Snapped key in the steering lock

[Kookaburra]

I going to blame using the side stand on a slope. As I was unlocking, the bike keeled over and the key snapped. Fortunately the bike is at an unrestricted street park and after picking it up and putting it on the centre stand, I could catch the bus home in the rain

So how to get the key fragment out and where to source another key to fit before the local low life start taking bits or the whole bike.

[k_enn]

Call a locksmith.  They can extract the remains of the key (which may or may not involve removing the lock cylinder from the bike).  A lot of locksmiths around here are mobile, and have the cutting tools in the back their van.  They can make a new key on the spot if they have a blank.  Also, many around here offer 24 hour emergency service if needed.  

k_enn

[Barry]

You might be able to remove the lock barrel in the normal way.

First remove the cover plate which is secured with a pressed in pin. Basically you have to prise the cover off.

The lock barrel is then normally removable by inserting the key and turning it to the left while pulling. You might be able to rotate the barrel by driving a thin screwdriver down the side of the key.

If that fails some info here on the correct way to drill the lock http://w6rec.com/duane/bmw/lock/index.htm

[Lucky_Lou]

If you drill the rivet out on the lock cover the assembly will slide out a replacement lock and keys are only £14 from Motobins or Motorworks
Lou

[Kookaburra]

Thanks gurus, background information to steering locks was good.

Quickest solution was go the mobile locksmith route. He was to able to extract the fragment, cut a temporary key which got it unlocked and on my way to the workshop where he cut two keys to the exact specification.

Expensive relearnings - never trust the sidestand on an R65 and always have a spare key. ( I actually did but I have hidden it so well I can't find it.)