Kawasaki Concours Forum

The C10, aka Kawasaki Concours - The Original => The Bike - C10 => Topic started by: Dan in Grand Rapids on April 05, 2014, 08:07:14 PM

Title: Latch Springs
Post by: Dan in Grand Rapids on April 05, 2014, 08:07:14 PM
Hello Everyone,

I tried searching, but could not find anything. I am finally sick of my saddlebag latches not having working springs and would like to replace them. Has anyone done this? If so, where did you get the springs?

Thanks,

Dan
Title: Re: Latch Springs
Post by: Summit670 on April 06, 2014, 09:35:27 AM
I had to replace one that broke.  Got one at Ace Hardware.  They had a lot of different sizes/styles to choose from.  IIRC, it was a 99.9% match and it works fine.  Takes some patience and one or two dental pics to install.
Title: Re: Latch Springs
Post by: Dan in Grand Rapids on April 06, 2014, 09:47:38 AM
Thanks for the reply. I will take it apart and stop by Ace today. I did not think they would have something like this. Good tip.
Title: Re: Latch Springs
Post by: RFH87_Connie on April 07, 2014, 05:32:02 AM
I have heard in the past that a few people have used the spring from a ball-point pen...
Title: Re: Latch Springs
Post by: Summit670 on April 07, 2014, 07:29:27 AM
The spring which holds the latch shut hooks over a knub on the outside and the long mounting rivet appears to go thru the eye on the inside.  I didn't remove the rivet on mine, I made a C type end on that end of the spring and hooked it over the rivet.

It may be possible to bend the end of the rivet  and remove it, install the spring, then spread the end of the rivet again so it doesn't fall out.
Title: Re: Latch Springs
Post by: Dan in Grand Rapids on April 08, 2014, 05:05:51 AM
Well, I have new springs installed from ACE. The springs are a bit different than the original. They are the same length, but are a bit wider. The important part is that they work and I am happy with the results. Thanks for the suggestion.
Title: Re: Latch Springs
Post by: Summit670 on April 08, 2014, 12:21:56 PM
My Ace Hardware had springs which look so similar I had a hard time seeing which one was the Ace spring when I was looking at it the other day.  I suppose each Ace may not carry the same springs.  Glad you are happy.