Varadero Bits

[Barry T]

Ralph,

This is a difficult one.  I have had a look at the problem without the seat on.

Before you try anything else, push very hard down on the back of the pillion seat whilst turning the key.   I can see that the 'hasp' on the seat could bind on the catch, stopping it opening.   The turning of the key could just be movement in the unlocking arrangement.

I found that I could snag the operating cable with a bent wire coathanger.  I suspect that a Honda Dealer may already have a bit of wire bent to the right shape and the knack of using it. It may be worth giving them a ring.

If you wish to have a go yourself, you will need a piece of wire coat hanger with a square hook on it - 2 cm across the hook with a 1 cm lip.  If you bend the other end of the wire into a handle at the same angle as the hook, you will know the position of the hook. 
The wire goes in on the nearside, between the rear light lens and the fairing.  It is only a small gap but the wire will go in if you aim the hook towards the centre of the front of the saddle.

The wire will need to go in 16 cm. - it must be very straight.   Then turn the 'handle' to the 7/8 o'clock position and pull.
If you do not catch on something solid, you will have to try again, and again and again!
If you do catch on something solid, it is either the lock or the cable - there is nothing else there to damage.
If when you pull it is very solid with no movement - or you bend the hook -  you have caught the lock.  Try moving the handle a 2mm towards the 6 o'clock position and try again.

I did manage it with the seat on, but it took a time!

The only other way I can see, is to drill  a  hole up under the mudguard, then try to force the cable back with a screwdriver.   You could always fill the hole up with hot melt glue - or a small cork!

If any of you do have a problem getting the seat to 'latch down', I suggest you give the latch and hasp a spray with some chain lubricant.

[Ralph W]

Barry,
Thanks for that. I'll report progress later.
Ralph.

[Ralph W]

Barry,
Pleased to report that your coathanger hook did the trick. I also had a diagram of the position of the cable etc from the Vara CD recently supplied by John, so the Forum strikes again. 
Ralph.