Key panic

[ScaredyCat]

Hi folks,

bit of a panic. I can't get the key out of the ignition. Anyone got any tips?

I've moved the bars from side to side a few times but I still can't get it out.

[MisterDavey]

How has the barrel felt previously, was it a bit stiff, rough, loose, or sticky?
I have the same bike, and my ignition barrel makes me nervous.
I'm going to spray graphite oil in there.
Have you tried spraying down into the barrel around the key?

[mr_diver]

May be a silly to say this but is there a chance it's frozen?
I've had to defrost the ignition on my Wee a few times before going to work and once when I got to work I couldn't get the key out.

The other thing that comes to mind - attempted theft - sometimes if the bars are forced against the steering lock to try and break it, sometimes it deforms the lock and pushes it out of line and it'll jam the key.

How did the key feel going in? stiff?

[Peile]

My ignition key also is a bit worrying at times, not smooth at all, I have sprayed graphite spray on the key and down into the ignition, hasn't really helped much though.
If you spray some contact cleaner in there and keep trying to remove it gently it hopefully will free itself.

[ScaredyCat]

Definately not frozen, been raining today. Key still turns fine, I can start the bike wihtout issue.

Yeah putting the key in is often a bit of a wiggle. Managed to get it out. Watched a few videos, scribbled on the key with a pencil and it goes in and comes out a bit easier now. Will order some graphite spray stuff for a better fix.

For the moment It's OK, but it's going to make me a bit nervous each time.

[tomstc]

I have a 2023 de and its only done 4k!
The barrel is so stiff, I have put some graphite down it and it's a bit better.
But my 20 year old 50k yamaha is still silky smooth

[nigel s]

If it is like my '22 650 ?
Where the key goes in , the shiny top bit rotates . It is a feature to stop dust/crap going in , instead of a more normal flap. If it becomes misaligned it makes getting the key in and out tricky . The manual says to use just the tip of the key to realign it , before putting in the key proper.
I was struggling with mine at times , and seems occasionally I had disturbed the cover by not taking the key straight out but at an angle , moving the cover slightly.
Could be that 

[ScaredyCat]

Ordered some Smith’s Graphite Lock Lubricant will throw someof that down there when it arrives, don't really want to have to worry about not being able to get the key out.

[Ianmc]

   When you get the graphite powder,give a good squirt down into the lock first,then give the key a good dose,and more importantly slide the key in and out for a couple of minutes before trying to turn it to give the internal sliders time to get lubed all over before trying to turn the lock.

[Snakebite]

Questions:

1/ Do you have more than one key?
If both keys have the same problem, it's the lock...

2/ Run your fingers down the SIDES of your key, do you feel any roughness?
Keys in pockets or wherever can get damaged. If the sides of your key aren't smooth, sand them smooth.

3/ Do you have any UNUSED keys for your bike?
Speaking of ANY lock: In an ideal situation with any lock, you should always put one key away safely and NEVER use it.
Keys are deliberately made from a softer material than the lock parts. This is so that the cheap keys can be replaced multiple times before the expensive lock is worn.
Keys are also like photocopied documents. Photocopy a document and it's fine, photocopy that copy and it's fine but a bit worse, do that several times and you have a document you can't read. Which is why you always get copies cut from an unused original.


General Knowledge:
You should avoid using oil or grease in a lock because as it dries, dust & debris gets stuck to it and you end up with a cutting paste in your lock.
However, if it turns out your lock is on its way out and will need replacing soon, it doesn't really matter and use whatever works.

[ScaredyCat]

Squirted the graphite powder in the lock and on the key. Worked the key in /out for a few minutes, took it out moved the bars aroud a bit, reinserted and tried again. Seems buttery smooth now. Currently using my winter hack but will see what the strom is like in a couple of months.