Key / Ignition Problem

Hey everyone,

I've had my 1982 KZ-550 for about three weeks now. I've had it running fine, and everything was great. Then I made the mistake of turning the key to the "Lock" position. Up until then I'd only had it OFF or ON.

Well, now that I've locked the steering (witht he bars turned to the left) I can remove the key, but I cannot fully UNLOCK it. If I put the key back in and push and turn as instructed, it turns about half way to the "OFF" position, and the bars unlock. But the key will not turn all the way to OFF, ON, or PARK. My only positions now are "LOCK" or halfway between LOCK and OFF.

I was thinking that maybe the Key was worn, so I had a new one cut to factory specs. I still have the same problem. Both keys work fine in the seat lock, the helmet lock, the gas tank, and can unlock the steering, but I cannot get further than half way to OFF.

I've tried graphite to lubricate the lock, I've tried it with the steering turned to the left, the right, wiggling the bars.. no good. I've tried wiggling the key, pushing on the key, but I don't want to break it off so I haven't gotten out the vice grips yet

Any suggestions? or am I looking at EBAY for a new ignition lock?

Thanks

Welcome to KZR. Nice looking bike!

Try spraying WD40 or another type of penetrating oil into the Ign. keyhole. It may free something up.

I would try turning the key back towards ON etc, while wobbling the key forward and back and in and out. Kind of like you've been doing. Just be careful not to bend the key.

Hey Rstnick,

I tried everything, compressed air, WD 40, a whole lot of wiggling, Finally I gave up and pulled the ignition off the bike. I took it to a locksmith, and we took it apart, turns out one of the tumblers inside snapped and was keeping the key from turning.

I've ordered a new one off E-Bay , reasonable price, around $30 for the whole assembly.

What are the chances the new one I get will use the same key as the rest of my bike

Looks like i'll be a two key man. one for the ignition, and one for everything else... but at least my ignition will work

Thanks for your suggestions.

your locksmith can key it to match. well at least mine can :whistle:

Hey Rob, how hard is it to change the lock to match a key?

GR, I love that bike especially the color!

To match the key, you need the proper tumblers. Some of the old tumblers may be used if their not all broken. Or may be lucky the tumblers just need rearranging to match the key. Also, some could be left out.