Steering Lock Doesn't Work

After lurking here for over a year, I finally purchased a VFR! I'm the proud new owner of a 2003 in bright red with 18,000 miles. WooHoo!

The bike has been well cared for and is immaculate. I found one issue that I failed to test before making the purchase...the steering lock doesn't seem to work. After reading about a similar problem, I made sure the forks turn all the way to the stops. I jiggled the key, lubed the key switch with WD-40 and tried different handlebar positions to no avail. The only key the seller had was a "curtis" copy - I don't have an original Honda key, nor the code. Could the copied key be the issue or is it more likely the switch mechanism itself?

I guess the next troubleshooting step would be to remove the ignition switch and see if it operates off the bike?

Congrats on the purchase, and welcome. :beer:

I have no idea about that problem, it's a new one to me.
All I know is you need another key. :idea3:

[image: View Post]ksteele, on Apr 19 2009, 07:27 PM, said:

After lurking here for over a year, I finally purchased a VFR! I'm the proud new owner of a 2003 in bright red with 18,000 miles. WooHoo!

The bike has been well cared for and is immaculate. I found one issue that I failed to test before making the purchase...the steering lock doesn't seem to work. After reading about a similar problem, I made sure the forks turn all the way to the stops. I jiggled the key, lubed the key switch with WD-40 and tried different handlebar positions to no avail. The only key the seller had was a "curtis" copy - I don't have an original Honda key, nor the code. Could the copied key be the issue or is it more likely the switch mechanism itself?

I guess the next troubleshooting step would be to remove the ignition switch and see if it operates off the bike?

IF the key is a good copy, you might be able to figure the code out for it. It would really suck to have to get new ignition, gas latch, and seat removal latch because of a bad copy.

I used to work at a hardware store and we'd re-key locks all of the time, sometimes pins will catch when you turn the key one way but not the other. Sounds like your key is close enough to turn the bike on, but one of the pins is sticking when you lock it.

Does anyone know which pins the steering lock uses? You push it down, so I would guess it's one of the bottom few pins.

Only thing I could suggest is to make a bunch of cheap copies and maybe, maybe you can grind the ends down a tiny bit and it might work, but it's a real long shot. You'd be better off trying to get a new key from a stealership.

You should be able to get the code off the bottom of the gas cap. Check it out and see if your local dealer will get you a new key. Hope that's all it is! BTW, taking the ignition off is a PITA. You need a Torx and they are seriously lock tighted in there. The code will be stamped on the bottom of the ignition, as well, should you decide to take it off anyway.

Are you turning your handle bars all the way over to the side? Check make sure that nothing is in the way. On mine, it won't lock unless its all the way over.

[image: View Post]ksteele, on Apr 19 2009, 07:27 PM, said:

After lurking here for over a year, I finally purchased a VFR! I'm the proud new owner of a 2003 in bright red with 18,000 miles. WooHoo!

The bike has been well cared for and is immaculate. I found one issue that I failed to test before making the purchase...the steering lock doesn't seem to work. After reading about a similar problem, I made sure the forks turn all the way to the stops. I jiggled the key, lubed the key switch with WD-40 and tried different handlebar positions to no avail. The only key the seller had was a "curtis" copy - I don't have an original Honda key, nor the code. Could the copied key be the issue or is it more likely the switch mechanism itself?

I guess the next troubleshooting step would be to remove the ignition switch and see if it operates off the bike?

Hi; I have a 2006..experienced the same problem when the bike was still under warranty. Boy, Oh Boy!!!..is this ever frustrating. I tried everything, including putting light lube (Jig-a-Loo) down the lock cylinder. After 2 hours of jiggling the key around in the lock cylinder I finally got the steering lock unlocked and drove the bike home. Talked to the dealers service department manager and he said that they have had this problem with other customers bikes (Honda and otherwise). Apparently the ignition switch lock cylinder can jam or not operate properly due to lack of lubrication. As previously mentionned I tried a solvent based lube like WD-40 and this did not cure the problem...it was only after I used a graphite based lube that the lock started functionning properly. I have now put this maintenance item on my preventative servicing list; one (1) shot of "graphite lube" every oil change...I know what your thinking, but, in my case it worked...and that was 2 years ago (no problems since). Good luck

Ride Safe, Be Safe

[image: View Post]KPerham, on Apr 20 2009, 05:45 AM, said:

You should be able to get the code off the bottom of the gas cap. Check it out and see if your local dealer will get you a new key. Hope that's all it is! BTW, taking the ignition off is a PITA. You need a Torx and they are seriously lock tighted in there. The code will be stamped on the bottom of the ignition, as well, should you decide to take it off anyway.

Unless I'm missing it, I didn't see a code on the bottom of the gas cap.

[image: View Post]alwaysaware, on Apr 20 2009, 09:10 AM, said:

Are you turning your handle bars all the way over to the side? Check make sure that nothing is in the way. On mine, it won't lock unless its all the way over.

Yes, the bars are turning freely and hitting the stops. I've tried backing them off a bit as well.

[image: View Post]jeffy, on Apr 20 2009, 09:52 AM, said:

[image: View Post]ksteele, on Apr 19 2009, 07:27 PM, said:

After lurking here for over a year, I finally purchased a VFR! I'm the proud new owner of a 2003 in bright red with 18,000 miles. WooHoo!

The bike has been well cared for and is immaculate. I found one issue that I failed to test before making the purchase...the steering lock doesn't seem to work. After reading about a similar problem, I made sure the forks turn all the way to the stops. I jiggled the key, lubed the key switch with WD-40 and tried different handlebar positions to no avail. The only key the seller had was a "curtis" copy - I don't have an original Honda key, nor the code. Could the copied key be the issue or is it more likely the switch mechanism itself?

I guess the next troubleshooting step would be to remove the ignition switch and see if it operates off the bike?

Hi; I have a 2006..experienced the same problem when the bike was still under warranty. Boy, Oh Boy!!!..is this ever frustrating. I tried everything, including putting light lube (Jig-a-Loo) down the lock cylinder. After 2 hours of jiggling the key around in the lock cylinder I finally got the steering lock unlocked and drove the bike home. Talked to the dealers service department manager and he said that they have had this problem with other customers bikes (Honda and otherwise). Apparently the ignition switch lock cylinder can jam or not operate properly due to lack of lubrication. As previously mentionned I tried a solvent based lube like WD-40 and this did not cure the problem...it was only after I used a graphite based lube that the lock started functionning properly. I have now put this maintenance item on my preventative servicing list; one (1) shot of "graphite lube" every oil change...I know what your thinking, but, in my case it worked...and that was 2 years ago (no problems since). Good luck

Ride Safe, Be Safe

I cleaned out the ignition switch with brake clean to remove any WD-40 and I'm letting it dry. Tomorrow I will try the graphite...did you use liquid or dry powder?

[image: View Post]ksteele, on Apr 20 2009, 07:46 PM, said:

[image: View Post]jeffy, on Apr 20 2009, 09:52 AM, said:

[image: View Post]ksteele, on Apr 19 2009, 07:27 PM, said:

After lurking here for over a year, I finally purchased a VFR! I'm the proud new owner of a 2003 in bright red with 18,000 miles. WooHoo!

The bike has been well cared for and is immaculate. I found one issue that I failed to test before making the purchase...the steering lock doesn't seem to work. After reading about a similar problem, I made sure the forks turn all the way to the stops. I jiggled the key, lubed the key switch with WD-40 and tried different handlebar positions to no avail. The only key the seller had was a "curtis" copy - I don't have an original Honda key, nor the code. Could the copied key be the issue or is it more likely the switch mechanism itself?

I guess the next troubleshooting step would be to remove the ignition switch and see if it operates off the bike?

Hi; I have a 2006..experienced the same problem when the bike was still under warranty. Boy, Oh Boy!!!..is this ever frustrating. I tried everything, including putting light lube (Jig-a-Loo) down the lock cylinder. After 2 hours of jiggling the key around in the lock cylinder I finally got the steering lock unlocked and drove the bike home. Talked to the dealers service department manager and he said that they have had this problem with other customers bikes (Honda and otherwise). Apparently the ignition switch lock cylinder can jam or not operate properly due to lack of lubrication. As previously mentionned I tried a solvent based lube like WD-40 and this did not cure the problem...it was only after I used a graphite based lube that the lock started functionning properly. I have now put this maintenance item on my preventative servicing list; one (1) shot of "graphite lube" every oil change...I know what your thinking, but, in my case it worked...and that was 2 years ago (no problems since). Good luck

Ride Safe, Be Safe

I cleaned out the ignition switch with brake clean to remove any WD-40 and I'm letting it dry. Tomorrow I will try the graphite...did you use liquid or dry powder?

I'm sure that you were pushing the key down while turning to the lock position.


Finally sunny here, out for a ride.