Topic: Steering lock question?

[Old Moe Toe]

Did the CB 750's originally come out with a separate and different key to operate the steering lock? Or should the ignition key fit the ignition and steering lock?

[Johnie]

Your ignition key should match the steering lock. If you would take the steering lock mechanism out the number on the OEM ignition switch should match the number on that steering lock mechanism. Possibly someone changed out a faulty ignition switch which is why they maybe do not match.

[Steve_K]

I have 73 750 and the same key works for all the locks.

I have had a 550 which needed 2 keys for the locks.  That is not stock for these bikes.  40 years and people change things.

Steve

[Old Moe Toe]

Is there a number on the steering lock mechanism? If so where abouts would one expect to find it?
Reckon the bike in question has not been changed from year dot.
Maybe there is some sort of knack to using ignition key in steering lock? (I'm Hoping). Realize forks should be on one side or the other for the lock to work.

[Johnie]

The number is on the area where you insert the key. Sometimes it is pretty worn and hard to see. To use the steering lock you have to insert the key, turn key, then push it up, turn key and remove key.

[Old Moe Toe]

Your right Johnie, the number sure is there. As it happens the number on the lock matches the number on the key but I cant for the life of me get the key to go in properly. It just wont go in the last 4 or 5mm. As the bike only came with one key I am wondering if there may be a bit broken off the other original key still in the lock. This brings me to another query...
Is there any way of pulling the lock apart?

[Johnie]

The sad part is to take the entire tumbler out of there you have to be able to turn the key.  I would first try some Lock-Ease to lubricate it and see if that works.

[Bodi]

Does the little cover still work? They get filled with road crap if it stays open. A stuck locking pin can feel exactly like a broken off key. Try spraying plenty of carb or brake cleaner into the key hole with the little red tube that always gets lost. Heating it up a little bit with a propane torch may help.
Keys don't break off way inside, they break right at the opening. Possibly a key was broken off partway in and the snapped off bit subsequently pushed in?
If the cleaning solves it the lock should be lubricated afterwards. I think Lock-Ease has graphite which is the ideal cylinder lock lube. Oil will work for a while but eventually gum up the works.
The lock comes off but the screws are from above and rather inaccessible. You might be able to get at them without dropping the triple tree - I haven't tried. Good excuse to install steering stem tapered roller bearings?
Aggressive tapping against something solid may drop a broken key part out, or a locksmith may be able to get it out.

[MCRider]

Once you get past the blockage, rinse with WD-40 might work) remember the fork must be turned all the way left or right before the lock can be pushed up into locking position. It won't lock straight ahead or slightly left or right.  Maybe a pick like a dental probe can dislodge something?

[Old Moe Toe]

Yes Bodi the little cover does still work and everything looks like its in tip top condition.
When you say a stuck locking pin, I assume you mean the pin that is on the end of the lock and is designed to push up and through the lower triple tree? If so that pin is not stuck or rusted on. I can see its loose in its hole and will move up and down a millimeter or two but not enough to make it lock onto the steering stops on the frame.
I have sprayed into the lock with the little red tube and some wd40 to no avail.
The fact that the key wont go all the way in makes me suspect there is something in the lock(maybe bit of old key?)
MCRider,perhaps some sort of dental pick might be the go.
I know the steering lock is not going to stop the nasty determined thieves but it might stop the opportunist from wheeling your bike away while you have ducked into a shop for a few minutes, so it'd be nice to get it working.

[70CB750]

I think by stuck pin he means locking pin:



WD40 is not much of a lubricant, you are better off using RemOil or something like that.

Anyway, you could try to find a locksmith in your area to pick the lock for you or help to unlock it?  It is a matter of tools, not just skill to deal with locks.

[evanphi]

Sorry for hijack:

Did some models of CB750 not have a steering lock?

[MCRider]

Sorry for hijack:

Did some models of CB750 not have a steering lock?

Later on, 77 maybe, the fork lock moved up to the top bridge. IIRC

[Johnie]

Good idea to drive it over to a locksmith. See what he thinks. This lock picks might be the answer...let us know how you come out.