How do I break in to my saddlebags?

[Caol]

Here's the problem:

Lost the key to the bags, while on the road, or, quite likely, dropped the key into the bag just before locking. Got home and cannot find my spare key, I'm certain it is around somewhere, but it's one of those situations where you "put it where I won't forget it" and then promptly forget where!

So, the question is: How do I break into my saddle bags while doing the least amount of damage? Do I just force the lock with a big screwdriver, and hope that I can get it into the "Open" position? Or are we into something more drastic involving power tools etc?

Thanks, in advance, for any help you can provide!

Kyle
'07 R1200R w/BMW bags (NOT keyed with the ignition!)(drat, darn...)

[Karamazov]

This may sound like a dumb question, but have you tried the ignition key? I know they're different, but I have a friend whose key is close enough to mine to open my saddlebags... Nice work BMW.

[Caol]

This may sound like a dumb question, but have you tried the ignition key? I know they're different, but I have a friend whose key is close enough to mine to open my saddlebags... Nice work BMW.

Yup, tried that, the keys are different enough that there's no give.... And I'm in a small town in southeastern BC, so there's nobody else around with a similar key I could try. Three hour ride to the nearest dealer in Spokane, Washington!

Kyle

[Lost Rider]

I've had the bmw bags apart a few times, it's complicated in there...


How about removing the screws on the hinges on the bottom to get into the bag?



If that doesn't work, I wouldn't force anything too hard.

You can't purchase any parts for the interior of the BMW bags so if it were me I would drill a hole in the pannier to locate the release bar then use some small needle nose pliers or screwdriver to push it to release the flip up thingy.
I think your chances of forcing the key without breaking something you can't get parts for are slim to none, at least sealing up a hole or two is easy to do and nothing a little silicone and a sticker can't fix. Of course this is after you try the easy way of removing the hinges.


Here's a link to more photos of the inside of a pannier if you go that route.

Good luck!

http://lostrider.smugmug.com/Motorcycle ... &k=2XwSqmT



I believe this is the bar you need to move to open the bags.

[Caol]

Thanks Joe!

The pictures will help, a lot!

I was thinking that BF&I wasn't, really, the way to go, unless I want to buy new bags.

Kyle

[jkhomes]

I bet a good locksmith could pick it easily. Be careful, locksmithing is kind of an internet scam right now and most of them would probably just drill it. You could probably drill it yourself and replace the tumblers later.

[deilenberger]

If the key is in the bags - I think the suggestion to remove the hinges is a brilliant one. The bag won't completely open, but you will be able to make a big enough opening/gap in the bottom for the key to fall out.

Once you do - I'd suggest getting a second key made. Since they aren't keyed to the bike you don't need a smart key, so most any locksmith with the milling cutter type machine should be able to make one for you.

[2wheels]

If the key is in the bag, how come you managed to lock it?!

[vroomr]

When this is resolved, I suggest you have the bag locks common-keyed to the ignition key. One less key to keep track of.

[Caol]

If the key is in the bag, how come you managed to lock it?!

Welllll.....
Had it in my hand and was stuffing things in around the edge and may have dropped it without noticing then closed the latch. With the lock already in the "lock" position. Not my smartest move!

When this is resolved, I suggest you have the bag locks common-keyed to the ignition key. One less key to keep track of.

If I'd a had them common keyed, then the ignition key would have been locked up and I wouldn't have been able to start the bike! I really must find and carry the spare key separately!

If the key is in the bags - I think the suggestion to remove the hinges is a brilliant one. The bag won't completely open, but you will be able to make a big enough opening/gap in the bottom for the key to fall out.
Once you do - I'd suggest getting a second key made. Since they aren't keyed to the bike you don't need a smart key, so most any locksmith with the milling cutter type machine should be able to make one for you.

I hope so, but there is a large stuff sack in the bottom of the bag, so, if the key is in there then there are still impediments to getting it out.


Thanks everybody!

Short of finding the spare key, I'll move through the suggestions starting with the least destructive. I'll report back, after the 1/4 stick of 40% Forceite is used!

Kyle

[Caol]

Well, that took all the fun out of it!

No explosives....

No power tools....

Didn't even grab a Torx to take of the hinges...

Found the spare key - - inside pocket of a jacket I haven't used in a year and a half! (thought I checked it, but then I checked again this morning)


Thanks, everybody, for the assist!

Found the original, on top of all the junk that was in the bag, so there's no way it would have fallen to the bottom.
That'll teach me to:
1. keep an eye on the key! and,
2. REMEMBER WHERE I PUT THE SPARE!!!!!!! I guess that's what happens when you get old and feeble! BWHahahahahaha!

Kyle

[Lost Rider]

Not as exciting as I hoped... !

Glad you found it though without putting my theories to test.


Now that you have it sorted, maybe go make a couple more spares and consider using a zip tie or bailing wire to conceal a spare on the bike, there's plenty of hiding spots.
I have spares on all our bike hidden away, we all can forget or lose things.

Oh yeah, get a tattoo with the location of the spare on the back of your hand!



Cheers

[jkhomes]

How sad for us, but good for you. I was looking forward to seeing how you broke into it. We can only hope...

[Lost Rider]

Maybe one of these is in order for you.


http://www.thetileapp.com/?utm_source=A ... medium=CPC

[Caol]

Maybe one of these is in order for you.


http://www.thetileapp.com/?utm_source=A ... medium=CPC

Loverly idea, but alas all my iDevices are of older vintage and my phone is a BlackBerry.

Neat idea though!

Kyle

[Caol]

How sad for us, but good for you. I was looking forward to seeing how you broke into it. We can only hope...

I'm sure there will be a "next time". It may take a while but don't lose hope!

Kyle