Adventure bag vacuum issue

[bizalich]

hey there:

i am wondering if anyone has come across the following problem and/or has a solution.

i have a 2007 GSA and have the Beemer factory Adventure saddlebags and topcase. i live in Colorado at about 5000 feet, and my rides regularly take me up over 10,000 foot passes. The issue is that when i get to where i am going, more times than not the lid on both the top case and the saddlebag has vacuum'ed itself shut. i am assuming this is from the super-tight tolerance and really great seal that makes the cases waterproof, but i have literally had to un-hook the cases from the bike, find a soft patch of grass, and pull with all my weight on an open latch for about 30 seconds while the bag un-pressurizes.

obviously, this is kind of a bummer. anyone else had this issue? i am considering installing some sort of petcock/valve deal, but don't want to poke a hole in my overpriced bags if i don't need to.

thanks,
Rob

[Fudmucker]

First, RTFM (read the *#@* manual).
If it don't say nothing, try cutting a small V-notch in the rubber seal...at the rear or underneath a hinge where rain won't penetrate...

[bobsquad7]

Cutting a weather strip makes me cring, . . .how about drilling a 1/16" hole somewhere on the back side where it wouldn't show, . . .then you could always plug it with a toothpick or (?) for a total weather tight seal if needed.

[rcliffor]

I agree with drilling a hole. Make it very small---1/16 is much bigger than necessary since pressure changes slowly as you ride up the mountain.

[Fudmucker]

Originally Posted by bizalich

...but don't want to poke a hole in my overpriced bags if I don't need to....

Personally, I would drill a 1mm hole in the base, but in light of the above I didn't go that route... A dab of silicone would seal it up again.

[GSADave]

Rob, I've had the same thing happen a couple of times. If it's not too much of a hassle to carry a flathead screwdriver or leatherman in a tankbag or under the seat, that will work. Simply stick it in the seal, then rotate the screwdriver. That's what I've done to get it open. You could probably find something sturdy and flat to carry on your keyring that would work as well.

Of course, drilling a hole like the others have said will work, but I'm not ready to take that step yet.

Dave