A motorcycle is a wonderful way to experience the open road and all of the adventures it offers. It can be a hassle if you lose keys or are stuck in the ignition.
There are plenty of ways to get your motorcycle back on track without losing the freedom it affords. This article will address some of the most common issues that can affect your bike and what you can do to resolve them.
Damaged ignition cylinder
If you’re experiencing difficulty getting the ignition working on your motorcycle It could be a sign the ignition cylinder is damaged. It’s not always the situation, but it must be checked out.
Damaged ignition cylinders could cause many problems that could affect your ability to start your car. This issue is typically repaired.
1. The Key won’t turn — This is a sign your cylinder has gone bad. It is usually due to the tumblers’ pins getting worn down over time.
To test if it turns by itself, try turning the key around or applying the lubrication. If the issue continues, it is likely that the ignition coil is severely damaged.
2. The Ignition Switch becoming stuck This occurs when the key is in contact with the ignition switch in a way which causes it to become stuck or blocked. To help the switch move freely, you can make use of silicone-based or Motorcycle Key Repair graphite-based grease to grease it.
3. The car won’t start — This is a typical symptom of an ignition cylinder that is starting to break down. To begin your engine, you will need to program your transponder key if the vehicle is equipped with one.
4. The Ignition Housing Gears Are Broken This is a very rare issue, but it can occur to a few models. This can cause the ignition to switch off and Motorcycle key repair turn on loudly.
5. A Worn Key If you’ve got a worn key, it could cause damage to the «wafer» tumblers or pins in the lock cylinder. This will stop the key from turning correctly and prevent it from unlocking your car.
It is a good idea for a professional to replace the cylinder, as it could be too complicated for some people to manage on their own. If the cylinder has been damaged for a time and is in need of repair, it must be replaced with a new one.
Lost Key
Replacing a lost key on your motorcycle could be a difficulty. However, there are several different ways to get a new key made without losing too much time or money.
One of the easiest ways to get a new key made is by visiting an locksmith. They’ll have the equipment to cut new keys and then program them to work with your motorcycle. They will also be able to access all the keys that are blank for modern and classic motorcycles.
Another alternative is to visit a dealer and ask them to cut keys for you. This may be a little more expensive than getting keys made by the locksmith shop, but it can help you save money in the end.
In some instances locksmiths will have to make an impression of the lock inside the cylinder for ignition. This will allow them to discern where the cuts and fills will be needed to create a key that will fit your bike.
If you have a transponder key it can be somewhat more difficult to work with. The chip inside the key has to be matched to the engine computer on your motorcycle. Some models have built-in immobilizers that block a key from functioning unless the code matches.
Even if your bike does not come with immobilizers, it could be a problem if are unable to locate the transponder. Some older models won’t start when the chip is not present or unmatched.
It is possible to get your transponder key duplicated by a hardware or dealership. However, this is not always the case. The cost for this service will vary based on the model and the make of your motorcycle, but it is a good idea to have this done at least once, so that you can be prepared in the future.
A key fob, another common type of bike key replacement, can be extremely difficult to replace. It is essential to always have an extra key. If you lose one, your bike might think that you are trying to take it.
Ignition Cylinder Code
A key for a motorcycle that doesn’t fit into the ignition could be a hassle and can be caused by a problem with the key or the ignition cylinder. If you’re not sure of what to do to fix it, you can get a locksmith take a look at it and determine what needs to be done.
The first thing you should do is find the cylinder code for your motorcycle. The code is usually three to four numbers long and can be located somewhere on the silver shaft of the cylinder for ignition. If you’re unable to locate it, look up your owner’s manual or ask a friend or mechanic for assistance.
Another option is to take your motorcycle key to a local locksmith shop and get it copied. This is a simple and affordable way to get an entirely new key. Bring your old key to the locksmith. They’ll use a software program or lookup table to determine the cylinder code of your motorcycle.
Your locksmith will then cut you a copy of your key based on the cylinder code that you have found. Although it might not be as reliable or as accurate as the original key, it is still a viable option if you are looking for an affordable key.
Once you have a second copy, your motorcycle can be started. The wheels of your motorcycle remain locked until you unlock it with the ignition key.
If you are considering purchasing a replacement ignition cylinder, be sure to check the manufacturer’s description to confirm that it is compatible with your motorcycle. You will want one that matches your bike and is compatible with your motorcycle.
It is also important to look at the cost to make sure it’s not too expensive. This is especially important when you’re on a tight budget or need to replace the item urgently.
The last but not least option is to replace entire ignition cylinder. It’s a little more time-consuming but generally a cheaper alternative than trying to locate your cylinder code or finding locksmiths who can copy your motorcycle’s key from the ignition cylinder. The only drawback with this option is that you’ll need wait for the part to come in.
Padlock Key
Padlocks are locks that can be detached and can be utilized in a variety of applications to guard against vandalism and theft and harm. They are comprised of three primary parts: a shackle, body, and the locking mechanism.
The most popular padlock component is the shackle. It is a loop of metal and opens when locked. It can be round or square, and may have a chain attached it. The body is a solid piece metal that is the lock’s internals as well as holds the shackle.
Modern keyed padlocks are equipped with discs, tumblers or cams that secure the shackle each time you turn the motorbike key fob. The old padlock was activated by a screw action that released a spring that, in turn, freed the shackle.
Certain padlocks utilize a combination of wheels to unlock them, depending on the design. These wheels may become clogged with debris and cause the padlock to get stuck. This can be solved by spraying the key with graphite powdered and then inserting the key in and out multiple times. This will cover the inside of the lock, allowing it slide more easily.
Rust is yet another issue which can cause the malfunction of a padlock. Rust is created when iron bonds with water and oxygen to form flake of rust. This buildup could be hazardous if the padlock is exposed to moisture.
The cold weather can cause padlocks to freeze which can cause the formation of ice within the housing, which could hinder the operation. It’s simple to break the frozen ice by submerging the lock in warm water, but make sure that any moisture has been removed from the housing prior to heating it up.
A damaged key is the most common reason why a padlock can’t open. It is likely that you won’t be capable of removing the key out of the lock without assistance from a professional. If you have a spare key you can attempt to straighten it or request a replacement from locksmith.