Knackered ignition key barrel ?

Im finding it increasingly more difficult to actually turn the key in the ignition when starting the bike and am getting a bit concerned that Im goin to break the key miles from home, is it a common thing ? my curveys done 33,000 miles and is great in every other aspect, thing is, if it needs replacing is it an easy job or best left to someone that actually knows what they are doing ?
Cheers
stew

[pmapp]

Silly, question - but have you oiled it?

Originally Posted by pmapp

Silly, question - but have you oiled it?

+1, thought mine was on its last legs, but a lot of penetrating spray, wd40, and its smooth as silk now....

[pmapp]

Originally Posted by Biker_Billy

+1, thought mine was on its last legs, but a lot of penetrating spray, wd40, and its smooth as silk now....

Tis exactly why I asked - mine was really bad until I dropped a wee bit of oil in it.

[Richie]

Thats what happen'd to mine and a spot of oil did wunders....

[yorkie_chris]

Mine's well oiled but you still have to tilt the key forward slightly to turn the key.

I had the same issue.....I had a new key made and it solved the problem

Originally Posted by pmapp

Silly, question - but have you oiled it?

I have but maybe need to get some wd40 into it see if that makes much difference, cheers guys

+1 on oil I used 3-in-1 tho.

[northwind]

WD40's more solvent than oil... If your lock has any original lubricant left WD40 might be counterproductive. OTOH if it has muck in it causing problems WD40 might help. I use engine oil though, mine was almost completely useless for a bit but now it's fine.