Loose Key - SV650 1999
 

Have you heard this one before?

Was riding home from work yesterday and looked down to notice the key was no longer in the ignition but was balanced very precariously on the handle bars. Pulled over pretty quick and put it back in and noticed there was no resistance at all to moving it in or out of the ignition when turned on. I think I'd bounced over a pothole and it must have jumped out, could have been a total disaster as it never came with the spare!

When the key is in the off position there is still slight resistance to it being pulled out. Anyone ever had this? Now I'm using an elastic band to connect it to the handle bar in case it comes out again but this is not really an ideal solution...

I think there were a couple of months in the summer of 2016 where I didn't have some problem with this bike :D

Re: Loose Key - SV650 1999
 

Until you can replace the Ignition Barrel I have a dog-chain spring latch on my Keyring,

https://i.imgur.com/KWw0NIX.jpg

I also have a keyring Ring on my Bike jacket so can hook them onto my Jacket for short stops/filling up.

Note:Rev counter flaky dial face has been fixed since that photo :)

https://i.imgur.com/HLnm5IB.jpg

Re: Loose Key - SV650 1999
 

Mine doesn't fall out but I can remove it with the engine running. Handy if I arrive home in the dark and want my headlight on to light up the garage door when I unlock it. :smt119

Re: Loose Key - SV650 1999
 

Why don't you just keep it in your pocket while riding

Re: Loose Key - SV650 1999
 

Normally the key is held in place by the pins in the lock barrel being pressed against key by springs. But if the lock is old and dirty the pins can slide into the barrel and stay there.

Temporary fix is a squirt of WD40 then wiggle the key around to try and free the pins up. Proper fix is a new lock barrel.

Just my thoughts,

Keith.

Loose Key - SV650 1999
 

Wd40 would probably work but is a little sticky and might trap more crud. Try some Kaba lock cleaner or Scottoil at a push. They aren't sticky.
Be prepared to do it every day for a while.

The other problem that happens is that the barrel turns with the key in but doesn't trigger all the pins. This then throws a fault and doesn't let the engine start.

Re: Loose Key - SV650 1999
 

I would not use WD-40 on a lock, it turns to glue after a while ( it was banned from maintenance department at one company I worked at for that very reason ). I have a quick clip to attach to keyring and a cord attached to handlebar.

The pins are stuck in place in your lock barrel and need freeing up, at the moment you could probably turn ignition on with a screwdriver without using key.

Re: Loose Key - SV650 1999
 

Use some graphite powder to lubricate the lock

Re: Loose Key - SV650 1999
 

One thing to be careful of is that whatever you put down the lock barrel can find its way into the electrical switch contacts at the bottom of the barrel. As Mav said graphite (or dry molybdenum disulphide ) is good as it does not attract dirt, but there are dry PTFE ( Teflon ) sprays nowadays that can put a protective lubricating dry film in locks. I have used 3 in 1 advanced PTFE (wet lubricant) in padlocks on gates and sheds that are outside in all weathers and 5 years + on after being lubed they work perfectly ( I have never re-applied in that time). I would favour dry PTFE (which apparently safe-makers use) as any wet lube may well find its way into the switch and PTFE is a great electrical insulator. The 'dry' sprays do have a solvent in them to carry the PTFE but it quickly evaporates, the solvent may even free up the pins in the lock. We used to use dry PTFE sprays in a huge automated pharmaceutical warehouse I used to be engineering manager in as dust from cardboard and paper packaging was a problem with wet lubes as it stuck to lube and gummed things up, WD-40 was a no-no as it turns to glue when it dries.

Re: Loose Key - SV650 1999
 

Anyone tried ACF50 in the lock?

This is supposed to have lubricative properties.