Ignition Stuck *Fixed*

[ver4]

A few weeks back my Mom tried to move my GS while the ignition was in the lock position.  Of course, the bike fell over and now I cannot get the ignition out of the lock position.  Any ideas?

Thanks.

[adidasguy]

Just say "Mommy! You broke it. I wanna nuther bikey for my birfday or I'll hold my breath till I turn purple"

[ragecage23]

get the tears going as well and a puppy pout and you're sure to get your way...

[ver4]

Ugh.

[sveach]

The lock that holds the handlebars in position isn't THAT strong. I don't know exactly how the lock engages but I've seen videos of thieves that can just wedge their foot against it while they brace themselves until the lock just pops off. Still fully functional after that, just can't lock the handlebars in place anymore.

If you don't want to do that...I guess if it were me, I would start taking stuff apart until I could see what was going on. Remove the gauges, headlight, etc, etc. Depending on which way it fell over, maybe you could gently (or not so gently) tap it with a mallet or a hammer in the other direction to get it 'unstuck'?

[ver4]

Thanks.  I don't want to do too much damage because I plan on selling it during the spring, but maybe if I get a rubber mallet it might work.

[JAY W]

Sounds like the bit that pops out the bottom of the lock that locks into the steering stops on the frame headset is bent,you could try bending it back on the opp` lock to which it fell,but replace as you don`t want the steering lock catching when driving.

[DoD#i]

Try torquing the bars as you try to unlock. The locking bit is probably jammed against the side of the hole it locks into - you would be hoping to unjam it enough that you can use the key to withdraw it as usual. Which way it's jammed would depend how it fell. Try both.

[Jared]

Do you have any slack in the front end( any freeplay in the lock position or is it stuck hard)?
Before you start beating on anything- loosen the fork pinch bolts etc and see if it will come loose.

Will the key turn to the parking light position?

[scratch]

Just don't loosen all of the fork pinch bolts.  Just the upper on one and the lower on the other.

[Jared]

You usually have to pry the clamps open to get the forks to move much ( at least on most of the bikes I've dealt with.). I'm just talking about taking some tension off the forks...

Yeah maybe don't loosen all of them all at once tho... I'd just leave one top one....

Is your wheel centered in the fender still?

[ver4]

Try torquing the bars as you try to unlock. The locking bit is probably jammed against the side of the hole it locks into - you would be hoping to unjam it enough that you can use the key to withdraw it as usual. Which way it's jammed would depend how it fell. Try both.

Been meaning to post that I got it unjammed.  The method above is what worked.

Thanks for the tips.

[sveach]

Try torquing the bars as you try to unlock. The locking bit is probably jammed against the side of the hole it locks into - you would be hoping to unjam it enough that you can use the key to withdraw it as usual. Which way it's jammed would depend how it fell. Try both.

Been meaning to post that I got it unjammed.  The method above is what worked.

Thanks for the tips.

Good to hear you got it.

I always have to wiggle my bars a bit to get mine to unlock. Anyone know if there's a way to adjust it or shim it to tighten it up?

[adidasguy]

Its like a steering lock on a car. If there is any turn putting pressure on the lock, you gotta wiggle the steering wheel (or handle bars).
After you let go of the bike, the front will settle in and the bike will tilt & put pressure on the locking pin. I doubt there is anything you can do except teflon coat it. A little grease in the locking hole & pin might help.

I almost always have to press in on the left handle bar if the bike is on the side stand. When locked, the bike tends to want to straighten out when leaning on the side stand so that puts pressure on the lock. Does it less if I sit on the bike first so the pressure is less on the steering lock. Works the same for Junior and Suzi.

[ver4]

Its like a steering lock on a car. If there is any turn putting pressure on the lock, you gotta wiggle the steering wheel (or handle bars).
After you let go of the bike, the front will settle in and the bike will tilt & put pressure on the locking pin. I doubt there is anything you can do except teflon coat it. A little grease in the locking hole & pin might help.

I almost always have to press in on the left handle bar if the bike is on the side stand. When locked, the bike tends to want to straighten out when leaning on the side stand so that puts pressure on the lock. Does it less if I sit on the bike first so the pressure is less on the steering lock. Works the same for Junior and Suzi.

Usually I have that problem when it's in the lock position, but this time it had to be yanked hard to the right.

[Toogoofy317]

Does the steering lock only lock one way or can you turn the wheel either way. I can only turn Flick right to lock him.

Mary

[adidasguy]

Odd. All the bikes I've seen you turn left to lock the steering column. That's the direction it wants to go when on the side stand.

[ver4]

Odd. All the bikes I've seen you turn left to lock the steering column. That's the direction it wants to go when on the side stand.

Same here.

[Toogoofy317]

The wheel points right when locked. Hell I dunno right now my left from my right 

Mary

[ver4]

The wheel points right when locked. Hell I dunno right now my left from my right 

Mary

The wheel points left for me.