Steering lock on 1979

[quixotic]

I can't get mine to work.  I'm well familiar with the concept, having had numerous bikes in the past.  And I've parsed the sentences in the manual quite closely.  Is there anything obvious that I should try before I start tearing my hair out?

The ignition key inserts and turns as smoothly as silk.

[Bob_Roller]

The part of the fork lock that goes into the steering stem, may be sheared off .

[georgesgiralt]

The hole into which the pin goes in is not at the max course of the steering.
So you have to push the "device" while turning a little the steering until the pin engages the hole.
If you can't, maybe one PO had forced the steering and the hole is so marred the pin can't fit into it. In that case, the solution is to disassemble the steering and de-burr the hole.

[Bob_Roller]

I haven't used the fork lock on my '81 R65 for about 30 years now .

You can shear the pin or deform the hole in the steering stem to render the lock ineffective rather easily, if you were determined .

[quixotic]

Hmm.  I guess my short-term memory is shot.  I looked at it again today and the key inserts perfectly, but -- duh -- it doesn't turn at all.  So I'm guessing it has nothing to do with the pin or the hole, but rather the key and the lock...or my technique.    

[Bob_Roller]

The ignition switch may have been replaced by a previous owner, does the key work for the seat lock ?

[Barry]

Steering lock on my 79 work fine but I confess I don't use it as I imagine it provides little protection being easy to shear. Also something in the back of my mind recalls the possibility of it getting stuck in the locked position. Similar logic applies to the fuel cap.

I believe the lock barrel is easy to remove once the escutcheon plate pin is prised out. Never tried it though.

[Luca]

Quixotic, do you have the key folded flat?  Unlike the seat lock, the steering head lock requires the full length of the key.

[quixotic]

The seat lock requires a totally different type of key on mine.  

I'll try the folded flat method when I get home.

[georgesgiralt]

Hello !
If you can't operate the lock on the steering wheel, removing it is a PITA.
It is locked in the frame when not actuated to lock. At that time it is retained by the protective metal cover.
So if you pry out the cover (gently) and operate the lock like you would do to lock the bike but pull the key instead of pushing it, the lock will go out without effort.

[quixotic]

Quixotic, do you have the key folded flat?  Unlike the seat lock, the steering head lock requires the full length of the key.

That did the trick.  Thanks Luca!  

[Luca]

Glad it worked.  Should you ever get a spare cut, test it on the steering head lock.  It is the tightest lock with regards to clearance.

When I had mine made I had to bring it back in and have the key guy grind away some of the key's "handle" section so I could push it in the steering head