Steering lock

[aussie]

The steering lock on my bike does not work....the key fits, but that's as far as it goes - it certainly does not turn in any way shape or form. Anyone out there have any ideas as to what may be happening? How difficult is it to remove and if necessary, replace?

Cheers
Tim

[tagordon]

It is probably just really dirty.
You can clean it with some carb or brake cleaner.
Squirt, blow it out, repeat until you can push it in.
It works by pushing it and then turning the key.
Have to line it up just right to be able to push the lock in.
Once it is operating use lock lube - graphite powder.
Or, I have found Dupont teflon lube works also.

Both my bikes had crap in the works that had to be cleaned out.
I fixed 'em just 'cause they did't work.
I personally hate the fork locks.
They are relatively easy to break by thieves.

[balibeemer]

My experiences with this item are as follows.

1. Prise off the rivet that holds the cover in place.
2. Spray a lot of WD 40 into the lock
3. Remove the lock by putting the key into it and wiggling it out. .
4. Dump the entire assembly into a small jar of brake fluid and allow to soak overnight
5. Wash the assembly in solvent after soaking and dry with an airhose.
6. Try the key in the assembly. It should now turn the lower tumbler, if not, persevere - GENTLY!
7. When all is working, lube with graphite ( I use ground up pencil leads!) replace the lock, and the cover. Tap the rivet back.
8. If you do lock the steering  - DON'T FORGET THAT YOU HAVE DONE SO!

[drewboid]

Sometimes some of the locks have been replaced when keys were lost and the new key will not fit all the locks.  Occasionally copied keys are off and you may have to back it off from being fully inserted. If it is the wrong key the cylinder will have to be removed.
I have had success taking the bike to a locksmith and having him pick the lock. This perserves the cylinder and will allow him to re-key it to match your existing key. The cylinder can also be drilled out - new cylinders are available. However - first try to flood the key way with a solvent / lubricant - WD40 of the like. This should wash out any grime or grit. If the key is the right one it should rotate about 45 degrees counter-clockwise and then hit a stop. The cylinder can then be pushed in - you may have to wiggle the forks back and forth to allow the cylinder to slide into the proper hole in the fork.
If you choose to have it picked remove the cover and rivet and tell the locksmith that the key rotates counterclockwise and is spring loaded to return to the normal position.
Try this website for additional information on fork locks
http://benchmarkworks.com/articles/howto/lock.htm
Vech is wonderful to deal with and his website a font of information.
good luck.

[Lucky_Lou]

they are reletavely cheap to replace
http://www.motorworks.co.uk/bmw/products/large_image.php?p=STA43274&desc=
#12 pounds uk + postage
Lou

[aussie]

Thanks Gentlemen - I'll let you know how it goes.

Cheers

[aussie]

OK - I've squirted a LOT of WD40 into the lock and I've pried the cover off ...but for the life of me I can't get the lock out. I've had a look at Vech's site and also Duane's. I don't really want to drill it out, but it sure as heck ain't going to come out 'easily' as far as I can tell. I'm assuming that the key actually is the originally for the lock, but I can't guarantee it...

Any further ideas?

Cheers

[steve hawkins]

Here is a bit of a stupid question...

Why do you need it?  

They are not much good when working.  I would rather have a lock and chain - if it is a security thing, but otherwise - steering locks can be broken.

The one on my R65 won't work either and the the one on my R100 I have not even bothered trying yet.  

I personally would not lose any sleep over it.

[aussie]

The really simple answer Steve is just because I want things to work.  

The other part of the answer is that it is just another part of deterring a would be thief - a little harder to push in a straight line.

I've been a little slack and only have a really basic chain - but am about to buy a disk lock.

The link below is really interesting and a little depressing about locking up your pride and joy. The Almax Series 3 chain is apparently really good (has never been cropped) - but it weighs a ton.

http://au.youtube.com/watch?v=VC3hFr8p2ck&feature=related

[Lucky_Lou]

Had to drill mine out no big deal but i had allready stripped the forks and yolk off so no probs with swarfe gettin where it shouldnt
Lou

[nhmaf]

I don't bother with mine - I think it still has crud in there from 20 years ago.

The problem with those steering locks, is they aren't visible, so it is also very possible that you might forget about it one day and end up with your bike on the ground.
They also aren't that strong - a good hard SNAP of the handlebars usually provides enough leverage to break the internal pin, and the thief can just wheel the bike away.

I think having the visual deterrent (and reminder for us aging forgetful types) of a good chain or cable and lock dissuades the casual thief, and at least seriously slows down the accomplished thief.   Though with 3 or 4 big guys and a van they can certainly walk off with any bike they want, except maybe a Goldwing - only its sheer size gives it protection - like a shark coming up on a blue whale...

[drewboid]

Most locks will only keep "honest" people honest. A determined thief can defeat most anything.  Or the bike can be lifted up and toted away. Skate boards also defeat both fork and disk locks.

A fork lock is convenient. You notice it is engaged when you try to straighten the handle bars before you move off. Disk locks or chains don't give you that chance (DAMHIK).  It is also a nice feeling to know everything is working as it should.

Contact a local locksmith to see if he can pick it. I've had two opened that way. He then rekeyed the cylinder to match the seat lock. Right now all my airheads are keyed alike - makes it easy carrying one set of keys that fit all.   YMMV

[aussie]

Well after spending a great deal of the day trying to persuade the little so-and-so to come out, I've had to concede that I can't....   I'll put the cover back on and have a bit of think about what I may do, including a call to the local BMW dealer.

Thanks for eveyone's input.

Skate boards, huh? Well there you go - obviously I've been living under a bush or something and never even considered that little ploy.  

[not-so-fast-ed]

Anyone had any experience with fuel cap locks?
My key fits mine, but doesn't seem to do much.  At least it stays unlocked, but like Aussie I kinda like everything to work.
I took it to a local locksmith who looked at it but wasn't any help.
Ed

[montmil]

Anyone had any experience with fuel cap locks? My key fits mine, but doesn't seem to do much.  At least it stays unlocked, but like Aussie I kinda like everything to work. I took it to a local locksmith who looked at it but wasn't any help. Ed

Similar fuel cap lock with my recently acquired '83 R65; key fit and kinda turned. Then, I almost had a problem returning the key to its original position and getting the danged fuel cap off! Thought I had permanently locked the cap onto the tank.

I ain't touching key to cap again! been through one nightmare-ish issue with the 81' cap and don't want another. Since it really isn't broken, I'm not going to try and un-fix it.  

And my fork lock key... doesn't.

Monte