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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 ...
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I wonder if you ran into it accidentally when you had the key in the helmet/seat lock and bent the key slightly?
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Sometimes my key seems finicky and does not want to turn, I usually just wiggle it around until it comes out, have not studied why, but will keep an eye on it for next time.
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(10-12-2014, 07:24 AM)Randy B_imp Wrote: I wonder if you ran into it accidentally when you had the key in the helmet/seat lock and bent the key slightly?
I guess that's possible. I don't remember bumping it while it was in my seat lock but I could have. It looks perfectly straight from all angles. So much so that I think it's doubtful such a slight bend, if it exists, would cause it to act like this.
(10-12-2014, 07:32 AM)HikerToo_imp Wrote: Sometimes my key seems finicky and does not want to turn, I usually just wiggle it around until it comes out, have not studied why, but will keep an eye on it for next time.
Hmmm ... we might be on to something here. I hope not. But it seems like it could be a design flaw. It'll be interesting to see how many others are experiencing something similar.
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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.
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(10-12-2014, 08:21 AM)ClassicVW_imp Wrote: 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.
Normal in the sense that everyone has the same design flaw? I understand that some might get very defensive at the suggestion that the bike might have an issue (not saying you ClassicVW) but you shouldn't have to be concerned with inserting your key at a precise angle in order to get it to work properly. None of my other bikes have had this issue. The mystery deepens ...
Just found this thread:
http://cb1100forum.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=3029
Seems like something I'll have to put up with unless and until Honda decides to do a recall to replace the ignition mechanism. I suppose if enough people let Honda know that they're having issues with the key working, it might spur them into action. Probably not. But maybe. Going to baby my one working key!
I hope I get one of those surveys that people on here have been getting in the mail. Even if I don't, I'll find a way to let them know how much I love the bike but tell them about the key issue.
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You're right, m.g., I agree with you. I probably have owned 20 bikes over the years, and not a one did it matter just how precise I inserted the key.
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The only time I had a key problem was when I bent the key,mwhile was mentioned before. Spinning the slot with the tip of the key is normal, but it should click back into place noticeably. This happens on every Honda ignition I've tried it on. It is not related to your problem with your switch.
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I had the same key issue stopped by the lock smith had him buff it smooth as butter.
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(10-12-2014, 10:28 AM)EmptySea_imp Wrote: The only time I had a key problem was when I bent the key,mwhile was mentioned before. Spinning the slot with the tip of the key is normal, but it should click back into place noticeably. This happens on every Honda ignition I've tried it on. It is not related to your problem with your switch.
Good to know. Thanks! I'm going to try it on my VFR out of curiosity (the slot spinning). It does seem to pop right back into place on the CB.
(10-12-2014, 10:36 AM)Stealth128_imp Wrote: I had the same key issue stopped by the lock smith had him buff it smooth as butter.
Did you just explain the issue you were having and they knew what to do? What do you mean by having it buffed? I don't see any rough edges but I imagine there could be some really small ones. Taking my key to a lock smith is something I'll definitely do if that will solve the problem. Thanks a lot!
