Large lid install

[squints2c]

I picked up a 2010 that had been dropped, (only scratches) from an auction and replaced the factory lids with the larger ones ordered from the CMSNL.COM. What is the general consensus, when it comes to the latches? Do I reinstall the factory ones and go that route of do I install the "cabinet latches" the everyone else is using. I really dont mind the look of them and it seems they are more secure than the factory ones.

Rich

 

[Phil Tarman]

Rich, I've had the big lids on both of my NTs and I've got some of the exterior latches if the factory latches ever give out. I put 139K miles on #1 and #2 has about 29K on it. If your factory latches are still working, I would wait to change to the exterior latches.

 

[squints2c]

Rich, I've had the big lids on both of my NTs and I've got some of the exterior latches if the factory latches ever give out. I put 139K miles on #1 and #2 has about 29K on it. If your factory latches are still working, I would wait to change to the exterior latches.

Is there any preventive reinforcement (epoxy, fiberglass, body filler....) that I should do to the new lids? Just want to avoid problems down the road.

 

[ARKNT]

Many have filled the lid latch towers with epoxy or JB weld. It can help prevent the plastic from cracking where the screws go in. Search a little for some threads on latches for pics.
Also don't slam the lids to close, line them up and press to latch.
You can always add the external latches later if the originals fail.

Arknt

 

[Coyote Chris]

What Arknt said. Also, there is a technique I and Frosty use to ease them open and shut. Unlike PHIL who is a slammer!
1. When opening the lids, "unload" them. I am tall so I would put my knee against the lid, unloading the force on the latch, then trip the latch, move the knee.
2. When closing, you want to gently snick it in place. Even try and put the latch lever in the opening position, letting it go when the lid is in place. But above all, be gentle.
3. Study the mechanism and see where you would have to drill a hole to trip the mechanism manually if you had too. Some folks have drilled holes and put in safty wires so they can trip the mechanism if they had to.

 

[WVRider]

Many have filled the lid latch towers with epoxy or JB weld. It can help prevent the plastic from cracking where the screws go in. Search a little for some threads on latches for pics.
Also don't slam the lids to close, line them up and press to latch.
You can always add the external latches later if the originals fail.

Arknt

I would add one thing to Arknt's notes. Do Not stuff too much in the panniers ! If you stuff them too full it pulls on those latches. The lids should push slowly closed easily. Don't hesitate to use a waterproof bag on the passenger seat.
This picture was taken during a 25 day, camping trip across the country. The panniers were full, but not tight fit.

 

[squints2c]

Thanks for the advice. Already have the bigger lids installed and Im waiting on the new latches to arrive, so I can install them. I will fill the latch mounts with some sort of epoxy before hand though.

Rich

 

[Phil Tarman]

What Arknt said. Also, there is a technique I and Frosty use to ease them open and shut. Unlike PHIL who is a slammer!

I'll have you know that I am not a slammer. I don't know why you think that. I did have the first set of luggage linkages replaced under warranty at about 50K miles. But the second set lasted till I traded the bike in at 139K. The original set on my #2 NT (Frosty's old bike) are still good at 29K.


I don't understand the gratuitous insult.

 

[Coyote Chris]

Thanks for the advice. Already have the bigger lids installed and Im waiting on the new latches to arrive, so I can install them. I will fill the latch mounts with some sort of epoxy before hand though.

Rich

Epoxy is not good in a shock/vibration environment. A BS motorcycle fairing cement is ok.

 

[Coyote Chris]

I'll have you know that I am not a slammer. I don't know why you think that. I did have the first set of luggage linkages replaced under warranty at about 50K miles. But the second set lasted till I traded the bike in at 139K. The original set on my #2 NT (Frosty's old bike) are still good at 29K.


I don't understand the gratuitous insult.

Sorry Phil but we witnessed the offense. Maybe you were just having a bad day.

 

[Phil Tarman]

I have slammed the lids, but it's been a long, long time.

 

[mikesim]

Phil, confession is good for the soul.....
"Hi, my name is Phil, and I'm a lid slammer"

Feel better already, don'tcha?

Mike

 

[Phil Tarman]

I used to slam; don't anymore.

 

[mikesim]

I used to slam; don't anymore.

Then, you are a "recovering" lid slammer....

Mike

 

[ST1100Y]

Thanks for the advice. Already have the bigger lids installed and Im waiting on the new latches to arrive, so I can install them. I will fill the latch mounts with some sort of epoxy before hand though.

While at it do the same with the tether mount posts, my GF managed to snap them within two days after installing the big lids...
Use some masking tape as dam/barrier around the posts to build adequate support (I used 5 min epoxy)