulling cable directly.

 

It has been several years since I had my 2003, but I remember having nearly the same problem. I almost twisted my key off in the lock 25 miles from home. As I remember it was pushing down on the rear of the seat that did it, try different angles, back and forth, it is the ketch on the seat that is pressing on the release hook that is hanging up.

 

Could it be something wrong with your key lock mechanism. Disconnected the wire from the key lock (if possible) and pull the wire.

 

OK, it's fixed. I had to remove the rear cowl and them pry the latch cable over a little to release the seat. It was the single 8mm head bolt that had loosened up>

THREADLOCK IT! Then spray some lube in there. I used a heavy duty silicone on it.

Kind of a PITA, so take all of about 60 seconds to permanently fix this.

 

So I guess you can take off the rear cowl with the seat in place.
Hopefully I don't actually need to know that.

 

I got lucky because the screws on the upper part of the fairing are missing. Otherwise, they're obscured by the seat. Not impossible, but much more difficult. I only had to deal with the Allan key bolts.

So, do yourself a giant favor. Remove your seat, remove that small bolt from the latch assembly and tighten it back down with some blue Locktite. It is the easiest preventative maintenance you'll ever do.

 

Sometimes it's the little things in life that matter most.

 

Glad you got it fixed, I did remember the fairing bolts under the seat, and was wondering how you were going to get seat off.