ignition lock about to die?

[johnnymnemonic]

Hi guys,

I own a 99 boxeye for a couple of months now and right from the start the "lock"-position of the ignition/key has never been easy-in/out. But it is getting worse - in the meantime I have a very hard time getting it into or out of the locking position without serious rattling and fiddling on keys and handlebars.
Looks like I'll have to do something about it rather sooner than later.

I'm wondering what I'll have to switch out in order to get rid of the problem and since I assume I'm not the first one to face that, I wanted to ask for ideas/experiences/advice with that sort of problems.
Is it more likely to be a problem with the actual ignition lock or rather the locking mechanism (the bolt that locks the fork in place) itself ... or will i end up swap out both anyway (are they even separate units)?
I saw sets of locks (probably aftermarket ones) for around 60-100€ on eday ... are they any good? (I guess new ones, even aftermarket, are still better than used units, since these definitely wear out over time).

thanks in advance
johnny

[slappy]

Have you tried flushing the lock out with lots of wd40 to get rid of the crap that can build up in there? Try that first and then lube with a bit of 3 in 1 oil.

[johnnymnemonic]

Thanks for the quick reply!

I did try good old WD40, but not really "flushing" it ... read somewhere that too much of that stuff can damage the lock too (but what's "too much" anyway really). Will give it another try.
The 3in1 oil then should also go into the lock or only externally in the area of the locking mechanism?

[shaggy]

Try washing the lock out & then use the HB pencil trick! hold the flap open & grind a HB pencil into the lock! it will really help the fingers!

[darrsi]

There's a few millimetres still that you can pull the handlebars to the left when in the lock position, that makes things easier with the key.

[johnnymnemonic]

For the "washing/flushing" to be effective I assume i'll have to take the lock out, right? I guess trying to flush it in the mounted position will (aside from the mess on surrounding parts) never get as much of the crap out (or does it have some sort of drainage channels)?

[darrsi]

For the "washing/flushing" to be effective I assume i'll have to take the lock out, right? I guess trying to flush it in the mounted position will (aside from the mess on surrounding parts) never get as much of the crap out (or does it have some sort of drainage channels)?

You won't be removing that lock in a hurry!
It's a lock, they're not designed to be easily tampered with.

[darrsi]

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/WD-40-3-in-One-Lock-Lubricant-100ml-/261948730407?hash=item3cfd5c6c27

[johnnymnemonic]

I figured that removal would be not that hard (as long as the lock is in the open position) - but if that stuff keeps me from going all amateur-bike-mechanics on the locking mechanism, I'm even happier
I'll order some of that stuff and in the meantime will make some flushing attempts with the WD40 I have.

thanks very much for your input guys.


@off  topic: that blue fazer in the foc-logo on top of the page ... where's its end-pipe gone? is there really an exhaust that is that ... aehm ... subtle?

[slappy]

Don't have to remove lock, just put some kitchen towel or an old rag round it to soak up the excess.
Another thought, is the key bent or twisted?

[darrsi]

I think the bike logo is a bit of a mash up of a few Fazers.

[mtread]

Also dip the key in some oil. Then it takes the oil right to the bottom of the lock. Give it some time, it will ease up.

[johnnymnemonic]

I think the bike logo is a bit of a mash up of a few Fazers.

right. now that you mention it, actually only the front part looks like the old FZS600 ... silly me