Think I might have to break my steering lock......

[GhostRider]

Well, on monday I lost my only set of keys to my motorbike at work.

Have had a locksmith out who attempted to forge a key that would fit the ignition, and whilst he successfully got it to work in the seat cover and petrol cap, after 3 and a half hours it just wasnt happening in the ignition.

He says he'll come back today and probably resort to removing the ignition barrel and either taking it apart and making a key to it or use the key code if its printed on the base of the barrel.

Thing is my steering lock was on, and I dont see how he's going to be able to get to the second bolt in the position its currently in to remove the ignition barrel.
In addition, depending on what time he comes depends on whether the job gets done today, and as a consequence whether my bike spends another night outside which im very against doing as the area isnt the best.

Therefore, Im either going to have to break the steering lock so that he can remove the ignition barrel, or break it anyway to wheel the bloody thing home so at least then I know its safe, if somewhat out of action until I can afford to fix the problem.

What im asking is.... is there a 'proper' way to do this? Im gathering its just a matter of applying enough torque, but I dont want to mess up my bike any further, and any ideas on how much it would cost to replace the steering lock, if at all possible??

GhostRider
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I have all the characteristics of a human being: blood, flesh, skin, hair; but not a single, clear, identifiable emotion, except for greed and disgust. Something horrible is happening inside of me and I don't know why. My nightly bloodlust has overflown into my days. I feel lethal, on the verge of frenzy. I think my mask of sanity is about to slip.

[the grim reaper]

Do NOT break your steering lock. Depending on the bike, the steering lock will operate in one of a number of ways but most of these involve a rod inserted into the frame by the turning mechanism of the lock.

If you break the steering lock, you risk damaging the frame and even jamming it so that the locksmith has an even more difficult job in trying to get a key to fit.

Far cheaper would be to drill the ignition barrell out or hammer a screwdriver down it and use molgrips to turn the screwdriver like a key would. You'll wreck the ignition but that is cheaper than damaging the frame.

Remember to take your documentation with you in case the Police turn up while you are trying to release your bike. You don't want to end up in a cell for the night.

Cheers

Grim
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Adverts don't always work: Remember that advert, where the army are running across the desert and they have a wounded man on a stretcher. They get to a ravine, the bridge is down and a caption pops up that says, 'What are you thinking?'. I don't know about you but I was thinking, 'Christ, I'm glad I'm not in the f***ing army'.

[GhostRider]

Ahhh ok then,

Im just at my wits end as the locksmith is the only one of about 20 that I;ve called thats actually said he's able to do it, plus its costing me a feckin bomb already, so am kinda getting desperate, hasty and not thinking too far ahead at the moment.

Thanks,

GhostRider
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I have all the characteristics of a human being: blood, flesh, skin, hair; but not a single, clear, identifiable emotion, except for greed and disgust. Something horrible is happening inside of me and I don't know why. My nightly bloodlust has overflown into my days. I feel lethal, on the verge of frenzy. I think my mask of sanity is about to slip.

[Wafer_Thin_Ham]

[the grim reaper]

[veeeffarr]

- you break steering lock
- the broken steering lock jams back on mid corner

[Ben.]

get frame number, etc, take all your documents to a dealer and they should be able to cut you a new key...
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Race bike - R6
Road bike - sv650

[NSR Mick]

And once you get it all sorted you'll find your keys.
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If you dont like the way that I ride.......Stop trying to keep up!!!