My solution to the pannier latch problem.
While on a trip in July of 2001, I found the latch open several times.
Here's my "roadside repair" solution.
Details are below the picture.
Left Side Latch
K is the key
LM is the latch on the motorcycle
W is a sliver of wood
B is the rubber bumper
LB is the latch on the bag
In this picture, the bag part of the latch is deliberately not fully seated in the bike part of the latch. Normally, LB would be sitting directly on B.
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The rubber bumper (blue) pushes the bag to the rear so that the latches interlock as in figure 1, not figure 2.
Pulling on the latch at A in figure 2 will open the latch even if locked.
Shimming out the rubber bumper tightens things up.
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Additional note:
As of December of 2003, this repair has held for over two years. Just because it would look better, I intend to (someday) remove the sliver of wood and replace it with a layer or two of self-adhesive inner tube patch material.