Seat lock questions, help a newbie!

[MBanks]

I recently purchased an 850 L and can't figure out the seat lock. Seller opened it up fine when I went to see the bike and not sure what my problem is. How far is the key supposed to turn? I get it 45 degrees clockwise easy, hear a click, but cant lift the seat. Have the origninal manual, but it makes it seem like it should just lift up. Is the key supposed to turn further? What am I missing? Can't take my dead battery out, been forced to bump start! Any help will be much appreciated!

[kparkfan]

did you try pushing down on the seat at the same time as your turning the key? just a thought.

[crapwacker]

Try a bit of lube, it always seems to make it easier. No double entendre intended.

[machinest]

Key goes about 45 degrees and the lock barrel pops out on my 1980 550L. You need to allow the barrel to come back not press too hard on the key

[Steven Conlan]

Not sure about the L, but if anything like my E this might help.
My bike has 2 helmet locks. On the right side of bike it is only a helmet lock. On the left side turn key one way and it is the helmet lock, turn key the other way and it unlocks the seat.
So you might want to see if the key will turn both ways.
Hope this helps.

[argonsagas]

The lock on the L models should work the same as on the G/GK models and turning the key to the right by about 45 degrees is right.

It seems you are able to turn the key, so you have the the correct one, but the lock is sticking.


Turn the key and while holding it in that position, press down on the seat, as suggested, to allow the lock to release, then pull up .

If this does not work, get a spray-type o i l (NOT WD40) and use the spray tube attachment to reach the lock.

Give the oil some time and it should work.

[fenderfreek]

Like the others have said, I can personally attest that the L model works just the same. Turn the right side (as you're sitting on the bike) one clockwise all the way, then the left one clockwise. The left one will go another 30-45 degrees with some resistance before it disengages, and you can then left up the seat. It should come straight off.

[MBanks]

Thanks a lot guys, seat lifted!

Yeah, i just sat on the seat and the barrel popped out. Working without forcing down now, but will oil ASAP. Thanks again guys, now I can get a working battery and stop using the hill by my apartment to start up

[gsgeezer]

Good thing!
I wouldn't bump start it too much, if you don't need to, of course.
The PO of my 1000 managed to shear off the starter clutch bolts by doing this.

[bakalorz]

Good thing!
I wouldn't bump start it too much, if you don't need to, of course.
The PO of my 1000 managed to shear off the starter clutch bolts by doing this.

This had me worried that I may have damaged something; when I bought my bike the R/R was shot, and I bump started it every time I rode for over a year.

But then as I thought about it, it did not ring true ...

Correct me if I'm wrong, but how does the starter clutch get any extra force at all from bump starting.
(in fact, you are essentially sparing it from being used, thus prolonging its life)

The regular clutch will be used to bump start, and the engine will turn over in the normal direction, so the starter clutch will just over-run the same as it does anytime the engine is running.

BTW, for anyone still reading for seat lock questions ...
It is fairly easy to open the seat lock without the key at all.
(at least on a GS650GLX)
You need a fairly long flat screwdriver.
From underneath the back of the seat, you get it in between the lock "bolt" and the piece of metal which captures it, and jiggle it a bit until the bolt moves and releases.

The prior owner of my bike resurected it using ebay parts, and the seat he got did not come with a key.