This sucks, I'm stuck at work because bike won't unlock. The wheel won't turn, the key won't turn...it's ridiculous. I've called like 4 dealerships, talked to the service departments, followed their advice...nothing seems to work. It seems I'll have to replace my ignition system. Now I have to sit at work and wait for my friend to pick me up....what a crap day.

WD40 the keyhole to loosen up the tumblers inside (although I'd really suggest Liquid Wrench).

On my '99 I have to push the left grip slightly away from the bike before the key will move out of the Lock position.  It's a two-handed (or a one-knee, one-hand) operation.

This may not help for your particular bike, but here's hoping!

I think it's normal for the bike Kerry, my 1990 is the same way, just move the bars about 1/4- 1/2 an inch and no problems unlocking it the rest of the way.

Quote from: SmartDrugI think it's normal for the bike Kerry, my 1990 is the same way

That's good to know.  I don't remember my '99 doing that until I had a new ignition lock put in ... after hitting that cow....  

As a locksmith I have to chime in and say that WD-40 is the enemy of your lock.  It attracts dirt and will shorten its life.  I just dealt with this issue today in a residental lock.  In fine shape outside, looked like someone dunked it in syurup and dropped it in the sand inside.  Try a 'greaseless lubricant' like LPS or Tri-Flow.  Your locks will thank you.

Tri-flow is the way to go. There might be a bigger problem tho. The cylinder tends over time to get a burr on it and it will get worse with time. At some point you will have to look at an aftermarket replacement  as I just did.
http://www.denniskirk.com/jsp/product_catalog/MMYSkuDisplay.jsp;jsessionid=4EJBRB2C215QXLA0WTISM4VMDK0NCIV0?leafCatId=41205&catId=412&store=Main&mmyId=6093

Hope that helps

how do these lubes hold up to water and weather?

i use to use a spray silicone myself, really thin liquid and not tacky at all like oil

Here's the update: seems my ignition is locked up, and I'll find out tomorrow when it'll be fixed/how much it's going to cost. To make matters worse, the grip and the right handlebar were pretty badly damaged when the tow guy tried to load it. He was pretty upset about it, apologized profusely and promised to pay for the replacement. So all in all it looks like I won't be able to ride at least for a little while...which might not be such a bad thing with the heat wave that we're having.

Powdered Graphite kicks ass for sticky locks...

Quote from: Blueknythow do these lubes hold up to water and weather?

i use to use a spray silicone myself, really thin liquid and not tacky at all like oil

I use the Tri-flow as do almost every locksmith that I know ( about 7).
Its teflon based and from personal experiance its the best thing I have ever used.


Mike

LPS and Tri-flow still displace water, and are very durable.

Quote from: DarkCyDEI use the Tri-flow as do almost every locksmith that I know ( about 7).

You don't use Lock-Ease?  I figured that since it has a big picture of a key on the front, then that's what locksmiths would use .

Wow, it even has a flexable snorkel!  How have I ever repaired locks without it?

Bike's gonna be in the shop until the new ignition comes in...damn it, not riding is killing me  :x