Potentially Stupid Newbie Post on System Case Locks

KeithC · Post by **KeithC** » Sat Nov 10, 2007 5:25 pm

I bought a set of used system cases, and, after keying the locks to my ignition key, I have the following "issue." I can only remove the key from the locks when the locks are locked. When I think about the design of the locks, it seems like you should be able to remove the key with the lock in either the locked or unlocked position. I got to thinking, though, that maybe the locks are designed such that you can only remove the key in the locked position, but the manual for the cases says nothing about this. So my question is does the case lock, in fact, allow key removal with the lock in either position-locked or unlocked. (It seems like that would be a lot more convenient.) And, if so, what might my problem be.

Keith

Sunbeemer · Post by **Sunbeemer** » Sat Nov 10, 2007 5:34 pm

No, the cases are designed so that the key can only be removed when the cases are locked (PITTA IMHO). However, I have read soemwhere (sorry I can't remember where, but a search in the archives of this board should lead you in the right direction) that the seventh tumbler pin can be removed without compromising the security of the lock, and will allow you to remove the key in either position.

Post by **OU812** » Sat Nov 10, 2007 6:00 pm

This is true, that you must lock the bag locks to remove the key. I just leave the hard bag open and lock the keyed lock when I need it.

Post by **Boxer** » Sat Nov 10, 2007 6:12 pm

I just leave my little stubby key in the lock all the time. No one has bothered it in the 60 odd thousand miles I've been doing it, so I see no sense in worrying about it.

Well...nobody but that guy from Chicago at the Bash.

Post by **OU812** » Sun Nov 11, 2007 10:13 am

I thought I might take it, but I had not met you yet.

KeithC · Post by **KeithC** » Mon Nov 12, 2007 10:59 am

Thanks for the response, guys.

Keith

Post by **CycleRob** » Mon Nov 12, 2007 12:12 pm

KeithC,

There is a solution to this problem involving grinding down one end of all the lockplates so the key can be removed. I thought it was so cool and convenient that I did the work. Here's what happened, all bad:
1--ANY BMW key would open my bags.
2--Leaving the bag unlocked allowed the right side bag to be lost on a big road bump. It was returned 3 days later, slightly scratched, by the (married!) Baptist Minister that found it in the middle of the road.
3--That intervention of a higher power prompted me to re-order ($$) the re-keying kits and make it normal again.

KeithC · Post by **KeithC** » Mon Nov 12, 2007 1:19 pm

Good story, CycleRob. I was told once that no do-it-yourself project is worthwhile unless there's significant potential to damage something!

I like Boxer's idea of leaving the stubby key in one of the cases for convenience.

Keith

geothepencil · Post by **geothepencil** » Mon Nov 12, 2007 2:15 pm

I have always been very happy that they had to be locked to get the key out since I'm sure I would sometimes take off with the bag open for one reason or another if it didn't work that way. My new Varios cases on the GS don't work that way and I'm always looking back or feeling the case to make sure I closed it.

geo