Strange Issue with Key

[DGShannon_imp]

My ignition switch is very picky. I must insert the key exactly straight in, no even slight deviation or it gives me trouble. Exactly straight, and it's like butter, so I feel it's normal.

My ignition switch is very picky. I must insert the key exactly straight in, no even slight deviation or it gives me trouble. Exactly straight, and it's like butter, so I feel it's normal.

My key acts exactly the same way - unless you very carefully insert it perfectly and in exactly the correct way it won't go into the lock. I just thought it was the way it was designed and it was just me. Never had another bike act like this though.

Same here. I associated it with the little trap door that protects the key slot. Sometimes seems to slide out of the way with ease, and sometimes not. As you both say, holding the key "exactly straight" does the trick when it is acting cranky.

[Damfino_imp]

Same deal with mine. Just one of the bikes very few quirks. Not hard to live with...

[ClassicVW_imp]

Same deal with mine. Just one of the bikes very few quirks. Not hard to live with...

Agree! If that's our biggest gripe, I'll gladly take it.

[Hiram E. Varona_imp]

Yesterday when I parked my bike, I locked the handlebars for the first time - bars to full left, push in key, turn to the left, remove. Worked as expected. When I went to unlock, the key had trouble going in. Then it wouldn't turn. Then I got a lot of resistance pulling the key out. I tried four or five times and each time, it wouldn't turn. The top of the ignition slot spun 180 degrees with just the tip of the key inside. I turned it back and put the key in all the way. Again, no go. After fiddling with it for a minute, I finally got it to unlock and start the bike. Everything else seemed fine. Before using the lock, the key would go in and turn as expected. Any ideas what that's all about?

Today, I tried the "spare" key and it seems to be working fine. The key I was initially using continues to give me problems. Really weird. I hope there's nothing inside the mechanism that's chewing up the keys. I'll ride with this key for a while and see if the problem persists. Stay tuned ...

I find that when I insert the key in the ignition to either start the engine, lock, unlock in a public location I tend to not get it right when not "concentrating on what I'm doing. It could be tension in anticipating the ride ahead, or that I'm 64 and my hands/finger combination are just not what they used to be. no

[NightRider_imp]

I've had the primary key damaged from trying to unlock the steering, it froze up in the lock and I managed to get it out by wiggling it. The backup key must go in at the same side up and straight or it will not insert. I thought it was just me until I read this thread. It's a bit unnerving to be worried constantly about the key working.

[kDiqq_imp]

Dang, mine as always worked really well. I lock the steering head every time I stop. They key doesn't glide in, but it's no more difficult than any other bike. On my TW I had key trouble and I bought a can of graphite lube, shoved the straw in to the opening and gave it two shots. Worked the key in and out and did it again. After that, it was always smooth. Try that. If you can't get graphite lube, any DRY lubricant should work. Don't go shooting WD40 or the like.

[metalmaven_imp]

My key did the same thing. Wouldnt turn. I held up the crew behind me as I was leading lol.. I got it after a long 45 seconds, not too big a deal. I might try the buff idea too. I got a wire wheel at home on a bench grinder.