Seat and seat lock

The seat is a padded cover on a plastic or steel base. It is held by bolts, by hooks at the front and a key lock at the back, or by a hinge and latch on scooters. Under it are often the battery, fuses, tools and on electric bikes the battery pack.

What it does

The seat carries the rider and passenger and protects the parts under it from rain. A worn lock or broken hook lets the seat move, which is dangerous at speed. A torn cover lets water into the foam, so it stays wet and rots the base.

Signs it is worn or failing

• Seat moves, lock will not catch, or key will not turn: Seat is loose or the seat lock does not work.
• Rattle from the seat: Rattling from panels.
• Water under the seat causing electrical faults: Electrical faults after rain.

When to replace it

Replace a cracked base, broken hooks or a lock that will not hold. Recover a torn cover before the foam gets soaked.

What to match when buying

• Make, model and year. Hook and bolt positions must match the frame.
• Locks come with keys; some bikes use one key for ignition, seat and tank. A single lock may need a new key set.
• Covers: buy for your model so they fit the base.

Fitting notes

• Lightly oil the lock and latch.
• Push down after fitting and pull up hard to check it is locked.
• See Check chassis fasteners and Find and fix rattles.
• Seat fixings vary: tool box, bolts at the rear, lever or key latch, push button or hinge. If the seat will not come off, see Remove the seat when you cannot find how.
• Where a rod or cable links both latch sides, check that both release. They can stretch or break.

Reference (K-Light 125)