Key removal from locked bags (1300)

Joined
Apr 5, 2018
Messages
165
Location
United States
Bike
2006 ST1300 - Black
Is there any way to modify or change the locks on a 1300 so the key can be removed while it is unlocked? I'm referring to the actual luggage lock for opening it, not the key to remove the entire case.

Far too often I've already started the bike and want to add or remove something, and I have to shut the bike off to get into there. I'm not overly interested in carrying 2 keys.
 
Is there any way to modify or change the locks on a 1300 so the key can be removed while it is unlocked? I'm referring to the actual luggage lock for opening it, not the key to remove the entire case.

Far too often I've already started the bike and want to add or remove something, and I have to shut the bike off to get into there. I'm not overly interested in carrying 2 keys.
If you ever have to jump start the bike, you will need 2 keys. It's a good idea to keep a spare key with you.
 
If you ever have to jump start the bike, you will need 2 keys. It's a good idea to keep a spare key with you.
??
How so?
Yeah, it's always a good idea to have an extra key, but once you have access to the battery for a jump start (a Powerlet charging lead, or similar is an option), the ignition key to power on the bike is all you need.
Of course, the OEM setup is that one key unlocks all the locks on the bike.
One is all you need,... if you don't lose it or break it.
 
If you ever have to jump start the bike, you will need 2 keys. It's a good idea to keep a spare key with you.
It's a better idea to hide your spare key somewhere on the bike. Somehow that spare key never is with you when you need it. I keep a spare key for my 89 Honda Accord in my wallet ( piece of cardboard the size of a business card w/ two parallel slits in it). When I tried carrying it in my pocket it usually ended up on my dresser when I changed pants.
 
??
How so?
Yeah, it's always a good idea to have an extra key, but once you have access to the battery for a jump start (a Powerlet charging lead, or similar is an option), the ignition key to power on the bike is all you need.
Of course, the OEM setup is that one key unlocks all the locks on the bike.
One is all you need,... if you don't lose it or break it.
Because you need a key to remove the right side pannier to remove the panel to jump it. You also need the key to put it all back together.
 
It's a better idea to hide your spare key somewhere on the bike. Somehow that spare key never is with you when you need it. I keep a spare key for my 89 Honda Accord in my wallet ( piece of cardboard the size of a business card w/ two parallel slits in it). When I tried carrying it in my pocket it usually ended up on my dresser when I changed pants.
Yep. I had a spare ST1300 key in my wallet for 18 years. Last year, that key got replaced with a Yamaha Super Tenere key.
 
Because you need a key to remove the right side pannier to remove the panel to jump it. You also need the key to put it all back together.
Sorry, I don't mean to be argumentative here, but one key will do all you need. That's all I'm saying -- two keys are not necessary.
Sure, you move it from the ignition to remove the seat / pannier lock, then you put it back in the ignition to turn it on / jump start it.
Once it's running, turn off the ignition and use that same key to relock the pannier and seat.
 
Sorry, I don't mean to be argumentative here, but one key will do all you need.
Sure, you move it from the ignition to remove the seat / pannier lock, then you put it back in the ignition to turn it on / jump start it.
Once it's running, turn off the ignition and use that same key to relock the pannier and seat.
I don't want to turn off the ignition once I jump start it. What do you do if you have to jump it again? I'm leaving it running and putting the bag back on with my spare key. YVMV
P.S. I solved that problem by putting a lead from my battery that hooks to my NOCO jump box. I don't have to remove anything to jump it. That same lead has been moved to my Yamaha.
 
Last edited:
Once it's running, turn off the ignition
Yeah, I think this is the part most will disagree with; having just had to jump start it to get it running, most will want to let it continue to run while putting it back together before riding it a ways to ensure the battery is then sufficiently charged to support a subsequent start, if indeed that was the problem in the first place.

Disabling the pannier locks to allow the key to be removed won't fix needing to re-engage the right rail bar lock that holds that pannier in place after a jump start. That needs to be off to get to the panel that the battery hides behind, if I recall the sequence correctly. I too bought spare keys years ago with the intention of making knobs for the panniers, just never got around to it yet.
 
Once it's running, turn off the ignition and use that same key to relock the pannier and seat.
If the battery is discharged to the point that it can't start the engine, which is the assumption otherwise there is no need to boost it, doing this will put a person right back where they started. Turning the ignition off with a discharged battery will require removing everything to boost it again?
 
Last edited:
Is there a concern of the latch opening while riding with the lock unlocked?
I can't speak from personal experience as I have not bothered to do this but I don't see the latches coming open when unlocked, assuming that they were properly and completely closed, without some external force precipitating that.

It has been stated on this forum that the police version is either delivered this way or is modified to this configuration, I'm not sure which. If police ride around all the time with the panniers unlocked I can only assume that it isn't much of an issue.
 
Is there a concern of the latch opening while riding with the lock unlocked?
Apparently, yes. It has been a while so I can't recall who or when it was. But i recall somebody had stated that their pannier unlatched and opened due to vibration. The latches have no detent To hold them closed, Only the lock. While I can't confirm this happening, short of vaguely recalling somebody mentioning this issue It is worth pointing it out in case you need to look closer At this possibility.
 
Back
Top Bottom