I have been busy working on body work while waiting for the weather to get out of the 30s.
My VFR 700 came with two keys. I guess someone apparently replaced the ignition lock leaving mis-matched keys in gas cap and seat latch.
I decided to remove the locking mechanism from both of the accessory locks. The tank cap comes off with the removal of the back two and front screw. I used the key to unlock it from the tank. On my workbench I noticed a retaining ring under the rubber washer that had to be turned about a 1/4 turn to remove it. Next there were 3 small machine screws that needed to be removed. This allowed the lock structure to be accessed. I turned the key and the lock came out. I removed all of key way pins, they were just bits of sheet metal. Now any key that fits the slot can turn it. I then assembled the parts in reverse order. Now my key or even a screwdriver can open the gas cap. Yet it looks completely stock.
The seat lock came next. The manufacturer had headless machine screws holding the seat/helmet lock in place. I slotted them with a dremel and removed them. The lock was riveted together so I dremeled them flush and pried the back lock case cover off. I then took out the two metal arms that are activated the by the lock cam ring below it. I removed the cam. Now the two arms were put back in and a small weld was made between them. I reassembled the lock housing, hooking up the cable to the top control arm. The front and back case of the lock are just sandwiched between the new 6mm mounting bolts upon reassembly. To open it now, the helmet lock control arm is just pulled down and the seat unlatches.
I'd take a photo of what it looks like but it looks stock, I doubt if I will be a target for theft or fuel. Bike theft could be a possibility so I have retained the ignition key. 35 years ago I disconnected my ignition lock on my Triumph Tiger after it was killed by vibration. The Ignition lock on this Honda is a multipole switch so it must stay.
My VFR 700 came with two keys. I guess someone apparently replaced the ignition lock leaving mis-matched keys in gas cap and seat latch.
I decided to remove the locking mechanism from both of the accessory locks. The tank cap comes off with the removal of the back two and front screw. I used the key to unlock it from the tank. On my workbench I noticed a retaining ring under the rubber washer that had to be turned about a 1/4 turn to remove it. Next there were 3 small machine screws that needed to be removed. This allowed the lock structure to be accessed. I turned the key and the lock came out. I removed all of key way pins, they were just bits of sheet metal. Now any key that fits the slot can turn it. I then assembled the parts in reverse order. Now my key or even a screwdriver can open the gas cap. Yet it looks completely stock.
The seat lock came next. The manufacturer had headless machine screws holding the seat/helmet lock in place. I slotted them with a dremel and removed them. The lock was riveted together so I dremeled them flush and pried the back lock case cover off. I then took out the two metal arms that are activated the by the lock cam ring below it. I removed the cam. Now the two arms were put back in and a small weld was made between them. I reassembled the lock housing, hooking up the cable to the top control arm. The front and back case of the lock are just sandwiched between the new 6mm mounting bolts upon reassembly. To open it now, the helmet lock control arm is just pulled down and the seat unlatches.
I'd take a photo of what it looks like but it looks stock, I doubt if I will be a target for theft or fuel. Bike theft could be a possibility so I have retained the ignition key. 35 years ago I disconnected my ignition lock on my Triumph Tiger after it was killed by vibration. The Ignition lock on this Honda is a multipole switch so it must stay.