Sticky motorcycle ignition key

[sapstar]

I got my bike a month ago. All has been well to yesterday. But since yesterday morning, I noticed that the ignition key became quite sticky. I am able to push the keys in, but struggling to turn them. After trying for a few mins I am eventually able to turn the ignition on.

I tried the spare key today as I thought the other may have worn, but again it's the same problem. The key works fine on petrol tank and unlocking the seat. Can I just use subs wd40 or gt85 on the ignition?
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First/Current Bike - Kawasaki ER-6N

[WD Forte]

Sticking the nozzle of a say wd40 can down the lock and giving it a good flush might wash any debris fouling the tumblers out
wont do any harm.
If it's still sticky, you may have to fit a new switch or barrel to be on the safe side.
I changed a lock set on a YBR recently and it wasn't expensive so would hope a set for ER wont be.
Removing the old lock was the hardest part due to the security screws
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bikers smell of wee

[Riejufixing]

Sounds like wear or stuff glueing up the lock. Try for a quick fix dropping some white spirit or similar solvent in, then try the key. Don't force it, it could be damaged. If it's better, clean it out properly with more solvent, give it a blast with an air line if you've got one, then lubricate it with some graphite (e.g. from a pencil, you don't need a lot) If it's not better you might have to do something else, but try that first.

[stinkwheel]

[Polarbear]

^^^ Good shout re the glue in the lock^^^
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Triumph Trophy Launch Edition

[Nobby the Bastard]

It could be a worn key. Do you have a spare?
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trevor saxe-coburg-gotha:"Remember this simple rule - scooters are for men who like to feel the breeze on their huge, flapping cunt lips."
Triumph Sprint ST 1050

[sapstar]

[sapstar]

[Riejufixing]

[Riejufixing]

[sapstar]

[Pigeon]

[stinkwheel]

[jaffa90]

Many years ago i used sticky backed velcro on the top yoke and a rubber flap (old inner tube) , lift the flap stick the key in, the flap directed the rain over the key & barrel.

[JackButler]

If you need to wiggle & jiggle your key to turn it then pushing the key forward usually allows you to turn.

It's actually WD40 that usually causes this & locksmiths love it, keeps 'em real busy. When the solvent in WD40 dries off, it leaves a shellac like gunge behind.

Spray WD40 into an ignition barrel & it will wash away the grease the manufacturer put in there. It will make the tumblers sticky as well as blocking the water drain hole. The classic sign WD40 has been used is the little flap over the key hole sticking open.

By using WD40 after it caused the problem all you are doing is temporarily dissolving the gunge only for it to solidify again.

The tumblers are made of brass which is softer than the steel of the key, over a period of time you will eventually wear down the tumblers & you will always have to push the key forwards to turn it.

Solution is to strip the lock & clean those tumblers. If you wipe grease on do it only to the outside of the tumbler barrel, otherwise you get a pocket full of grease everytime you put the key away. You can use a wet grease but most pro locksmiths will use a graphite or sillicone grease.

It's important that the drain hole is clear & the path through the barrel is free for any water to flow straight out & not collect in the barrel.

Please stop spraying WD40 down your ignition barrels.
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I clean my guns with the tears of the snivelling, left wing scum.

[recman]

I just give my ignition a bit of a waz with contact cleaner from time to time and the key gets a drop of 3 in 1.
In, turn on and off a few times, out, wipe key, job jobbed.