Topic: 650 Ignition switch won't turn to on, thoughts??

[manjisann]

I'm 99% sure the switch is good as it worked before I took the bike apart. It will turn left and engage the steering lock, but when I go to turn it to the right to "on" it won't budge. I have the battery in, thinking it may need power to allow it to turn. Before I tear the thing apart, or buy a new one, anyone have any ideas? It wouldn't somehow ground through the frame would it? The bike isn't all together yet, I just wanted to test the lighting to make sure I had everything hooked up right so far.

This is an 80 cb650custom.

Thanks,

Brandon

[scunny]

no power needed to turn the switch, mine has a hissy fit occasionally and I have to joggle the key around to turn it

[manjisann]

ok, I didn't think it was a power issue, but it was one of the possibilities that popped in my head. Would spraying wd-40 or some such lube in the cylinder be a very bad idea?

Thanks,

Brandon

[Modest_Man]

Do you have a spare key to try?

It's been like a week since I've ridden my 650 so I don't quite recall, but don't you have to push down on the key to get it to lock the handlebars and you don't push it down for the on position?  I can recall several times trying to go from steering lock to on and the key stopping at off until I let up.

If you think the lock is binding try some graphite powder.

[Frankenkit]

Yup you need to turn the handlebars.  Full lock left will take you from lock to off.  Pull the handlebars and column straight and it should go 'on'.

[manjisann]

MM got it, I think I had been pushing it down, once I let up it turns pretty smooth  I feel silly.

Thanks,

Brandon

[Modest_Man]

Haha.  Easy fix though right.