NT700V Saddlebag Latches

Living With The Latches On Your NT700V

[@edwardallan197]

Just got one, how helpful! I will also shoot my mechanisms with silicone, and make sure the friction tracks on both latches are smooth. Thank you. ❤

[@timothyriach4252]

Just bought a 2006 nt700v and I was having the same issue with the panniers. Thank you so much, for you video, the instructions and information have been invaluable.

[@tomkerxhalli1783]

Nicely done video and great explanation. It looks like all one has to do is follow your instructions and there should never be an issue. Thanks for doing this!

[@KennyEvansUK]

Thanks again for this, I've been loving these series of videos as an owner. My problem is I started slamming, ruined one set of covers, then another and now the inside of the latch - the part the rod is attached to - has come away from the housing. I can't work out how to fix that without replacing the entire rear end of the bike! I wish people like you wrote the manual because it would have saved me so much grief!

[@davecooper3238]

An very good explanation. I have the large lids & at first found closing a bit of a pain. But once I worked out what to do they are fine. So much so at 35,000 miles I had forgotten ever having a problem. One thing I have not seen mentioned on either NT 650 or 700 videos is the very useful tunnel that runs between two panniers ( saddle bags ) I normally fill the exhaust side first. Before slotting small items through to fill up the small gaps. Mid 2022 I have an inoperative ABS actuator. Honda can no longer supply a replacement.

[@grahamwatson451]

Good video but my gripe about the latches relates to the RHS latch. When the weather is hot--the case wouldn’t open! But now, it won’t open at all irrespective of the temp so I have to push the long rod rearward to get the case to open. The LH case has never been a problem. Getting at the offending latch mechanism is a PITA!

[@charleswoodworth4752]

Very useful advice given. i will now stop from slamming the saddlebags (side panniers) closed

[@grahamwatson451]

The Honda NT 700V is a budget bike and it shows. I regret selling my ST 1300 to buy the NT700V---it’s only redeeming feature is the shaft drive.

[@MadKev50]

Panniers stay locked when you arrive at your hotel, then won't open in the morning. I gave up and fitted maritime stainless latches and baby padlocks. No stress, no worries and just as quick as the Honda fitment.

[@AllGoodThingsQ]

Thanks for all of your posts - they're excellent. They were crucial to my decision making process when I was in the market for my next bike. I wanted a midsize bike and I was hung up between this sport-tourer and V Star 950 Tourer cruiser. Unfortunately for Honda, between their saddle bag locking mechanism, lengthy rear tire removal thanks to exhaust placement, and 4,000mi valve lash intervals, I wound up with the Yamaha. Nonetheless, your videos or so informative I watch 'em all anyway! Cheers.

[@cpcolumbus]

Another great video Soundtechguy. I purchased my bike the end of Jan 2012. It was a Honda demo. It wasn't long before my problems began. First, just a little difficult, then progressively worse until I had to tape it shut. Brought it into the dealer. There is a Honda "Wrench" bulletin out on this subject. They replace all 3 springs. 2 days later, the plactic tab on the lid holding the metal tab broke. Dealer replaced the lid. BTW, all problems on left side only.

[@DavidClarke600]

An amazingly simple, but very well explained solution ! :)

[@inpurgatory]

I just picked up a used 2008 model, the latches are completely fubar, but I knew this in advance. Previous owner had fitted new external latches that work surprisingly well and are more secure. I was just going to fix the built in ones, but actually used to what's on here now :D

[@kabdu68]

Brilliant. I'm considering buying one of these beautiful bikes and almost eliminated it from my shortlist because of the latch issue. Thank you

[@eddywane9901]

Hi. Geat videos. I had the same problem with the RHS front latch. The latch had been in the locked position then the lid shut pushing the locking lever further in and jamming. The latch spring viewed from the inside was stretched compared to the LHS one. Luckily I managed to pull the catch to the open position without the spring flying off. The lid works perfectly now. Eddy.

[@BoyanLove]

That is very helpful. I have been struggling for the last two years with this.

[@scotvideoshop]

Many thanks. I'm thinking about renting one for a weekend, this was great to see beforehand.

[@iMr.Jetpacks]

Where can you rent motorcycles always wanted to know! I wonder if there's a place here in St. Louis, Missouri

[@edzaslow]

I haven't had a problem with my the lids on my NT, either with the stock lids or the large ones I got from England. But your suggest sounds good and makes sense, and I will start using it!

[@inghelmheidubrand1545]

Thank you very much for the explanation. I have a problem with the right saddle-bag, which doesn't close correctly some times. If it doesn't close on the first attempt I shift the metal pin in the right (front side) housing to the right and try again. Mosts times this works. Though I think I spoiled the whole mechanism by having slammed it several times. So - on the long run - I think I have to get the whole locking mechanism being replaced.

[@flitsies]

I have this bike there is nothing major wrong with the saddle bag set up, if you have the problem you speak of simply take the seat off and activate the mechanism under the seat easiest way to solve the problem. I had the problem once where I had neglected to lubricate the mechanism, the side box wouldn't open, took the seat off operated it under the seat problem solved shopping carried home no issue. The simplicity of the mechanism is its strength, because the two latches work together you only need to make sure when you have a problem that one latch operates to fix the problem. For sure if you don't know that the mechanism is exposed under the seat then it would be a major head ach but take a look the whole locking device is so easy to access under the seat you should never have a problem that can't be solved on the spot without having to take anything apart, just remember to lubricate it from time to time.

[@davidcrofts5246]

Thanks for the content. I've just bought one of these as my first big bike and your tips and tricks are very welcome.

[@bertmolendijk4722]

Thanks for the tip, I am picking up my bike after the weekend so I learned a valuable lesson beforehand.

[@alm4132]

So you can imagine how much fun it is telling owners that the reason their latches fail is "operator error".

[@vladicopter]

I took nt700va for a test ride from a dealer,came back with one lid open!

[@RRRRefuelRideRace]

I have read a lot about it, but it is great to know the solution. Thanks for sharing it man. Appreciate it. Got my like. Drop by, you may find it interesting. :)

[@sfeigh]

I had the latch failure occur 3 times in 5 months. It was always the left side that broke. It was the only issue I had with the NT700. I went ahead and traded the 700 in for a ST1300. I think I made the right choice...

[@grahamwatson451]

You did make the right choice---both the ST1100 and ST 1300 are far superior, having owned all 3 models.

[@MrRightturn]

Great video, very well explained.

[@luc1ferblack]

following mod would work but its whether its worth it. replace the joining rod with two parts that fits together one would be a rod, one would be a tube with a piece of rod fixed inside to stop the other rod going to far in. put the two together and weld a small spring over the join. then you move the cable to the front end. looking side on the rod part would be at the back the tube part at the front. when you pull the handle it would pull the latch from the front (tube part) this would pull back moving the back rod with it. however it would allow the back to work independent if need be due to the give of the spring so in the event of a misalignment you could still latch either part after . i would try to make one up but dont really have the tools atm

[@scrumpymanjack]

Great video. Thanks very much.

[@piltucristian3977]

Thank you!

[@stevemorton4244]

Thanks for posting this video.

[@brucecycles464]

thank you very much

[@truckstomotorcycleswithtom3197]

Excellent explanation

[@rie040656]

Great Tip !

[@simonwootten5821]

Brilliant, thank you.

[@Vulcancruiser]

good video

[@cornelisolsthoorn8730]

Great and detailed information, even after 6 years still helpfull. But I do not really agree. I had a problem closing the left saddlebag, doing it gently or slamming did not help really. Investigating the closing mechanism, I found the front one (left side) was loose and moved away while trying to get the hook hooked in. After disassembling the complete sattlebag, I found the 2 screws holding the mechanism were broken (front lock, rear lock seemed ok). I made a patch and fixed it, assembled it all but still it did not close well until i just put 2mm washers to make the hook getting in a little deeper. Since then, it closes like you explained in your video. Still, I found it is not nescessary to close both locks "same time", it makes no difference if the sattlebag is not perfectly in line. But true, both locks must close. Otherwise the mechanism is not safely locked and will defenitivly open without pulling the unlocker. So putting it all together: I believe the former owner had problems with the closing mechanism that caused the screws break off (slamming, pushing hard while the front locker was in closed position but not hooked in) With the broken screws, it would only lock by coincidence or with luck, but never while closing gently. After I patched the broken screws AND added washers, the mechanism does its work. Still, it's a stupid construction and a shame for Honda. This could have been done much simpler with less (moving) parts and more robust.

[@ukgardener973]

Thanks

[@MrJohnyysmith]

The reason you really really should not slam it is that the catches on the lid part are mounted on thin plastic. If they are obstructed they will break easy and you will never get it closed

[@terrymines1081]

Do you know where to find replacement metal latches? Could you do a video to show how to remove the panniers, and install new panniers?

[@nikolaosdimitrakopoulos608]

thanks for the tip..you rock ..thumbs up

[@craizyfrog]

Bonjour,surtout ne jamais fermer les valises en les claquant car les ressorts sautent et on ne peut plus ouvrir,il faut simplement appuyer comme sur la vidéo,bonne route

[@bbsmonk]

thanks for the useful information, it helps a lot.

[@damian2001111111]

Thank you.

[@tbillyjoeroth]

fantastic! thank you!!

[@sharps74]

Good video, but what about the issue of the latches NOT openning? What is the fallback to get the left lid open to get the seat off? I hear there are mods, like installing a saftey rod and button to actuate the latches in an emergency....

[@iMr.Jetpacks]

Can they be removed, I think the bike would look better without them?

[@weberaudio]

junebugg777 no... they can not. They are integrated right into the body of the motorcycle.

[@iMr.Jetpacks]

@@weberaudio thank you for responding! I'm trying to decide if I want this or the Nighthawk cb750

[@weberaudio]

junebugg777 both quite nice (just a little different). As far as dependability goes, you really can’t go wrong either way. I have had both. Nighthawk takes a more traditional approach. Classic in line four cylinder (a tad smoother than the NT), chain drive, easy to work on naked bike, very basic, no nonsense, easy to ride, comfortable, and can be had inexpensively on the used market. NT is more like a mini sport-tourer. It offers a few noteworthy things that the CB doesn’t such as; fuel injection, liquid cooling, better suspension (single shock in the rear), integrated brakes (ABS on some models), shaft drive, wind protection, storage, etc. With all advantages of the latter comes a little more complexity with working on it. The v-twin has a tad more vibration than the Nighthawks inline four, but it has proven to be one of Honda’s most reliable inventions. I guess it really boils down to your personal preference. Both have the same fun factor 👍

[@iMr.Jetpacks]

@@weberaudio THANK YOU SO MUCH for responding! This was VERY HELPFUL 👍🏾👍🏾

[@karlroth2669]

That is all fine till the latch fails to open due to the mechanism getting filled with grit.

[@ericberry5976]

I just got one of these and love it for the most part but I eave the opposite problem with saddlebags i can't get them to lock any ideas on that?

[@thevoice4758]

The saddlebag closes without problem but the key lock does not lock the saddlebag. What can be the cause ? How can I fix that issue ?

[@Bumballo]

SO how do you fix it, if it won't latch closed? I was pushing like you said not to, and I think the latches are now pushed too far back? The left side doesn't latch at all.

[@kevindep8565]

Has anyone ever tried to delete the side saddle bags all together

[@goldiefish72]

The moral of the story, don't overload your saddlebags.

[@jameslewis3221]

How do u change the whole saddle bag compartment if it has been bursted? Can someone put up a video of this precedure?

[@Soundtechguy]

+james lewis I have never had to change the entire compartment so it is hard for me to say. It may be wise to have the factory manual on hand for that procedure.

[@lacix22]

Also dont overpack in weight or volume....begentle at all times

[@rtbphx1736]

So, what did you actually find was wrong? Was the front mechanism just bent back inward keeping it from engaging? I believe that to be the problem with my front mechanism but it is really hard to see anything inside that little hole.

[@Soundtechguy]

The problem really seems to start with the grease that lubes the latch. It hardens with time and accumulates dust and road grime causing it to do more harm than good. I have had my bike since new and only had the latch issue once. After I cleaned the latch and treat it nicely, it has worked perfectly.

[@alm4132]

@@Soundtechguy " treat it nicely"....That is the key

[@cpcolumbus]

I had another malfunction 2 days ago. I brought it back to the dealer so there will be a record of this ongoing problem. This time, 1 of the springs popped off, causing the rear latch to NOT operate. The mechanic found the spring and reinstalled it. HONDA, I paid good money for your product and I am NOT happy. HONDA, ARE YOU SEEING THIS? NOT HAPPY! :(

[@MerrimonChiropractic]

My right side bag wont open. I am afraid to pull it to hard. Any thoughts?

[@grahamwatson451]

When you find out, let me know as I have the same problem.

[@gardenstateflatlandb]

Can you fit a helmet in there?

[@edzaslow]

Do you still have this bike?

[@ChuckHydro]

Don't slam it, are you crazy? This is America, if it won't stand up to Brute Ignorance we don't won't any part of it! We like our stuff "Buffalo" Tuff, All-American '57 Cadillac Tuff, something weighty and that will stand lot's of abuse! Btw, thanks for the review.