The saddlebag latch system has to be without a doubt the weakest link on the NT, not worthy of HONDA.
The plastic portion of the left saddlebag lid latch, cracked and broke off last week making it impossible to close the left saddlebag.
I managed to epoxy it all back together with J B Weld.
After it had cured overnight I reinforced root area on both lids with tough fabric saturated with J B Weld, making it much stronger than the original flimsy half assed arrangement.
It is my hope that it will never fail again.
I have learned a few things during this process.
Be gentle, treat the saddlebags with Kidd gloves.
Never slam the lid.
Never overstuff the saddlebag and force the lid close, this puts unnecessary stress on and already weak latch.
When opening the saddlebag, first press on the lid to relive pressure before pulling on the latch release lever.
The latch failed at home, had the failure happened 200 miles from it would have been a real PITA.
I have since discovered that using a length of nylon cord wrapped around one of the saddlebag hinges and tied to the passenger grab rail will hold the lid in the closed position. I now carry a small amount of nylon cord in my tool kit in case this happens again.
Has anyone identified a presentable external latch to replace the existing latch system?
The plastic portion of the left saddlebag lid latch, cracked and broke off last week making it impossible to close the left saddlebag.
I managed to epoxy it all back together with J B Weld.
After it had cured overnight I reinforced root area on both lids with tough fabric saturated with J B Weld, making it much stronger than the original flimsy half assed arrangement.
It is my hope that it will never fail again.
I have learned a few things during this process.
Be gentle, treat the saddlebags with Kidd gloves.
Never slam the lid.
Never overstuff the saddlebag and force the lid close, this puts unnecessary stress on and already weak latch.
When opening the saddlebag, first press on the lid to relive pressure before pulling on the latch release lever.
The latch failed at home, had the failure happened 200 miles from it would have been a real PITA.
I have since discovered that using a length of nylon cord wrapped around one of the saddlebag hinges and tied to the passenger grab rail will hold the lid in the closed position. I now carry a small amount of nylon cord in my tool kit in case this happens again.
Has anyone identified a presentable external latch to replace the existing latch system?