Topic: CB400f - removing seat without seat lock key

[lohebohi]

Does anyone have any tricks for removing a seat from a CB400f without the seat lock key?  I got the seat pins out but i am having a tough time getting the seat off.  Is there a way to release the locking mechanism or do I have to remove the two screws that hold the lock on. 

[mylittleho]

I'd like to know too.. I have a CB750 that I don't have the key for and need to remove the seat... sometime soon...

So TTT for ya!

[Geeto67]

I'd like to know too.. I have a CB750 that I don't have the key for and need to remove the seat... sometime soon...

So TTT for ya!

don't know about the 400 but the 750, you can pull the pins and tilt it up enough to get a rachet on the bolt holding the seat lock on. I don't know if the seat lock on a 400 is bolted on or not (or if it is a front tilt or not) but try tilting it to get a wrench on it. Otherwise a locksmith can pick the lock.

[lohebohi]

The CB400f hinges from the side and the seat lock is held on by two vertically oriented screws.  I cannot get a screwdriver in there.

[Geeto67]

if the 400 is anything like my 550 you should be able to just lift the seat a little from hinge side and rotate it and eventually it will pop out.  The lock pin has a ridge in it that is held by a spring loaded latch, when you rotate the pin the latch nolonger sits on the ridge and the seat is released. On cb750's the ridge is shallow enough that 9/10 times the lock will just release as you lift it up, don't know what the 400 looks like but it is worth a shot.

[Bodi]

This is a very easy lock to pick. It is a lock at least, unlike the key operated tank latches - but if you can't do it (there are lots of instructions on the web for picking pin cylinder locks and how to make the simple tools needed) any locksmith in the world will be able to open it in about 3 seconds. A locksmith can also make a key to fit or (possibly) adjust it to work with your key if you installed an aftermarket ignition lock.

[RJBour9912]

I don't have keys for 400 at all. I have been using a flat blade Craftsman screwdriver to open the tank and the seat lock. It works great. I don't think the locks are damaged at all and they open just fine with the screwdriver.

Ley me know if this works for anyone else....you shouldn't need to force it, just turn the screwdriver as if it were the key.

[cb650]

The latch is bolted to the seat and you should be able to get wrench or socket on it with the hinge pin out.



                  Terry

[78_SaltLick]

yeah i was gonna ask if you tried putting your key in there, even if its not the right one, sometimes the will fit in there enough so when you turn it it will pop it open. Those locks are weak.

[R. Hykawy]

If you have the ignition key it should work in your seat lock.When I bought my 400 it had no keys, i removed the ignition switch and took it to a lock smith. He cut me a key and it worked in the seat lock also.

[jotor]

I don't have keys for 400 at all. I have been using a flat blade Craftsman screwdriver to open the tank and the seat lock. It works great. I don't think the locks are damaged at all and they open just fine with the screwdriver.

Ley me know if this works for anyone else....you shouldn't need to force it, just turn the screwdriver as if it were the key.

I have a mismatched lock on my 550 seat and was using a screwdriver.  Finally, I ground down an old brass house key to screwdriver size so I could carry it with me.

[Kevin400F]

Since you already have the seat pins out you're almost done.  Refer to the attached pic.  Tilt the seat up as high as you can (take the right sidecover off to make sure you don't damage it) and use a wrench to remove the two hex nuts attaching the seat latch piece to the seat pan.

Hope this helps.

Kevin