Key Cylinder Spins Freely

[deltamark]

I was about to start my 2014 CB this past week and when I turned the key, it just spun / turned freely in the cylinder with no resistance. I cautiously turned it back, took it out, tried again and it worked.

Has anyone else had this happen? Wondering if I need to have the key cylinder replaced?

[Bazbro_imp]

That's very worrying, Delta. I shall watch this thread with interest.

[pdedse]

Strange...I did a quick google search and it appears not to be uncommon with cars...

to quote one of the entries (for a car):
"The ignition switch or linkage to the switch is broken. The ignition switch needs to have the small linkage from the back side of the key lock cylinder to turn the switch to start and run the vehicle.

Have the ignition switch removed and inspect the linkage and switch to see if one or both switch and linkage needs replaced."

But on this cb1100 site, someone will correct me if I'm wrong (I did search a few pages), I think this issue is the first case.

[Lord Popgun]

First I’ve heard of this problem. But it is a mechanical device so failures will happen.

The manual says to remove the one-way bolts and remove the switch. Then reinstall new switch with new bolts. So how does one remove the one-way bolts?

[the Ferret]

I don't recall any others having this issue

They have to be drilled out popgun, like a screw with a stripped head

[Lord Popgun]

Ferret, that figures. I noticed there is no special tool called out in the manual.

[peterbaron]

First I’ve heard of this problem. But it is a mechanical device so failures will happen.

The manual says to remove the one-way bolts and remove the switch. Then reinstall new switch with new bolts. So how does one remove the one-way bolts?

For this operation, I use centre punch(pointer) and a small hammer, crack loose both sheer off bolts and then unscrew'em by fingers. Depending of an access point it may take as little as few minutes. Done hundred of times on cars. Believe bikes are similar if not identical ??
P.S There is also a special socket that may work, depending on sheer off bolt head's shape

[Bazbro_imp]

First I’ve heard of this problem. But it is a mechanical device so failures will happen.

The manual says to remove the one-way bolts and remove the switch. Then reinstall new switch with new bolts. So how does one remove the one-way bolts?

For this operation, I use centre punch(pointer) and a small hammer, crack loose both sheer off bolts and then unscrew'em by fingers. Depending of an access point it may take as little as few minutes. Done hundred of times on cars. Believe bikes are similar if not identical ??
P.S There is also a special socket that may work, depending on sheer off bolt head's shape

For this operation, I use centre punch(pointer) and a small hammer, crack loose both sheer off bolts and then unscrew'em by fingers. Depending of an access point it may take as little as few minutes. Done hundred of times on cars. Believe bikes are similar if not identical ??
P.S There is also a special socket that may work, depending on sheer off bolt shape

It would be really handy to know more how you do this, PB. Could you enlarge on what you actually do, please? I'm ok with the centre punch, but it's the "crack loose" that has me puzzling. Do you use the punch to start to "unwind" the bolt? Thanks.

[LongRanger_imp]

I wonder if someone was trying to steal your bike.

[GoldOxide_imp]

I wonder if someone was trying to steal your bike.

Yeah LR, interesting point.