Steering lock not unlocking.

[Number One]

The steering lock on the SV is sticking - what I mean is...lock and alarm upon parking up then when I return to it and try to unlock it - the key will not budge in the ignition barrel.

Seems to be getting progressively worse too. Spent almost 10 minutes in the rain this evening trying to unlock the fooker :argh:

Is it likely that I just need to get a new key cut or has anybody else also had this issue?

Thanks in advance for any helpful comments

[Stromble]

Had a similar issue with my SV1000, sprayed some CRC in the keyhole and changed to the spare key (but got a new one cut anyway) Did the trick for me.!


The steering lock on the SV is sticking - what I mean is...lock and alarm upon parking up then when I return to it and try to unlock it - the key will not budge in the ignition barrel.

Seems to be getting progressively worse too. Spent almost 10 minutes in the rain this evening trying to unlock the fooker :argh:

Is it likely that I just need to get a new key cut or has anybody else also had this issue?

Thanks in advance for any helpful comments

[Number One]

Thankyou sir.

Will try that and the original key for a few days while I sort myself out and get another key cut. Really would rather not leave it unlocked...even with the alarm

[Str8 Jacket]

Dear me S! I cant believe you of all people are not thinking 'lube'. Get some CRC chick ;)

[The Stranger]

Try graphite powder. Doesn't attract dust and grit.

[Number One]

Dear me S! I cant believe you of all people are not thinking 'lube'. Get some CRC chick ;)

I must admit I didn't for a minute think it could be something THAT simple...especially as hubby first pointed it out...BTW I wasn't having any issue with it until he said and I would've thought if it were that simple he would've tried that :shutup: I can be brave and say that cos he's asleep :lol:

[R6_kid]

I have a similar problem with my GSXR, I find pulling on the 'lower' bar, the one closest to the bike when locked, and then turning the key seems to do the trick. Relieves the pressure on the lock and makes the mechanism easier to turn.

[Nasty]

I have a similar problem with my GSXR, I find pulling on the 'lower' bar, the one closest to the bike when locked, and then turning the key seems to do the trick. Relieves the pressure on the lock and makes the mechanism easier to turn.


I have the same issue and that is what I do ... thank god someone knew the words to make it make sense ;)

[Number One]

I have a similar problem with my GSXR, I find pulling on the 'lower' bar, the one closest to the bike when locked, and then turning the key seems to do the trick. Relieves the pressure on the lock and makes the mechanism easier to turn.
THANKS for saying that!!!! I told hubby when he first told me about it that that was what I did...he said that has nothing to do with the ignition barrel so couldn't possibly help :lol: oh I feel so smug now :whistle:

[FJRider]

If you are useing the same key all the time, the edges of the key get a little worn. Then don't pick up the tumblers as easily... CRC method usually works for rusty lock barrels, work the key ...lock/unlock/lock etc. CRC does evaporate quickly. so squirt light oil or grease into the lock to stop rust/crud causing problems again. All part of regular maintainence...
have a nice day... :2thumbsup

[Number One]

Dear me S! I cant believe you of all people are not thinking 'lube'. Get some CRC chick ;)
:lol: trust YOU see I'm not that dirty after all :lol:

[thehollowmen]

I have an ignition barrel problem after somebody tried to steal it, pushing the key sideways towards the lock pins (I won't tell you which way, that's an added security feature now) is what works for me

[Skunk]

Graphite powder is the best for that so dirt and grit doesn't stick. WD40 is my next best friend.

[Number One]

I have an ignition barrel problem after somebody tried to steal it, pushing the key sideways towards the lock pins (I won't tell you which way, that's an added security feature now) is what works for me
Interesting you should say that as I notice one side of the outer bit (*this is where my girls tech speak gets a bit tricky to decipher...sorry :baby:) metal over the hole thingame, where the key goes :lol: looks like it's been tampered with...it is bent down a bit more than the other side....I wonder if I need to find a new place to stash me bike during the day.....

[FJRider]

CRC repel's water but is not a lube...for long, it evaporates to quickly.

[martybabe]

I've had this prob a few times on bikes left out in the rain. Pull back the cover on the barrel, squirt wd40 in, insert and extract key a few times, turn key gently. Job done for sure. unless it has been tampered with. :apint:

[paturoa]

Try graphite powder. Doesn't attract dust and grit.

Graphite power probably isn't a good idea with the electrics.

I have the same problem with my SV. I give it a liberal squirt of WD40/CRC and work the key several times and then a couple of drops of oil.

This lasts about 6 months and then starts to get "sticky" again.

[jrandom]

I had that issue with the Snail. Had to wiggle the key around shitloads to get anything to happen.

Coincidentally, I then managed to lose the only key I had for it. I called the locksmiths out for a replacement key. They took the opportunity to disassemble the ignition barrel and clean it out.

It was seriously full of crud, and after a cleaning and lubing everything worked perfectly.

Get your ignition barrel cleaned and lubed.

:niceone:

[Trudes]

I have a similar problem with my GSXR, I find pulling on the 'lower' bar, the one closest to the bike when locked, and then turning the key seems to do the trick. Relieves the pressure on the lock and makes the mechanism easier to turn.

+2

The Hornet also has issues with turning the key in the ignition when not on lock also.... had it replaced under warranty, but still is shitty as. We have graphite in a squeezer thing if you want to borrow some.

[cs363]

Squirt a small amount of dielectric grease down the key hole- magic stuff, non conductive so no problem with the electrics. Permatex used to make a handy little tube of it, not sure if they still do.
Pretty sure Sully could lay his hands on some.
The tip that R6Kid gave regarding pulling on the bar slightly is an oldie and a goodie :)

[=cJ=]

+1 to the WD40.

Worked a treat for me :2thumbsup:

[Number One]

Thanks everyone :niceone: I appreciate the helpful hints in light of what is likely to have been a silly question with a very simple fix. :sunny:

[munterk6]

I had a key once :innocent:

[Swoop]

CRC repel's water but is not a lube...for long, it evaporates to quickly.
CRC has nice amounts of solvent... Not only does it evaporate but it also attacks plastics, especially softer plastics found on wiring.

Inox is better.

[Pussy]

CRC has nice amounts of solvent... Not only does it evaporate but it also attacks plastics, especially softer plastics found on wiring.

Inox is better.

+1 ! Inox is good shit

[FJRider]

I had a key once :innocent:

The key to sucess is saying THANKYOU...even if you didn't get anything...
(I learnt this after dating a virgin... :whistle: )

[limbimtimwim]

Get your ignition barrel cleaned and lubed.Why do you always have to bring a conversation down to the gutter?

Seriously, jeeze..

[FJRider]

Good of you to join me here .... :msn-wink:

[jrandom]

Why do you always have to bring a conversation down to the gutter?

'Ignition barrel'.

Heh. Heh. Heh.

My eyes dilate, my lips go green
My hands are greasy
She's a mean, mean machine...

:banana:

[Pwalo]

You leave your bike out in the rain?

[Number One]

Thanks to a slow night at work for hubby the bike got a good lubing :blip: AND a clean too!

All shiny and pretty and clean wheels sparkling I got to ride to work on a sunny morning after all the rushhour traffic had cleared :niceone: Damn it was hard parking up to come to work :crybaby:

Ignition barrel is now turning like a hot knife in butter!!!!

Thanks honey :love: :hug:

[Patch]

Thanks honey :hug:
no worries


:laugh:

[ManDownUnder]

Dear me S! I cant believe you of all people are not thinking 'lube'. Get some CRC chick ;)

I was going to suggest it could be a lack of sex. Not sure how but a lot of fun to be had trying it out as a theory!... kinda related to "lube" too.

As for the lock - graphite powder, or CRC Marine (better than 556). Get a needle and open the cover and shoot CRC Marine in there, followed by a brisk (and remarkably sexual) entry and withdrawal of the key a few times.

CRC 556 does the trick too but isn't as sticky as marine so you'll need to do it more often.

[Number One]

no worries:laugh:

Silly man :laugh: ...won't need that new key after all :clap:


I was going to suggest it could be a lack of sex.

Not a chance :whistle:

OOOO I want to be out there riding...blue skies even...wonder if I have time at lunch for a tootle round the bays?:banana:

[Gremlin]

R6_kid has already told you about one of the main causes, but in general, if the bar is either hard lock, or hard against the steering lock, if may be difficult to unlock the steering lock. This can simple happen while the bike is on the sidestand, bars move around a little etc.

Normally a wiggle on the bars, to put it in the middle of the range of steering lock will allow it to be unlocked.

Lubing is another option, CRC is not exactly the best lubricant, but during winter, its excellent for getting rid of the water first, which can affect contacts etc. (Just had a contact playing up on the cb, that caused the starter to keep switching off the headlight).

[Number One]

R6_kid has already told you about one of the main causes, but in general, if the bar is either hard lock, or hard against the steering lock, if may be difficult to unlock the steering lock. This can simple happen while the bike is on the sidestand, bars move around a little etc.

Normally a wiggle on the bars, to put it in the middle of the range of steering lock will allow it to be unlocked.

Lubing is another option, CRC is not exactly the best lubricant, but during winter, its excellent for getting rid of the water first, which can affect contacts etc. (Just had a contact playing up on the cb, that caused the starter to keep switching off the headlight).


NOT a problem anymore...good lubing and blow out did the trick! Thanks anyway :niceone:

[Gremlin]

NOT a problem anymore...good lubing and blow out did the trick! Thanks anyway :niceone:
well... I was just trying to add more info... y'know, be constructive loike

hmpf, I know when I'm not wanted :crybaby:

:laugh:

[Number One]

well... I was just trying to add more info... y'know, be constructive loike

hmpf, I know when I'm not wanted :crybaby:

:laugh:
awww come here :hug: I said thanks and did the thumbs up thingame and everything :sunny:

[Fatjim]

Interesting you should say that as I notice one side of the outer bit (*this is where my girls tech speak gets a bit tricky to decipher...sorry :baby:) metal over the hole thingame, where the key goes :lol: looks like it's been tampered with...it is bent down a bit more than the other side....I wonder if I need to find a new place to stash me bike during the day.....


They're all like that.

[Number One]

Yes the man told me that when he woke up...meant to remove that post but thanks for quoting it so others could see how silly I am :rolleyes: :sunny:

[NOMIS]

Try graphite powder. Doesn't attract dust and grit.

Agree with this. or a art pencil and scrap of some filings into the lock. its what lock smiths recommend. othere wise ur key will get covered in shit using crc and will be great when yoou put them in your pocket