I forgot to mention if everyone decides to keep the latch assemblies in place. The cables to the latches will need to be removed.
If you do not do this, you will not be able to remove the ignition key from the lock when turned to the locked position. The latch has to be fully latched to release the cable in order for the key to be removed from the lock.
Preparing for my tire change, I'd put the bike on the lift with great difficulty largely because of the large lids interfering with my ability to maneuver the bike. So when I went to remove the internal pannier screws, I decided to remove the lids. Thought I'd misadjusted something once I reinstalled the screws, since I could not remove the key. Just before I was going to the workshop and mess with the internals I happened to read this post.
A BIG Thanks Brillot. Never thought about the key being captured in lock with the latches in the open position..
Pushed the latches closed and the key released normally..
