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Message started by DavidV on 06/02/05 at 07:34:26

Title: Fork lock replacement?
Post by DavidV on 06/02/05 at 07:34:26

I'm new around here. I passed the Rider's Edge MSF class & the state license test a few weeks ago, and bought a 2000 LS650 soon after. I've never ridden before, so this is the perfect bike. So far it's been a lot of fun, backfires and all.

So here's the question - how do you replace the fork lock cylinder? The previous owner didn't have a key. The Clymer manual doesn't mention it, and I haven't found anything in the archives here. I've already got the replacement lock - is there more to this job than just drilling out the old one? Or is there a simpler approach?

I appreciate any help you can offer.

Thanks, David

Title: Re: Fork lock replacement?
Post by gandalph40 on 06/02/05 at 09:07:16

I'll add a related question...my fork lock won't...there doesn't seem to be any obstruction and the key works, but it just won't lock/catch.

I've been riding about 15 years (this is my 5th bike, I think) and this is frustrating me...I've tried everything with the exception of disassembling the forks to inspect it. Any ideas? This happen to anyone else?

Tom

Title: Re: Fork lock replacement?
Post by Kropatchek on 06/02/05 at 12:28:33

@DavidV
You can only remove the lock when you have the propper key. Then drill out the little rivet and install the new lock.
If however you don't have the proper key drilling out the complete lock is the only optin.
@gandalph40
The lock can be turned with the proper key ( when the key can be inserted does not mean it can be turned).
Yuo have to wiggle the steering bar a bit.

Greetz
Kropatchek ;D

Title: Re: Fork lock replacement?
Post by gandalph40 on 06/02/05 at 12:45:18

The key turns fine, but not far enough to "catch" and hold. I guess I'm looking for ideas about what I should be looking for to try to correct my problem. I'd really rather lock the fork and right now I can't.

Tom

Title: Re: Fork lock replacement?
Post by SavageDude on 06/02/05 at 12:51:32

I have to move the steering column back and forth a bit to get the lock catch on the groove inside. Even the guy at the dealer doesn't know how to lock it when my bike is delivered to me >:(

SavageDude

Title: Re: Fork lock replacement?
Post by 650-rider on 06/02/05 at 12:54:41

I have a related question please. How many riders use the fork lock? I am new to motorcycling and I forgot I had the fork lock at all. If you had a disk brake lock plus the fork lock is that considered pretty good protection? Or should the bike also be locked to a stationary object?

I know this is a matter of opinion, but I wanted to see how the more experienced riders lock their bikes.

Title: Re: Fork lock replacement?
Post by Kropatchek on 06/02/05 at 13:07:58

650-rider wrote:

I never use the fork lock. Think it offers very limited protection. Have not tried it but I think if you jerk the steering hard it( the lock) will break.
The discbrake lock works for me.

Greetz
Kropatchek ;D

Title: Re: Fork lock replacement?
Post by Michael on 06/02/05 at 14:18:48

As others said, you need to wiggle the bars back and forth slightly to get it to work. I went about 3-4 months thinking my lock was faulty, untill I tried this. Works like a charm every time.

Reach up with one hand and wiggle the bar as you are turning the key, while pushing in slightly with the other hand. Your bars (wheel) should be pointing as far left, as they will go.

The inside of the lock pushes in while locked, and pops out when not locked. This should take very little pressure, so if it won't turn easily, you may have the wrong key.

cheers

Michael

Title: Re: Fork lock replacement?
Post by lordzamize on 06/02/05 at 14:44:31

I bought one of these.
http://www.kryptonitelock.com/inetisscripts/abtinetis.exe/PublicArticleDetails@public?artid=2716&atf=products_item&pgrp=20

Title: Re: Fork lock replacement?
Post by Paladin on 06/02/05 at 17:32:34

I have something similar:
http://savage.andruschak.net/paladin2_.jpg (http://savage.andruschak.net/paladin2.jpg)
You can see it curled up on the sissy-bar (click on the picture to make it bigger.) I normally park with the cable through the frame, and through the front wheel or aound fixed object; or, if possible, through all three.

My GS450E was taken from the DMV parking lot by someone with a master key -- witness said he unlocked the fork, started the bike and rode off.

Title: Re: Fork lock replacement?
Post by bobo383 on 06/02/05 at 17:36:31

I rarely use any fork lock, but then again my bikes sleep in a locked garage.

Title: Re: Fork lock replacement?
Post by DavidV on 06/02/05 at 17:42:41

I'm definitely not planning to rely on the fork lock by itself. But I would like to have it available, along with an external lock or two.

The more difficult you make it to steal, the more likely the prospective thief will skip yours and go on to the next one. Junkies and joyriders don't have much of a work ethic.

Title: Re: Fork lock replacement?
Post by bobo383 on 06/02/05 at 17:45:13

DavidV wrote:

Very true.

Title: Re: Fork lock replacement?
Post by Hey You on 06/02/05 at 19:25:57

From http://www.vintagebmw.org/current/tech/tech29.htm

Removing the Steering Stem Lock

A quick little tech tip, for those who have lost the key for the frame/steering lock on an airhead, can't find a key blank, and want to remove the lock, to replace the whole thing with a new lock and key set.

1. Take two small screwdrivers, and drive each one under the Neiman chrome lock cover, on each side of the retaining rivet. Pry the cover up, and remove it alony with the rivet.

2. When you look at the end of the lock, you will see the round barrel of the lock, with the key slot, and square box, on the top. that box is where the tumblers and springs of the lock are located. On the top of that square block, there is a thin band of sheet metal, that retains the springs and tumblers. Use an ice pick to lever the plate out, so you can grab the end of it with a pair of needle nose pliers.

3. Remove the plate completely, and you will notice that the ends of 4 springs, that push the tumblers down, into the lock, will jump up and their ends will be visible in the small open area directly above the lock. Bend yourself a small hook, out of piano wire, and reach into this area, snag each spring, and pull it out of the body of the lock.

4. Insert a flat blade screwdriver into the key slot, and use a light hammer to drive the screwdriver into the slot. Don't go crazy here, just drive it in enough that it will stick in the slot.

5. use a blow gun on a air line from an air compressor, and blow air into the key slot. This will push all four of the tumblers up, out of the lock. While you are constantly blowing the air into the lock, turn the screwdriver in a counter clockwise direction, and the lock will rotate. When you have it rotated, simply pull the screw driver out, and the body of the fork lock will come out of the frame, on the end of the screwdriver.

Simple Eh?

That is how I have removed them in /2's for years.

-Vech

Title: Re: Fork lock replacement?
Post by DavidV on 06/02/05 at 20:28:30

Vech-

That's pretty cool stuff. I had thought of picking it, but that could take forever for someone new to the skill. Thanks for the reply.

Fortunately your technique requires many tools, so it doesn't help any aspiring thieves.

Regards, David

Title: Re: Fork lock replacement?
Post by red2k1 on 06/03/05 at 05:16:24

No fork lock key either. I use a disk brake lock like others. The lock is small, easy to use and effective (when I use it).

Title: Re: Fork lock replacement?
Post by Savage_Rob on 06/03/05 at 05:45:27

I guess it depends on how long I'll leave her parked. If it's all day at work I use the disc lock, steering lock and the Gorilla alarm. It's certainly not foolproof but it's additional deterrent. Some folks chuckle because I installed an alarm on a Savage but I maintain simply that it's my Savage. The alarm unit is mounted on the opposite side as the horn (see below) and an indicator LED is mounted in the triple-tree. It's been there for 6 months and working fine.
http://savage.andruschak.net/savage_rob3.jpg

Title: Re: Fork lock replacement?
Post by Greg_650 on 06/04/05 at 06:50:43

gandalph40 wrote:

Not only do you need to wiggle the forks to line up the lock and hole, you also have to push the lock IN to lock the forks.

Title: Re: Fork lock replacement?
Post by Greg_650 on 06/04/05 at 06:53:17

red2k1 wrote:

No fork lock key either. I use a disk brake lock like others. The lock is small, easy to use and effective (when I use it).

We have disk locks with an alarm built in. Pretty annoying sound too.

Title: Re: Fork lock replacement?
Post by gandalph40 on 06/04/05 at 07:02:47

I'll continue to try the fork lock, but, I already knew the key had to push in, and lord knows I've wiggled the fork enough to flat spot a tire. Thanks for all the advice. It lets me know that I'm trying all the right stuff...

Tom

Title: Re: Fork lock replacement?
Post by Greg_650 on 06/04/05 at 09:44:12

Can't the dealer just get you a key that fits?

Title: Re: Fork lock replacement?
Post by gandalph40 on 06/04/05 at 10:55:31

I should have started a separate thread for this...my key works, turns, pushes in, everything except catching the lock itself so that it will engage. It's like the fork won't QUITE turn far enough to let it engage...but the bike has never been wrecked and I'm pretty sure the forks are straight. Hence, my wondering if this was something anyone else had happen to them... it's just puzzling...it should work but won't "catch"...weird.

Tom

Title: Re: Fork lock replacement?
Post by WD on 06/04/05 at 22:08:30

Mine was like that. I say was because the last time I used it, the d**n key didn't want to come back out. And then the lock didn't want to unlock. It's still attached to the bike, BUT, I found out that a sharp blow from a blacksmith's hammer will unlock it...
-WD

Title: Re: Fork lock replacement?
Post by Greg_650 on 06/05/05 at 08:29:38

gandalph40 wrote:

You know...it's not like the fork has to turn "far enough" because if I remember correctly, you actually turn the fork a little back from the full lock position to engage the lock and the hole (groove, slot, whatever). I don't think that mine will lock if I turn it all the way to the stop...

Title: Re: Fork lock replacement?
Post by Richard Amirault on 06/06/05 at 12:39:45

Yes, All the way over and I can't lock mine ... as a matter of fact when I unlock it I have to move it from "full lock" so that the lock will pop up.

NOTE: The owners manual has a spot to write the key numbers of *both* the ignition and fork lock.

The ignition number is on the key itself, but the fork number is on a metal tag attached to the keys when you get them.

The tag soon gets lost, but if the number was written in the manual you *may* have a shot at getting a replacement key (or whoever buys your bike in the distant future;-)

Title: Re: Fork lock replacement?
Post by Savage_Rob on 06/06/05 at 13:34:38

Luckily the guy I bought mine from had one key. I bought a couple of blanks from eBay and had copies made at my local ACE Hardware. I noticed you can also get blanks from RonAyers - at least they're on the microfiche.