Bandit Alley

GENERAL MOTORCYCLE FORUMS => GENERAL MECHANICAL & TECHNICAL => Topic started by: Dennislav on March 06, 2006, 08:51:23 PM

Title: Bike wont lock
Post by: Dennislav on March 06, 2006, 08:51:23 PM

I bought a 1996 Bandit 600 at the begining of last season and eversince I bought it I have been having trouble geting the key into the lock or park position.  It locked fairly easily acouple of times and then nothing.  I know the usual thing is to push the key down (it does move down) and turn to the left but it just wont budge.  Has anyone run into this problem or have any idea of what i can do?  Ive tried both keys that came with my bike in both orientations.  I think im going to thow some graphite down there and see if that helps at all.  If i can id like to avoid tearing the bike appart but if thats the only way i guess ill do what i have to.

Title: Bike wont lock
Post by: Buddha on March 06, 2006, 09:06:03 PM

This may seem like a stupid question, but you do have the handle bars turned all the way, right?

Title: Bike wont lock
Post by: 97RedBird on March 06, 2006, 09:28:59 PM

Welcome to the site!

I had the same problem.   move the handlebars at the same time as moving the key.  my bike had frost develop really bad and the cylinder was locked with ice.  I would use something to lubricate the cylinder while you can also.

Good Luck.

Title: Bike wont lock
Post by: txbanditrydr on March 06, 2006, 09:53:43 PM

FWIW.... my bike has trouble hitting the lock position too - especially when the bars are fully turned.  Seems like if you have them slight off of full left it locks right in.

Title: Bike wont lock
Post by: Farre on March 07, 2006, 05:01:48 AM

i have the problem the other way around, i cannot unlock it sometimes. But i keep fidgetting and it usually comes out again. Tried some cleaning products already but to no avail..

Title: Bike wont lock
Post by: chupacabra on March 07, 2006, 05:37:06 AM

Hit it good with some WD40, work the key, then blow it dry with the air before you use the graphite.
In other words, clean it, dry it, then use the dry lube.

Title: Bike wont lock
Post by: aussiebandit on March 07, 2006, 05:48:01 AM

Quote from: "Farre"

i have the problem the other way around, i cannot unlock it sometimes. But i keep fidgetting and it usually comes out again. Tried some cleaning products already but to no avail..

Likewise.....but it hasn't happened for a while...it was really bad during the really hot spell we had - like all summer

Title: Bike wont lock
Post by: Farre on March 07, 2006, 11:53:39 AM

gah! again upside-down! I have more trouble now in winter than in summer... But i can unlock it easier if the bike is still somewhat warm.

It's not such a big problem, it always turned, just the time trying it varies  :wink:

Title: lock
Post by: tacoman on March 07, 2006, 02:17:20 PM

Mine was sticky when I got it.  Use the extension tube on the WD40 can and shoot a bunch down into the lock cylinder.  When trying to lock the steering jiggle the bars a bit, it usually helps.

Title: Bike wont lock
Post by: Dennislav on March 07, 2006, 06:28:39 PM

Thanks for the welcome and the replies.  Some WD-40, a bit of air, and some silicone spray did the job.