I have a 2005 ST1300 with a Hondaline top case. It seems like it should be easy to remove, but if there is a trick, I can't find it. Any advice?
How does one remove the top case?
- Thread starter Tenknots
- Start date
Insert key
Turn key to the right (clockwise)
Lift handle straight up (horizontal)
Turn key to the left (counter clockwise)
Place one hand on handle, and the other hand in front of case by passenger backrest, and push it forward while gently lifting up a bit.
It should come off easily.
Turn key to the right (clockwise)
Lift handle straight up (horizontal)
Turn key to the left (counter clockwise)
Place one hand on handle, and the other hand in front of case by passenger backrest, and push it forward while gently lifting up a bit.
It should come off easily.
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Unlock the topbox, now pull back on the bottom Plastic "D" locking latch frame below the latch, pull rearward, tilt up the case at the back and lift out
You put your left hand in, you take your left hand out . . . 
ToddC
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And shake it all about......!!
Andrew Shadow
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I don't know which direction is correct but, it would seem that it would have to be one or the other.
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What @Igofar said in post #2 is spot on.
It gets a bit awkward because you cannot lift the handle up easily because your hand is still holding the key in the lock, or your key is on a bunch which get tangled with the handle ! The other part of the mechanism that holds the lid down is largely irrelevant - except if it is open, it gets in the way !
But the really important bit is to know how to put it back on again.
Lift the case onto the rack, but position it further forward than it needs to be, and then slide it backwards. That locates a couple of tabs which keep the front end down. Then that handle has to be lifted so that the rear end can drop into place.
Finally, the handle is pushed down, which moves a sliding drawbar across which locks down the rear end.
Until you get used to opening the lid and closing it, it can be very easy to lock the lid, but leave the handle open a bit. Mine has a bright orange sticker on the upper surface of the handled which says 'UNLOCKED', and if you can see that, then the box isn't locked.
It is also possible for the handle and the lid catch to be in the proper position, but for the box to be not seated fully on the rack, so the rear end is not secured.
But get into the habit - every time you lock the top box to set off - just check by trying to lift if up at the rear end - just to make sure that you haven't accidentally left it insecure.
It gets a bit awkward because you cannot lift the handle up easily because your hand is still holding the key in the lock, or your key is on a bunch which get tangled with the handle ! The other part of the mechanism that holds the lid down is largely irrelevant - except if it is open, it gets in the way !
But the really important bit is to know how to put it back on again.
Lift the case onto the rack, but position it further forward than it needs to be, and then slide it backwards. That locates a couple of tabs which keep the front end down. Then that handle has to be lifted so that the rear end can drop into place.
Finally, the handle is pushed down, which moves a sliding drawbar across which locks down the rear end.
Until you get used to opening the lid and closing it, it can be very easy to lock the lid, but leave the handle open a bit. Mine has a bright orange sticker on the upper surface of the handled which says 'UNLOCKED', and if you can see that, then the box isn't locked.
It is also possible for the handle and the lid catch to be in the proper position, but for the box to be not seated fully on the rack, so the rear end is not secured.
But get into the habit - every time you lock the top box to set off - just check by trying to lift if up at the rear end - just to make sure that you haven't accidentally left it insecure.