Lost Key Situation Has Escalated

[4strings]

I lost my only key to the GS back before it was snowy here in Wisconsin.  I called a local locksmith that I found on google to quote me a price to originate a new key.  He said $20 if I could bring him the lock so I said deal.  I couldn't remove the two security bolts to free the ignition from the steering head so I called and asked if I could bring it to him attached.  He said it was fine.

I tried to find a time when I could get it to him but due to work and classes he said I could drop it off on his porch.  I heard nothing for a week so I called.  He said he got it and will be working on it.  He called back about three days later because I forgot to tell him make/model/year so I did.  Another week and I call him again He said it was being somewhat difficult and he didn't think there was much of a rush since the season was over.  I called a week after that and he said he ordered blanks.

Snow made me forget about riding for awhile until I suddenly realized that I haven't heard from him in more than one month!  I have now called at least six times leaving messages with my name and number asking on the status but have heard nothing.

I am at a loss as what to do.  I truthfully haven't ever even seen this man.  I have other projects I would like to do on my bike this winter.  I know ignition/tank caps/seat locks with a key are rare on eBay and also expensive.  Plus I'd have to get another steering head.  I don't know if I should send a letter, camp in my car in front his house or start scouring eBay.  Ideas anyone?

[scratch]

I would be only conjecturing at this point - Maybe he's on vacation or had a family emergency/death (or his own!).

You've called and the ball is in his court.  It's up to you what you want to do.  Personally, I'm a pretty patient guy.

Send the letter, you might get a hold of someone.

It would have been nice if he would communicate with you what the status is though.

[adidasguy]

On ebay I've seen ignition, gas cap and seat lock with keys for $50 or so. Maybe just buy a new (i.e. used) set.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Suzuki-GS500-GS-500-LOCK-SET-IGNITION-SWITCH-KEY-_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem1e600d1fd4QQitemZ130460491732QQptZMotorcyclesQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2007-Suzuzki-GS500F-gs-LOCK-SET-GAS-CAP-SEAT-IGNITION-_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem35ad6ea408QQitemZ230542976008QQptZMotorcyclesQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/06-Suzuki-GS500-GS500F-LOCK-SET-IGNITION-SWITCH-KEY-_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem1e60e3884dQQitemZ130474543181QQptZMotorcyclesQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories

These are good bike breakers so if you need for an older bike, just ask them. I've bought from them  and they are very reputable sellers.

[GI_JO_NATHAN]

One problem I've heard you'll have is getting the gas cap off without the key.

[ohgood]

you were inconsistant with your delivery date expectations. he told u the season was over and you were inconsistant.

winter is a great time to vacatin at the beach. maybe he is.

slip a note (a nice one) under his door, with your telephone number.

also, did u request 5-6 extra keys ? everyone I knkow has a key to my bikes.

locksniths are usually decent folk if they're in business for long.

[reajcox]

If it comes down to it I've got a steering head, but I would probably find cycle recyclers for a lock set and a steer. As for the gas cap... big hammer and a square shank screwdriver then put a wrench on the shank and break the cylinder. Been there done that.

[4strings]

Thanks for the suggestions guys.
 
I'm definitely going to try the kind note under the door and thanks for the links to ebay listings.  If the note doesn't get any results after a week or so I'll try a letter.  Reajcox, I'll be sending you a message if nothing happens. 

Thanks all.

[4strings]

I just called him and he answered   

He said he has been trying but cant get a working key made.  He also said he meant to call but kept forgetting.  He's also not charging me either.  GI_JO_NATHAN, I have been unable to open the gas tank because of the lost key which unfortunately means I couldn't get any fuel preservative in there.  I am so happy I finally got a hold of him.  Looks like I gotta try another locksmith.

Again, thanks all.

[nikfleisch]

did you drain the fuel?

[4strings]

No, I didn't have a bucket handy.  I shut off the tank petcock, drained the bowls and actually replaced the fuel lines though.  I'll drain it all out of the tank later.

[nikfleisch]

Yeah, i'd definatialey drain that, just dont forget and run it!

[the mole]

I had a new key made when I lost mine, the locksmith said it would be too hard/expensive to dismantle the ignition lock, but he picked the seat lock and made the key from that. Works just fine.

[4strings]

Got it all figured out.  Thanks adidasguy for the cap.

[The Buddha]

Actually I have forgotten so much crap it isn't even funny any more.
The whole time this thread was on the front page I was thinking man I think my Idiot #1 friend did somethign like this, and I fixed it, how did I do that ... BTW I didn't get it on a truck and take it to a lock smith. He got it to his house and then to mine but I got him out of my house in no time flat.

I have a few 100 keys. Some with a 1/2 and 1/2 cut. You can just try all of em till something works. Maybe we should have it as a kit like the sliding hammer or the bearing seater kits. Of course the shim kit but well, we're a shim kit or 2 short.
Cool.
Buddha.