Topic: CB750K7 Steering Lock: Fix or Buy New?

[Kaze]

CB750 K7/K8/F (etc.) ignition switch doubles as a steering lock. When we push the key in and turn left, a 1/4" pin comes out that locks up the forks/steering. Mine is STUCK. I want it to lock.

I know how it is meant to work. K7s were my daily drivers for years. THIS bike's is stuck.

- Removed the ignition (from the bike) and soaked the head of the locking pin with penetrating oil overnight.
- I tried tapping the locking pin head with a wide metal punch and a small hammer. Still no.

Turning the key left (with the switch in my hand) I can feel and see the locking pin move ever so slightly, it's just not coming out.

New aftermarket ig. switches are $25, but after-market parts are #$%*.
Used off Ebay is $50 for one that's "almost not damaged". (Varying states of rough condition)

Has anyone here successfully coaxed one of these stubborn pins to come out when it was stuck?

[bryanj]

Spend more time on it it will work ======== eventually!

[denward17]

Don't know if the K8 is the same, but mine doesn't lock until I move the handle bars far left or far right.

I'm really not sure how it is supposed to work, but I also have to push down on the key to turn it left.

Does your bike react the same?

[newday777]

Don't know if the K8 is the same, but mine doesn't lock until I move the handle bars far left or far right.

I'm really not sure how it is supposed to work, but I also have to push down on the key to turn it left.

Does your bike react the same?

It has to do the same on the K8 also, same with the Automatic and the Supersport bikes(75-78)

[newday777]

If you know K7/K8* ignition, you know that when you turn the key left, a 1/4" pin comes out that locks up the forks/steering. Well, mine doesn't lock. I want it to lock.

- I tried removing the ignition and soaking the head of the locking pin with PB Blaster penetrating oil overnight. Didn't budge.
- I tried tapping the locking pin head with a wide metal punch and a small hammer. Still no.

Turning the key left, I can feel and see the locking pin move ever so slightly, it's just not coming out.
I'm not particularly attached to this thing, I just like fixing what I can, if I can.

Any of you ever successfully get one of these stubborn pins to come out when it was stuck?

I could buy a new one. Aftermarket ones are $20-something, but I'm a bit wary of after-market these days.
I could buy a used one off Ebay... seem to be $50 for one that's "almost not damaged".

What do you think? Aftermarket? Get a bigger hammer? Call the National Guard? Sing softly to it until it surrenders and comes out without a fight?

* other bikes use this same ignition switch

Are you from the off position, pushing the key down before trying to turn the key left with steering full left?

[MauiK3]

my K3 is the old fashioned under side lock. I had to replace it due to excessive corrosion, only works turned all the way over

[Kaze]

"I tried removing the ignition and soaking the head of the locking pin..."
The ignition switch was removed. Not on the bike. Turning the handlebars isn't really applicable here.

- Push in and turn the key left is how it would work normally. The locking pin actually stuck.
- K3 ignition and steering lock and are two separate parts. K7/K8 has one switch for both, up between the gauges.

[newday777]

Did you try some heat around the pin case area?

[Kaze]

I didn't try heat. I didn't even think of it actually. I wonder how much heat would be safe, given then plastic plug area at the end. Seems like a propane torch might be a bit much? The switch itself works, just not the locking pin. It would be a shame melt the plastic.

I suppose going up in temperature incrementally would be the wise thing to do. Wouldn't hurt to try a simple hair dryer first.

For anyone who doesn't know, the gold dot here in the photo is the locking pin that is meant to come out.

[Stev-o]

I have the same switch on my 550F, they are not very good and I dont believe available from Honda any longer. The cheap knock offs are even worse. I cant remember even trying to use the lock?   

If they want the bike, that certainly is not going to stop them.

[Tracksnblades1]

I have the same switch on my 550F, they are not very good and I dont believe available from Honda any longer. The cheap knock offs are even worse. I cant remember even trying to use the lock?   

If they want the bike, that certainly is not going to stop them.

Agree with what you said if they’re determined…

In 1980 someone tried to steal my old 750F1.  Had it not been for the handlebars full left and that little pin, someone else would’ve been for a joy ride. 

Having just got off work, when I went to put my key in the lock cylinder, Shazam, there wasn’t a lock cylinder to put it in..but a small screwdriver would reach in and operate the actual switch. Engine stared right up, forks were still locked full left. Remember it well because I had to defeat the fork lock before I could ride it home…Especially after security thought I was trying to steal it….working on the fork lock…