so i am new to bikes and i don't know the correct term for the storage compartment.. but it won't open.

I look inside underneath the tail light and i think i see the problem, there is nothing connected to the key hole when it turns.. is the black cable supposed to be hooked up to it?

and how do i fix?

 

If your key isn't working you will need to disassemble your tail so you can take the rear seat off. My friend had the same problem (when turning the key the rear seat would not detach). Here are some pictures to help you from the service manual.
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Once detached you will need to reconnect the metal line to the key hole.
Good Luck!

 

yep your cable is detached. you gotta disassemble.

 

you dont have to dissasemble. I cant believe you even got a picture of it.

take a metal coat hanger, use the hook and reach up there and pull on the lock mechanism. it happens all the time. once you get the seat off, just reattach it. maybe ziptie it or something so it doenst slip back off

 

i used a hook to pull it back in place. i had to play with it for awhile. i was gonna disassemble and crack something, but i got it.

 

I've noticed the plastic screws are stripped... so I will try to grab it with something.. didn't even think of that!

 

I had the same problem on my 06. I got some J&B weld and welded the little bastard cable onto the fitting. I have not had any problem since. It seems to me that if you put a fend elim kit on, it puts the cable it a funky position and it slips off all the time.

 

I got it back on... lets hope it stays that way
thanks for the help