question about vetter bags

[xswilly]

i have a 79 xs standard with the detachable vetterbags
i aquired the bike without the keys
my question is do the keys that unlock the covers to the bags
also detach the bags, or are the keys different

i had a locksmith make a key to the bags
easy as the cover had fallen off, but the key doesn't fit the lock
to detach, they are rusted some, so should i keep on turning it or bring the frames to the locksmith too

of course that would involve taking the framework off of the bike
much harder when the bike doesn't run

[Jerry]

I have one original door lock, and that key fits both locks to remove the bags. The other door lock was missing, so I replaced it with a generic lock from Tru-Value hardware. Interestingly enough, that key also fits the lockable pocket in the fairing......

Assuming the locks in the doors have not been changed over they years, the same key should work all the locks.

[skids]

Yes, Mine is like Jerry's. Same key for all locks. I have a suggestion. I have found that the bags can become detached when hitting a big bump in the road. The bullet shaped thing can force the retaining clip apart and cause it to release. I have played with the mechanism, but I still do not fully trust it. I used a nylon strap through the handles just for security. YMMV

Originally posted by Jerry

Assuming the locks in the doors have not been changed over they years, the same key should work all the locks.

[Jerry]

About bags falling off.....

One of mine did this just after I mountd the set. Close examination revealed the problem. Vetter used a stiff wire, bent in a long "U" shape, to hold the tapered point of the bag mount in place. ( I really need to take pictures of this...). Each leg of the "U" fits into a grove on the bag mount. One of my wires was broken. The cover that held the "U" in place was rivited on. I ground out the rivits, removed the broken wire, replaced it with wire from a heavy-duty wire hanger (same size as original wire) and put the cover back on using small bolts with Nylock nuts. Literally thousands of miles later the bags have never come off, and I do a fair amount of riding on rough roads.

I've also replaced the hinge rivits, which were loose from use and age, with small bolts and nylock nuts. A Dremel tool works great for grinding the old rivits out.

The moral of this story is.....maintenance on your Vetter luggage may be necessary from time to time.