RT Side Pod Storage Case Lock

[Snoop]

I'm having problems opening the left rear side case on my RT. Pull the latch and it won't open unless you use your hand to pry it open while still pulling on the latch with the other hand. Even when prying it open, its difficult and time consuming. Only had the RT one month. Thinking of taking it back to the dealer. Anyone had this problem? Any solutions?

[Bob Denman]

Try pushing in on the lid as you pull the latch lever...
Both of my RTs had one side (The left...), that always needed a bit of help.
If you remove the rear panel from the bike: you can easily get to the adjusters for those latches, and make some adjustments!

Good luck: please let us know how it all goes!

[jaherbst]

Silicone spray is your friend. Pretty much works on everything .

Leaves no greasy film/marks either.

Jack

[aHermit]

I had the same problem with my '14 RT-S. There are adjusting mechanism for the cables that operate the latches for the side luggage. Strangely, they are located behind the rear tupperware panel, beneath the latch release handles. Getting that panel back on after the adjustment is a bit tricky. Good luck.

[pegasus1300]

For some reason the left side on Spyder RT's seems to be the one that hangs up. If still under warranty have dealer fix it. If not take rear plastic panel off (you tube is your friend) and clean, adj and spray with silicon lube spray. Do not use WD40 as it will attract dirt.

[SpyderAnn01]

For some reason the left side on Spyder RT's seems to be the one that hangs up. If still under warranty have dealer fix it. If not take rear plastic panel off (you tube is your friend) and clean, adj and spray with silicon lube spray. Do not use WD40 as it will attract dirt.

The left one is the problem one for me too. I wonder why that is.

[Gunner3773]

I'll join the club and say the left one I have to give a push once in a while depending on the temp. I notice a lot of people open the left side with a slight push. Since I have observed others with the same issue, no biggy to me. Give it a push and it opens every time. When the weather cools, I usually don't have the issue. Just one of the little quirks, I guess.

Gunner

[4 MARIE]

the latch mechanism cable needs adjusting.
They stretch immediately upon leaving the showroom, and can leave you hanging
at the darndest time.
If your dealer is close, and it's a warranty deal,take it to 'em
It is not hard to adjust youirself, with only minor Tupperware removal.
if I can do it...?
when adjusting the one, you better go ahead and do the other.
Of COURSE we all use the left bag more often, so it stretches first.

I used to pound and pry too, but then reached "enlightenment"

[Buckeye Bleau]

The left one is the problem one for me too. I wonder why that is.

The Left is always a problem!

Joe

[Bob Denman]

Removing the rear panel...
There are 8 screws that hold it in place: open up both saddlebags (), and you'll see four of them: two on each side. The other four are visible when you open the top trunk (Leave the two in the middle alone: they hold the latch!)
Once they're all out, the FUN begins! It takes some wiggling, jiggling bending, praying, cussing, and sweating... but you WILL be able to get the ends down by the passenger grab rails out and around. It helps to have a friend with some extra eyes and hands!
Oh! There are two little tabs on the bottom edge of the panel: try to not bust them off! (If you do: it's not a big problem; it's more of an aggravation!)
Once the panel is off; you can clearly see the adjustments. Take your time, and only do it once!
Nailing everything back together is actually more stressful...
Getting the panel tucked back down into the saddlebags is only half of the stress: the rest shows up if the center of the panel doesn't get fully tucked back into place.
There's a tab on the underside of the solid parts, and it needs to fit into a tiny slot in the panel. Everything will bolt back together perfectly, and the latch will NOT lock, if that little bit of alignment isn't right...

Good Luck! Let us know how everything goes!

[Bruiser37]

I'm having problems opening the left rear side case on my RT. Pull the latch and it won't open unless you use your hand to pry it open while still pulling on the latch with the other hand. Even when prying it open, its difficult and time consuming. Only had the RT one month. Thinking of taking it back to the dealer. Anyone had this problem? Any solutions?

Since new had problem closing left side case had to press down on top of case and push shut. Noticed latch hinge pin was backing out should have taken back to dealer when first purchased new but it's been over a year now and will probably have to pay big $ for repair that would have been a warranty fix when first noticed.

[Big F]

The left one is the problem one for me too. I wonder why that is.

Maybe the assembly guy was right handed????????? LOL
BIG F

[robhowen]

Along with Bob's instructions you can find a YouTube video that shows you how to remove the rear panel. It is as follows:

Removing the rear panel...
There are 8 screws that hold it in place: open up both saddlebags (), and you'll see four of them: two on each side. The other four are visible when you open the top trunk (Leave the two in the middle alone: they hold the latch!)
Once they're all out, the FUN begins! It takes some wiggling, jiggling bending, praying, cussing, and sweating... but you WILL be able to get the ends down by the passenger grab rails out and around. It helps to have a friend with some extra eyes and hands!
Oh! There are two little tabs on the bottom edge of the panel: try to not bust them off! (If you do: it's not a big problem; it's more of an aggravation!)
Once the panel is off; you can clearly see the adjustments. Take your time, and only do it once!
Nailing everything back together is actually more stressful...
Getting the panel tucked back down into the saddlebags is only half of the stress: the rest shows up if the center of the panel doesn't get fully tucked back into place.
There's a tab on the underside of the solid parts, and it needs to fit into a tiny slot in the panel. Everything will bolt back together perfectly, and the latch will NOT lock, if that little bit of alignment isn't right...

Good Luck! Let us know how everything goes!

[UtahPete]

• Removing the rear panel...There are 8 screws that hold it in place: open up both saddlebags, and you'll see four of them: two on each side. The other four are visible when you open the top trunk (Leave the two in the middle alone: they hold the latch!)
• Once they're all out, the FUN begins! It takes some wiggling, jiggling bending, praying, cussing, and sweating... but you WILL be able to get the ends down by the passenger grab rails out and around. It helps to have a friend with some extra eyes and hands! Oh! There are two little tabs on the bottom edge of the panel: try to not bust them off! (If you do: it's not a big problem; it's more of an aggravation!)
• Once the panel is off; you can clearly see the adjustments. Take your time, and only do it once!
• Nailing everything back together is actually more stressful...Getting the panel tucked back down into the saddlebags is only half of the stress: the rest shows up if the center of the panel doesn't get fully tucked back into place. There's a tab on the underside of the solid parts, and it needs to fit into a tiny slot in the panel. Everything will bolt back together perfectly, and the latch will NOT lock, if that little bit of alignment isn't right...

Useful. Thanks.

[wd8ajj]

Anyone repaiced the backup and turn signal lamps to LED's on there 2014+ RT's? If so what number LED did you use for them.

[C3517C]

I had the same problem on my RT. It turned out that the cable was frayed. If the adjustment doesn't fix it check your cable from front to back.

[Brainsprain]

Presently, I am having a problen with my 2017. I cannot see where the adjuster is. Can someone show a good [hoto

[Deanna777]

I also had the same problem on my RT( 2014RTS-SE6), in 2017.

I have not had the problem since than.

I change the headlights/fog lights to LED's.


Deanna

[safecracker]

Left side, problem child. Adjusted, works good now.