GS450 ignition switch question

[Guest]

I am tackling things as they need to/become apparent in my project.

I have 1 quick question concerning my ignition switch.
It seems to only lock the steering stem when the key is turned to the right and not at all to the left (which I am pretty sure is not correct).

Are these units sealed?
Can you open them to check?
Anything to look out for?
Or just look for a replacement?

I am unsure of whether or not it works, as the bike had the wiring harness removed when I got it.

Thanx for the help!

[Redman]

Not certain about 450s (somethings are different on the 2 cyclinder bikes)
- but can take off the electrical contact block part from the mechanical key switch part that includes the fork lock.
- should lock forks with key to right and key to left. One way is called 'lock' and other way is called 'park'. Both are locked, but the park also turns on the tail light. I dont recall which way is which.



Fork lock is that square part you see on top. It extends to lock fork in place. Maybe need to wiggle handlebar back and forth to get it to line up.




.

[Redman]

From Frank Z posting in Parts and Service. (again, for 850 & 1100).


.

[wally]

Thanx Redman. I noticed the lock pin only comes out when the key is in park mode (to the right) even with the ignition removed from the bike.

I will snap some pics of it tomorrow.

[pete]

Hey Wally, yes, pretty sure my ignition will lock when turned full left.

It's definitely able to be dismantled at least to a certain point as I was able to get the electrical contacts out for cleaning. I didn't go further than that though.

One thing though is that these locks are notorious for going into the lock position and staying there. Had that happen a few times when I first got my 450, even after a mate at the time took it to a locksmith for some graphite lubrication, so I don't use it any more.

[wally]

I think my ignition is stuffed...

The key can pretty much be removed from any position and it looks like the barrel has been (tried) half opened before. I might just have to look for a replacement one.

[barnbiketom]

hmmm i was wrong in my pre-edited post lol.


your switch is bad!!

I couldn't remember but it does lock both ways..

[wally]

Ordered a new replacement one off eBay. Hope to have it here within a week or two.