My Saturday ride was ruined by a broken key in the ignition :x

I have tried various strategies to remove the stub with no success. Using my pick set I can see/feel that the key stub is covered by the upper-most tumblers (i.e. I can push them back with a small pick). This prevents inserting the remainder of the key into the keyhole.

After reading other posts I have decided to hotwire the ignition and ride to a locksmith's place. Hopefully he can extract the stub and make a new key.

However, I know that I can get a new ignition for around $50. It looks like from earlier posts that drilling out the ignition bolts might not be trivial, though. Also I would then need a new gas cap key.

If you were in this position what would you do?

EDIT I realize this is a somewhat of a dupe of a recent post, mods can delete if they think that is appropriate

I would somehow get the key out.  I know you tried... but comeon... there's gotta be a way....



then take the seat lock to a locksmith and have a new key made

JC whitney has ignitions for like $25.00

Just incase  

I got mine from Dennis Kirk for around $28 if I remember correctly. The only bad thing is you'll have two separate keys for the locks.

lock piuc set to move the tumblers back and then use a magnet to pull the stub out?

Quote from: davipulock piuc set to move the tumblers back and then use a magnet to pull the stub out?

Definatly go to a lock smith.  Having 2 keys will suck.  My old Trans Am had a door key and an ignition key, It sucks having a bucnh of stuff on your key ring, and especially on a bike as it will flop around and scratch stuff.

Drilling out the lock isn't that bad.  I had to do it when I broke my key.  I drilled it out and am using the same ignition.  If you do it right you can minimize the damage to the parts that hold the bolts.

Quote from: davipulock piuc set to move the tumblers back and then use a magnet to pull the stub out?

Most keys won't stick to a magnet since most are made out of brass. The "silver" look is usually a nickel finish since the actual material isn't very attractive...

Maybe try a dab of superglue on the end of a piece of metal wire (like a coat hanger) and stick that the the stub and try pulling out.

this seem to happen a lot. do you not know your own strength Lenny?

We locksmihs use extrectors that are like very sharply threaded screws.  They cut into the brass key, then I manipulate the wafer out of the way and pull the key out.  Your local guy can do the same.  For the best pricing do it during normal business hours during the week.

Ja, man - you don't want to mess this puppy up.  I'd just suck it up and take it to the (wo)man with the tools.

The locksmith worked on it for about 45 min and gave up. His suggestion was to just replace the ignition.

My problem was I got one crappy copy of the key when I got the bike. I should have made a better copy right away.

I filled the tank and when I pulled the key from the lock it felt weird. I  looked at closely and realized it had crack about half way cross the shaft of the key. I stupidly decided to put the key in the ignition and ride it home.  When I got home and pulled the key it broke off.

I've got the front end off now and am awaiting a new ignition.