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Ignition switch stuck in "Lock" position

philosopheriam

Forum Mentor
Past Site Supporter
Folks,

I have the ignition switch to my 1978 GS1000 on the bench - I took the contact section apart for cleaning, etc.

When I inserted the key into the actual lock, I was able to turn it to the lock position and now it is stuck. The keys are new, cut by a locksmith - they worked several months ago when the switch was in the bike.

Any ideas?

On a second note, why is it that I see lots of aftermarket switches available for the 79 and later models, but not the 78?

Thanks for the help!
 
Put it in a vice so youve got a free hand. Turn the key and wiggle it with one hand and tap on the side of the barrel with a hammer to see if the waffles are just stuck. if it comes free blow its full of carb spray and then air and repeat to flush the cylinder out. Gget the crud and rust out and then relube it.
 
Did your lock guy cut the new key off your original or from using the actual settings from the code? if he copied your key maybe the cuts arent perfect and thats hangng up a waffle too. Get ahold of me via PM with the 3 digit code and I will send you the cut settings.
 
Did your lock guy cut the new key off your original or from using the actual settings from the code? if he copied your key maybe the cuts arent perfect and thats hangng up a waffle too. Get ahold of me via PM with the 3 digit code and I will send you the cut settings.

Locksmith cut the key by the key # - my bike didn't have keys when I bought it.

I drilled out the roll pins and now have the cylinder assembly in my hand - it is definitely stuck. I will blast it with some carb cleaner in hopes that the waffles are just stuck.
 
To prevent having to get larger roll pins and all that next time, just take a hacksaw blade and make a 45 degree cut going up to the roll pins..making a little ditch for a small screw driver blade to get up against the pins. Now just stick the screw driver in the ditch and against the pins and pry up. The pins will slide out enough to be grabbed with pliers.
 
While the cylinder is out, take a flat tip and see if the bar lock will work before reinstalling the cylinder.
 
Chuck,

Cylinder isn't moving for love or money - I'm afraid I may be looking for a new aftermarket switch. Do you know any sources for one that fits a 1978 GS1000?
 
Ive got afew around. I will see what I have that has a working key. I will have to run across town to get my banana boxes off the shelf and go hunting. I will post back this afternoon. In the interum, see if David ( KIWI CANNUCK) can be got ahold of. Hes the resident locksmith and may have some advice on what you can do to maybe get your going again.
 
There is a link detailing disassembly of an ignition lock and how to refile the wafers.
 
Ive got afew around. I will see what I have that has a working key. I will have to run across town to get my banana boxes off the shelf and go hunting. I will post back this afternoon. In the interum, see if David ( KIWI CANNUCK) can be got ahold of. Hes the resident locksmith and may have some advice on what you can do to maybe get your going again.

I'm in the middle of a restoration so it's not like my bike is stuck in the middle of nowhere unable to run - I'll wait to hear back from you.
 
No biggy..I gotta run over there anyway today to fetch my riding gloves and some other junk so I am not being inconveinenced by any means.
 
Unfortunately, the cylinder won't turn and thus I can't remove it from the lock assembly to access the wafers.

I'm pretty sure you can get the tumbler removed with the key inserted.

But of course the details are in the link I mentioned.
 
I'm glad the search functions can be made to work or if all else fails use google to scour the GSR archives.
 
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