Steering lock not unlocking.

**Number One** · 4th August 2008, 17:37

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

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** · 4th August 2008, 17:45

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.!

Originally Posted by 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

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** · 4th August 2008, 17:46

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** · 4th August 2008, 17:47

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

**The Stranger:Me** · 4th August 2008, 17:48

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

**Number One** · 4th August 2008, 17:51

Originally Posted by Str8 Jacket

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

I can be brave and say that cos he's asleep

**R6_kid:Me** · 4th August 2008, 17:51

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** · 4th August 2008, 17:52

Originally Posted by 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.

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

**Number One** · 4th August 2008, 17:53

Originally Posted by 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.

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

oh I feel so smug now

**FJRider** · 4th August 2008, 17:56

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...

**Number One** · 4th August 2008, 17:57

Originally Posted by Str8 Jacket

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

trust YOU see I'm not that dirty after all

**thehollowmen** · 4th August 2008, 18:07

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** · 4th August 2008, 18:08

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

**Number One** · 4th August 2008, 18:09

Originally Posted by 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

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

) metal over the hole thingame, where the key goes

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.....