Has anyone else had this issue? Bike has 1600 miles on it. I rode in to work this morning with absolutely no issues. I got out of work around 6:30 and went down to my bike, which was parked in the MC parking inside a garage with an attendant. I had trouble fitting the key all the way down into the cylinder, and once i did get it all the way down, it wouldn't turn. It was stuck in the wheel lock position (with the wheel turned all the way to the left). I actually bent the key a little as i was jerking the key back and forth trying to free the lock. I tried for 20 minutes, tapping the key, the lock, anything i could think of but it wouldn't budge. I tried the key into the seat lock and gas tank to make sure the key hadn't been damaged, but they popped right open. Even after the ride home, the cylinder won't move more than a few degrees each way.
I'm not sure if i should suspect foul play, but I can't see any marks anywhere - no screwdriver marks, nothing. Exactly as I left it.
Second, does anyone have any idea if the entire lock can be serviced, or replaced? I will take the bike over to the stealership while I have the trailer rented but I would like to know going in if they are BS'ing me or not.
I had this problem with my bike and spoke to the dealer. You need to lubricate the lock by spraying some WD40 or similar lubricant into it. I did this with mine and it solved the problem.
My key has a narrow section near the base and turning the seat lock over zealously tends to twist the key. This caused it to start jamming in the ignition and making it difficult to turn. Check that your key is not twisted, as well as lube
I also run any key under a wire wheel briefly, although in this case that's probably not the case but wouldn't hurt. I don't like using the fork lock, and use a disc-brake lock.
Sorry it happened, good luck.
I tried the lube with no luck. I'm at the locksmith who says it doesn't look like it was messed with so that makes me feel a little better. Guess I will stop using the fork lock and switch to a disc. At least then it wouldn't have taken three guys to get her into a trailer. Looks like a replacement lock set is about $250. Not clear how difficult it would be to install. Hopefully the locksmith can save it.
Lock-Ease works wonders, it is graphite spray made to make your key lock's life easier. http://www.ebay.com/...=item48434b2ae1
I have a spray can of this stuff and use it in all of my motorcycle key locks.
So the locksmith ended up making a steel copy of my key, and turning it with some pliers and the lock broke free. He doesn't think anyone messed with it. Said one of the disks was just binding. I tried the fork lock again and it seemed to work, but I feel something grinding a little in there. I ordered Lock-Ease - thank you for the suggestion. Hopefully I can just keep it ultra lubed and it will keep working.
The price for all this? A Merry Christmas and a handshake :) not even a charge for the key. $15 for the trailer rental, and I feel super lucky. Thanks for all the suggestions!
Graphite..... works great but when using it in a key hole like our ingition (straight up and down with no exit point at the bottom) over using could result in a build-up which may not allow the key to reach all the way though to the end(though time). Use sparingly.
had a similar problem with my 2010 vfr1200 (4000 miles) key was very hard to enter into cylinder ... one time the key spun 360 deg around while half way in...another time key came out with engine running....dealer made note of issue said they would replace lock set if problem continues...graphite helps a lot,no prob since..key still tricky to insert had 50 amp main fuse blow Honda wouldn't warranty, @1500 mi ,said i reversed polarity of battery(????????) i suspect these are related
The lock was working on and off all weekend. On the positive side, I guess I can rule out an attempt to steal the bike. I put graphite in there and it helps a tiny bit, but when the lock works it clicks smoothly just like it should. When it doesnt work it feels like I'm using the wrong key. No amount of wrenching or wiggling will make it work. It's not sticky, it just won't turn at all. Checking on warranty status today.
[image: View Post]Technicolor, on 27 December 2011 - 11:22 AM, said:
The lock was working on and off all weekend. On the positive side, I guess I can rule out an attempt to steal the bike. I put graphite in there and it helps a tiny bit, but when the lock works it clicks smoothly just like it should. When it doesnt work it feels like I'm using the wrong key. No amount of wrenching or wiggling will make it work. It's not sticky, it just won't turn at all. Checking on warranty status today. Have you buffed the key on a wire wheel yet?
Yes, as well as tried two other keys. The buffed key is pretty polished and feels a little smoother inserting in the lock, but it still binds. It feels defective and I think I'm going to have to replace it. It has a dual personality. When it wants to turn it is smooth like a Swiss watch. When it decides to jam it feels like I'm using the wrong key. It goes in and there is one degree of play, but it just won't turn
2316 miles and mine just started acting up today. I used some creeper oil and freed it immediately. Didn't get any on the paint...hope that's all I have to worry about.
End of thread · 21 posts recoveredWayback Machine snapshot 27 Jun 2012