Ignition: Hard to get the key in.

[MikeN02]

Not sure if it has happened to anyone else but for me it's been really hard to get the key in. More so than normal actually, I've tried switched to my spare key as well and it isn't the key that is bent or anything.

When I try to stick the key in the ignition it goes in but not all the way, still has that final inch of tick that is hard to get in. My guess is that the ignition is rusted or something as I've been out in the rain a lot.

 

[99vengeur]

Does it occur all the time, or just when you have the handlebars locked?

 

[MikeN02]

Does it occur all the time, or just when you have the handlebars locked?

I believe it's happening all the time now, as I usually always lock my handlebars. Maybe try to spray from WD40 in it...?

 

[JonKerr]

WD40 should do it. I made the mistake of leaving the key in once while washing the bike. The soap and water kind of built up a crust on the key and everything in the lock and it was really hard to get it in, out, or to turn it. A little squirt of WD40 solved it.

 

[Spunky99]

WD40 sucks......

It might resolve the immediate problem but will cause other issues later on. Use a product called LPS.
LPS 1® PREMIUM LUBRICANT from Aircraft Spruce

I use this on all my locks and I swear by it...

 

[nlpyle]

My bike did the same thing. I ride year round and this last winter bike was the same. I sprayed WD40 on the key and kept sliding it in there, no issues sense but check out other options if you can.

 

[drrobert]

Haven't had this problem w/ FZ6R, yet, but was a frequent problem on KLR650. As others said, WD40 (or a silicone spray) is the fix. A bigger problem, though not this time of year, is water in switch that freezes. Solution, spray, then insert heated key (cig. lighter).

 

[Spunky99]

Haven't had this problem w/ FZ6R, yet, but was a frequent problem on KLR650. As others said, WD40 (or a silicone spray) is the fix. A bigger problem, though not this time of year, is water in switch that freezes. Solution, spray, then insert heated key (cig. lighter).

It freezes in GA?


Whooda thunk that!

 

[MikeN02]

Haven't had this problem w/ FZ6R, yet, but was a frequent problem on KLR650. As others said, WD40 (or a silicone spray) is the fix. A bigger problem, though not this time of year, is water in switch that freezes. Solution, spray, then insert heated key (cig. lighter).

Good thing I'm in Florida and stuff doesn't freeze here unless it's in a refrigerator

 

[99vengeur]

+1 Don't use WD-40. I believe it is a water repellent, so if moisture in the ignition is the issue, using WD-40 may actually drive the moisture further into the ignition barrel. A lot of the aviation lubricants might do the trick.

 

[MikeN02]

+1 Don't use WD-40. I believe it is a water repellent, so if moisture in the ignition is the issue, using WD-40 may actually drive the moisture further into the ignition barrel. A lot of the aviation lubricants might do the trick.

I don't think it's moisture in the ignition though, I believe it water did go in there as it's been raining a lot here but then it starts to rust. So I believe it's rust that's making it so hard to stick in.

 

[DanielW0830]

Anyone ever try Tri-FLow?
Tri-Flow Superior Lubricant Aerosol

I use it on my chain, my locks, etc. very slippery stuff (has oil & teflon)

 

[Detrich]

Happens to me too mike... I'm going to try some dw40 as that usually fixes it...

 

[bmw675]

add me to the list of who this happens too.

i also park inside at night and i have never rode in the rain, heavy fog once but never rain. and when i wash it im careful not to get any/much up near the guages.
i think its just a matter of drying out more than moisture locking it up.
i think a lubricant would work, ive just never got around to it yet.

 

[Spunky99]

You guys got me paranoid...I put a squirt of LPS in my keylock today.....

 

[owldaddy]

My switch was sticky too, I just placed the key in a bottle of graphite I have for this kind of thing, problem solved. My problem wasn't because of water or rust, since I don't use a hose to wash the bike, and it hasn't been out in the weather. These switches just seem to be a little tight.

 

[dart1963]

9 months riding, 13k miles, rain or shine (just not below freezing) and I haven't had an issue.

The first time I rode in the rain I thought about it... that weekend when I cleaned my chain, I put a squirt of the DuPont Teflon wax in there and haven't touched it since... The only time I have an issue is when that cover on top is spun out of sync with the insertion angle (if you look, that top piece free floats and can get off alignment with how the key goes in).

 

[MikeN02]

I actually have all three. I ride in the rain, leave it out in the rain, and wash it with a hose.

About 6,700 miles now, it's not anything major but it still drives me nuts trying to shove the key in there.

 

[Heineken]

WD40 sucks......

It might resolve the immediate problem but will cause other issues later on. Use a product called LPS.
LPS 1® PREMIUM LUBRICANT from Aircraft Spruce

I use this on all my locks and I swear by it...

+1 on the LPS

 

[streetmaster]

Steer clear of WD40 (or any 'wd' type lubricant. Ask any locksmith. Most lubes actually attract dust ect & this can damage the lock. Try rubbing some soap on the key to act as a lube. this will go into the barrel as you insert the key. May take a few goes to work in fully.
P.S. Locksmiths usually recommend powdered graphite. Ok if the switch is separate from the lock, but if they are combined, the graphite can cause a short as it is a great conductor of electricity!!