Ignition is sticking, steering lock stuck on

MedicalBiker · Two Stroke Sniffer Joined: 03 Feb 2016 Karma :

I've found the issue is worse when it's cold/wet but sometimes my key won't turn in the ignition, and I'm stuck for 5 mins trying to get the steering lock off.

Guy at the garage suggested some WD40 down the slot, other things I've read have included heating the key. Does anybody have any other idea? I've currently got the WD40 sitting in the lock.

The key does turn eventually with a lot of removal and reinsertion and jiggling of the handle bars but it's a major PITA

P.addy · Red Rocket Joined: 14 Feb 2008 Karma :

Is it a Suzuki or Yamaha? Both of those for me have needed a serious wiggle wiggle.

Get some graphite and rub over the key.

MedicalBiker · Two Stroke Sniffer Joined: 03 Feb 2016 Karma :

It's the 3rd option, a Honda.

Is that to dislodge anything that could be in the barrel? Any ideas on where I could purchase some?

Rogerborg · nimbA Joined: 26 Oct 2010 Karma :

stinkwheel · Bovine Proctologist Joined: 12 Jul 2004 Karma :

This the one that blew over? Was the steering lock on when it blew over?

Could have bent the lock pin or damaged the hole in the yoke the pin goes into. In which case it might need taking apart and fixing or a new lock.

Don't put graphite in ignition locks. I used to too but it can get into the switchgear and is conductive.

Use silicone spray to lubricate an ignition lock.
____________________
“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

MedicalBiker · Two Stroke Sniffer Joined: 03 Feb 2016 Karma :

It's the same bike yes, although this was a problem before the fall too. Just thought seeing as I'm about to get a tool set and torque wrench I may as well go about doing all the DIY I can whilst I'm off.

I have some silicone lube that came with my Arai helmet, is that as effective as silicone spray?

Bought the new indicator today so will try and fit that tomorrow once i've picked up https://www.halfords.com/workshop-tools/tools/hand-tools/halfords-professional-torque-wrench-8-60nm

and

https://www.halfords.com/workshop-tools/tools/socket-sets/halfords-advanced-professional-170-piece-socket-ratchet-spanner-set

chris-red · Have you considered a TDM? Joined: 21 Sep 2005 Karma :

mudcow007 · World Chat Champion Joined: 01 Feb 2012 Karma :

stanley knife (other knives are available) an scrape the life outta a pencil

That will give you loadsa graphite dust?

DrSnoosnoo · World Chat Champion Joined: 28 Mar 2012 Karma :

Wonko The Sane · World Chat Champion Joined: 20 Jan 2013 Karma :

My kawasaki can be a bit temperamental with the steering lock,

not pushing the key in while doing it is the trick for me as it's possible to push it too far into the lock.

GT85 helps
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MedicalBiker · Two Stroke Sniffer Joined: 03 Feb 2016 Karma :

Rogerborg · nimbA Joined: 26 Oct 2010 Karma :

So we're clear, a steering lock will hold up a bike thief for perhaps four seconds, or if they're being super careful as many as 13.

Anybody who wants your bike isn't going to be stopped by a steering lock.
____________________
Biking is 1/20th as dangerous as horse riding.
GONE: HN125-8, LF-250B, GPz 305, GPZ 500S, Burgman 400 // RIDING: F650GS (800 twin), Royal Enfield Bullet Electra 500 AVL, Ninja 250R because racebike

P.addy · Red Rocket Joined: 14 Feb 2008 Karma :

Indeed. Exactly why I've not bothered replacing my ignition.

MedicalBiker · Two Stroke Sniffer Joined: 03 Feb 2016 Karma :

So the two of you don't use the steering lock at all? Just turn to off and then turn the bars?

I thought about it, also the fact that a broken steering lock will bend and bugger the bars. Haven't brought myself to leave the lock off yet though.

Just as a side bar, I'm struggling to find places on the bike to run the chain through to lock it up at night, I'm doing that pathetic chain through the back wheel. Where on earth on a cbf can I lock the wheel to the frame? The gap under the top box rack is too small
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Currently riding: 2010 Honda CBF 125

Rogerborg · nimbA Joined: 26 Oct 2010 Karma :

I only use the steering lock as an alternative to using literally nothing else. When popping into a shop for a few minutes, for example.

Can you get your chain through the rear footpeg hangar? If not, can you get your lock around both that and the chain? I use a huge shackle lock on the Beemer and can actually get it round a chassis tube with enough room to slip a ~~13mm~~ 16mm chain loop on it as well.
____________________
Biking is 1/20th as dangerous as horse riding.
GONE: HN125-8, LF-250B, GPz 305, GPZ 500S, Burgman 400 // RIDING: F650GS (800 twin), Royal Enfield Bullet Electra 500 AVL, Ninja 250R because racebike

P.addy · Red Rocket Joined: 14 Feb 2008 Karma :

CaNsA · Super Spammer Joined: 02 Jan 2008 Karma :

Silicone spray.

Flood the ignition with it.

Enjoy a simple life.

stirlinggaz · World Chat Champion Joined: 22 Jul 2007 Karma :

hi,
i use the steeing lock all the time, not because i think it would stop any potential thief, but because its 1 of the 1st questions asked by insurance co.'s when a bike is stolen.... i'd hate to think what their response would be if the answer to that question waS "nope, steering lock not used cos cba'd"....

on a side note, that torque wrench looks nice (i like tools..ooh er..) & i'd be interested in any reviews.

cheers,
GAZ

P.addy · Red Rocket Joined: 14 Feb 2008 Karma :

Rogerborg · nimbA Joined: 26 Oct 2010 Karma :

stirlinggaz · World Chat Champion Joined: 22 Jul 2007 Karma :

maybe im just too honest....(or a wummin) & as much as i hate the insurace cartel, dishonesty is 1 of the reasons they claim premiums keep increasing, so why contribute to this?

& its DEFINITELY (well certainly was last time i looked) a clause in my carole nash fc policy where it states the steering lock MUST be engaged (in the event of a theft claim) or a further excess of £500 will apply on top of any voluntary excess (£250) AND compulsory excess (£100).
that would be 850 quid lost cos i couldnt cba'd to engage the steering lock & decided to be honest.
f*ck that!

cheers,
GAZ

P.addy · Red Rocket Joined: 14 Feb 2008 Karma :

Problem with insurance is they rinse the max out of you and offer a basic bit of paper back that you may or may not claim on each year, its one massive bucket of cash.

I'd rather get the most out of them for the smallest amount, all insurance companies want is money.

CBFcarl · Nearly there... Joined: 29 Oct 2013 Karma :

stinkwheel · Bovine Proctologist Joined: 12 Jul 2004 Karma :

Had (including ones that were stolen more than once) 8 bikes stolen.

Got 6 of the bikes back. 5 had broken ignition locks.

I leave the keys in them in my garage so if it's stolen and turns up again, I don't have to replace switchgear/handlebars/ignition locks.

Claimed for one of them. Wish I hadn't. Felt like being robbed a second time.
____________________
“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.