Unlike the saddlebags, there is no built-in emergency release for the trunk. Fortunately, there is a way to open it in an emergency. All you need is a piece of coat hanger wire, and the knowledge of how to do it. We will be manipulating the mechanism blindly, by feel, so it's helpful to first have a look at how the mechanism operates, to give us a mental picture of what we will be doing.
We will be inserting our coat hanger wire in between the left saddlebag and the trunk release, at the back end (nearest to the back of the bike) as shown:
Inside, with the latch cover removed to view the locking mechanism, you can see where the coat hanger will insert into the trunk locking mechanism.
Inside, the latching mechanism has an actuator that moves downward (red arrow), and pulls down on a latching bar (represented by the yellow line).
This is the latching bar. When it is pulled downward, it unlatches the trunk. This is what we will be doing manually with our coat hanger wire to open the trunk.
To build the unlocking tool, bend a coat hanger as shown. A small hook at the end will be used to grab the latching bar. It needs about 1 1/2 inches of wire below the hook, then a bend at approximately a 30 degree angle.
Insert the hook in between the left saddlebag and trunk releases, with the hook facing toward the left side of the bike. Angle the hook slightly towards the rear of the bike.
Inside the mechanism, this is where the hook will be going:
The hook will be going up next to the latching bar as shown. Push it upward until it will not go any further.
Rotate the hook to the left, so that the hook now faces the back end of the bike.
Angle the hook backward so that it catches on the latch release bar, then pull downward to release the trunk latch. The trunk will now open.
That's it, you have saved the day! It may take two or three attempts to get it right, but once you've done it once, it will be easy in the future.
Some owners put emergency trunk release ties in their trunk to avoid accidental trunk lockings. To do this, the latching cover must be removed. Open the trunk lid, and remove the four screws indicated:
Inside the trunk, remove the three screws indicated, then pull the latching cover forward, toward the front of the bike to release it.
Once it has been removed, take a nylon wire tie and attach it to the latching bar in the position shown. Replace the latching cover by sliding it back (towards the back of the bike, NOT placing it down from above) into place. While holding it in place, and with the trunk open, pull the trunk release several times to make sure the latch mechanism operates. If it doesn't, you have not got the latch cover in the correct position. Remove it and try again. Once satisfied, replace all the screws holding the cover in place.
Trim the end of the wire tie to a length that you desire. The trunk can now be unlatched by pulling down on this wire tie.
Will have to make one, sounds good, thx!
wish I had had this information last year, while on a ride I stopped for gas and decided to change my gloves. yes i did lay my keys in the trunk, turned around and bumped the lid and down it goes. long story short I ended up borrowing a flat blade screwdriver and destroying my trunk lock. I now have a zip tie attached.
