Topic: Removing locked seat without key

[Laminar]

I'm in a bit of a pickle here. I recently picked up a rough '76 CB550. I paid the seller, got the title, and the keys were in the ignition. After the 45 mile at 80 miles per hour trip in the back of a pickup, the keys were no longer in the ignition.

I can source a new ignition, key, and seat lock set, but what's the best way to get the seat unlocked without damaging the seat itself?

Here's the bike:

[OldSchool_IsCool]

Look on your lock set for the key code and just order replacement keys...

http://www.hondakeys.com/

[Laminar]

I had no idea this was an option, this is fantastic. Thanks!

[OldSchool_IsCool]

No problem.  And welcome to the club!

By the way, get a carabiner or large clip so that you can attach your keys to something solid in case they rattle loose again.

[BobbyR]

In the mean time if you look underneath you can remove the hinge pins, I did that when I was waiting for my keys. You can do the same with the ignition switch so u can work on the bike in the meantime.

[scartail]

If any of the other suggestions don't pan out... Here is mine.

A locksmith can make a new key for you old ignition. I have a 67 suzuki, that didn't have a key. It cost me 25$ to have the key made. And it took only a half day to get the key made. It may be cheaper in your area.

The cost may be equivalent to the cost of a new ignition. And you won't have to mess with the seat lock. Of course, assuming the key for the ignition, works for the lock.

[A Grove]

Sure you can remove the hinge pins... but after loosing my key, I broke out the 10mm socket and somehow managed to unbolt the lock from the seat-pan.  I was so damn pissed after doing that, it had to have taken a half hour of 1/4 or 1/8 turns on the nuts.. grr.

[GammaFlat]

I got into this exact spot and got information from this board on how to "get in".  I don't recall who to give credit to... sorry. 

I just removed the (2) 10mm nuts on the "lock" side.  It's tedious and you'll swear plenty but it is do-able.  Best done with a "slim" 10mm open-end wrench. 

Hope this helps.

[vames]

my seat lock on my 400f turns with any key, screwdriver, or anything else from the day I got it.

[A Grove]

I got into this exact spot and got information from this board on how to "get in".  I don't recall who to give credit to... sorry. 

I just removed the (2) 10mm nuts on the "lock" side.  It's tedious and you'll swear plenty but it is do-able.  Best done with a "slim" 10mm open-end wrench. 

Hope this helps.

Glad I wasn't the only one who swore to high-heaven doing it.. that'll teach me to drop the key thru the seat and into the airbox!!!

[bgfootball67]

I agree with Scartail, just remove ignition switch and take it to a good locksmith, had mine back in two hours.  Popped the seat open that evening.  Tried to track down a key by the numbers for two weeks with no luck...

[Laminar]

Thanks for all of the info and suggestions. I picked up another bike at the same time (Nighthawk 550) from the same guy, so I have plenty to work on for now.

[Laminar]

Where exactly will the code be? I didn't see it on the ignition cylinder or the seat lock. I hotwired the ignition switch and hooked up the battery leads to my car's battery, and it cranked great! A good carb cleaning and some fresh gas might be all it takes to get this thing running again. Of course, I'll need new tires and a new chain, but those will come.

[Bill Vaughan]

The four-digit code should be stamped in the face plate between the "N" in ignition and the "O" in off.  I can't be certain, but I believe I see the outline of the stamping in your photo.

As far as the seat lock is concerned, slide the protective cover to the side and look on the lock face.  The same code should appear there also.

[Laminar]

The ignition face, the seat lock face, and the steering lock are all 100% free of any type of markings. It looks like I'm going to have to choose between a new lock set or getting a local locksmith to make me a key, or is there a way I can connect my key code to, say, my VIN?

[mark]

Ignition switch looks like an aftermarket part, imo.

No connection between key code and v.i.n..

Locksmith service is probably cheaper than another lock set.

[Bill Vaughan]

Maybe it's just scratches, but the area I circled in red looks to contain numbers.  That's the exact spot where the code generally appears.

[Laminar]

Nope, nothing there.

[mystic_1]

Could be an aftermarket lock.  You can get those relatively cheap from JC Whitney and the like. 

mystic_1

[Laminar]

That's my concern - if I take the ignition switch to a locksmith and pay ~$45 to get a key made, only to find that the key won't unlock my gas tank or seat, I've just wasted money. Right now I'm just thinking that I'll take the seat lock to the locksmith and if it doesn't work in the ignition, pick up a new switch from JCW or the local auto parts store.

[gregk]

I think that the key code is on the underside of the ignition and the seat lock.  otherwise anyone could look at the bike and get the key code and go to the lock smith and get a key cut.

Greg

[upperlake04]

 If you are a do-it-yourself guy, Super Pasty White Guys' article and a $2.00 key blank will get you rolling.

[Johnny5]

If you are a do-it-yourself guy, Super Pasty White Guys' article and a $2.00 key blank will get you rolling.

Okay, that's awesome. The PO on my bike had changed ignitions but didnt have a key for the old ignition. So I was kinda screwed about the lock on the seat. He had the old ignition which he gave me at the sale of the bike. So Im going to give this a try.

Thanks for posting this.

[754]

Take the cover off the steering lock and check for the number.

 I have a 78 550 fork here, it has the number on the lock.. they may have ommitted for security reasons?

[Blasbo]

+1 on making your own key.
My 750K7 came out a little differently but the basic procedure was they same.
I got it working on the seat and the ignition but it was still a little rough in the ignition. I dremeled it down a little more and the key is very smooth in the ignition and now it won't open the seat!
Also be careful of the plastic parts in the ignition. Mine were brittle and I ended up breaking part of it.