K3 - stiff ignition switch. - SV650.org

26-10-12, 02:42 PM

My SK3 650 has developed a problem where it is quite difficult to turn the key in the ignition. Including to steering lock.

I imagine it's probably caused by moisture or something in the ignition housing, but does anyone have any easy solutions?

Cheers

Mark_h · 26-10-12, 03:13 PM

They all do that. In general a forward pressure on the key (ie, push plastic bit towards front of bike) helps it. Also if you can obtain some graphite powder and put some in the key slot it can help.

26-10-12, 03:15 PM

Thanks Mark, if I don't have graphite paper could I just grind up a pencil or something? Seeing as its made of graphite.. or am I just being stupid?
Failing that - would WD40 work in small amounts?

Mark_h · 26-10-12, 03:22 PM

Best bet is to wait until you can get some graphite powder. It comes in a little squeezy bottle. You only need the smallest pot you can get as it'll last you about 600 years.

If you go squirting WD40, 3in1 or anything else down there it may help but will pretty much stop the graphite powder doing its thing.

Or do like the rest of us and get used to the key jiggle technique.

26-10-12, 03:23 PM

haha thanks, I'll use the key jiggle technique til I can get my hands on some graphite

Mark_h · 26-10-12, 03:32 PM

get it here or of course just replace your entire wiring loom and get a new lockset. Which ever you feel happiest with

26-10-12, 02:42 PM	#1
TCochrane Guest Posts: n/a	K3 - stiff ignition switch. My SK3 650 has developed a problem where it is quite difficult to turn the key in the ignition. Including to steering lock. I imagine it's probably caused by moisture or something in the ignition housing, but does anyone have any easy solutions? Cheers

26-10-12, 03:13 PM	#2
Mark_h Member Mega Poster Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Fleet, Hampshire Posts: 2,448	Re: Stiff ignition switch They all do that. In general a forward pressure on the key (ie, push plastic bit towards front of bike) helps it. Also if you can obtain some graphite powder and put some in the key slot it can help. __________________ Don't want to be the quickest; don't want to be the best; just want to be the one having the most fun. XL125Varadero -> Curvy SV650N-Y -> SV1000N-K3 -> Multistrada 1200s Twin-tastic stuff. Minister for Sustainability *Aliquid prudentissimus delectabiles et intelligentes in adamasset lingua.*

26-10-12, 03:15 PM	#3
TCochrane Guest Posts: n/a	Re: Stiff ignition switch Thanks Mark, if I don't have graphite paper could I just grind up a pencil or something? Seeing as its made of graphite.. or am I just being stupid? Failing that - would WD40 work in small amounts?

26-10-12, 03:22 PM	#4
Mark_h Member Mega Poster Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Fleet, Hampshire Posts: 2,448	Re: Stiff ignition switch Best bet is to wait until you can get some graphite powder. It comes in a little squeezy bottle. You only need the smallest pot you can get as it'll last you about 600 years. If you go squirting WD40, 3in1 or anything else down there it may help but will pretty much stop the graphite powder doing its thing. Or do like the rest of us and get used to the key jiggle technique. __________________ Don't want to be the quickest; don't want to be the best; just want to be the one having the most fun. XL125Varadero -> Curvy SV650N-Y -> SV1000N-K3 -> Multistrada 1200s Twin-tastic stuff. Minister for Sustainability *Aliquid prudentissimus delectabiles et intelligentes in adamasset lingua.*

26-10-12, 03:23 PM	#5
TCochrane Guest Posts: n/a	Re: Stiff ignition switch haha thanks, I'll use the key jiggle technique til I can get my hands on some graphite

26-10-12, 03:32 PM	#6
Mark_h Member Mega Poster Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Fleet, Hampshire Posts: 2,448	Re: Stiff ignition switch get it here or of course just replace your entire wiring loom and get a new lockset. Which ever you feel happiest with __________________ Don't want to be the quickest; don't want to be the best; just want to be the one having the most fun. XL125Varadero -> Curvy SV650N-Y -> SV1000N-K3 -> Multistrada 1200s Twin-tastic stuff. Minister for Sustainability *Aliquid prudentissimus delectabiles et intelligentes in adamasset lingua.*

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