Locking the fork when parking

Moedad · 06-04-2008, 02:44 PM

Is there a trick to locking the fork when I park the bike? It's a 2003 and I just got it, don't know how much it was ever locked, if at all. I push down on the key like it says, but the key won't turn all the way to the "Lock" setting. Is this a finicky thing on the GZs? Try a bit of WD-40? Anybody? Anybody? Bueller? Bueller?

**jonathan180iq** · 06-04-2008, 02:57 PM

You have to make sure that the bars are turned all the way to the left, until they hit the turn stops. Then, push the key down, and turn it to the left. If it's jammed, some graphite or a squirt of wd-40 surely won't hurt.

I've never had a problem.

Easy Rider · 06-04-2008, 03:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Moedad

Is this a finicky thing on the GZs? Try a bit of WD-40?

It's somewhat finicky on a lot of bikes.
You probably just need to get a feel for where it falls into place.....maybe against the stop; maybe back just a bit.
I doubt mine will even engage now; the new windshield hits the tank a bit, preventing a complete turn.
A little lube might be in order but probably NOT down inside the switch itself.

I can't remember the last time I actually USED the fork lock.

patrick_777 · 06-04-2008, 06:31 PM

Be careful, WD-40 has a bad habit of gumming up an ignition or any other lock.

Go get a little tube of graphite powder (cheap and pretty easy to find near the key dept) and just squirt a little bit into the keyhole. Then work the key around a bit. As far as bar-locking, like Easy Rider just said, finding the sweet-spot might take a couple of tries. Mine stops fully to lock, but the key doesn't really have to be pressed in at all. I think each bike is its own animal.

You might have to check some documentation/manual for the bar-lock mechanism and make sure there isn't an obstruction or a wire being crimped, preventing it from stopping fully either.

turbo chicken · 06-04-2008, 07:23 PM

here's what i have to do...

turn all the way to the left.... put my right hand on the right handle and left hand on the key...turn the key and using my right hand turn back to the right just a tad... and the lock turns more easy when i get to the sweet spot.

bigwonton · 06-05-2008, 12:02 AM

Like others have said, I just turn all the way to the left and it usually locks up fine.

Be careful that you don't get overzealous and go past lock and get into the "Park" position where the rear tail light comes on and then leave your tail light on all day while you are at work (not that I've done that, mind you).

Moedad · 06-05-2008, 12:36 AM

I got it. It was just a liitle backed off from all the way over to the left. Thanks all.

06-04-2008, 02:44 PM	#1
Moedad Senior Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Orange County, CA Posts: 642	Locking the fork when parking Is there a trick to locking the fork when I park the bike? It's a 2003 and I just got it, don't know how much it was ever locked, if at all. I push down on the key like it says, but the key won't turn all the way to the "Lock" setting. Is this a finicky thing on the GZs? Try a bit of WD-40? Anybody? Anybody? Bueller? Bueller? Login or Register to Remove Ads
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06-04-2008, 06:31 PM	#4
patrick_777 Senior Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Tulsa, OK Posts: 1,763	Be careful, WD-40 has a bad habit of gumming up an ignition or any other lock. Go get a little tube of graphite powder (cheap and pretty easy to find near the key dept) and just squirt a little bit into the keyhole. Then work the key around a bit. As far as bar-locking, like Easy Rider just said, finding the sweet-spot might take a couple of tries. Mine stops fully to lock, but the key doesn't really have to be pressed in at all. I think each bike is its own animal. You might have to check some documentation/manual for the bar-lock mechanism and make sure there isn't an obstruction or a wire being crimped, preventing it from stopping fully either. __________________ ]I am hiding in Honduras. I am a desperate man. Send lawyers, guns and money. The shit has hit the fan.
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06-04-2008, 07:23 PM	#5
turbo chicken Member Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 75	here's what i have to do... turn all the way to the left.... put my right hand on the right handle and left hand on the key...turn the key and using my right hand turn back to the right just a tad... and the lock turns more easy when i get to the sweet spot. Login or Register to Remove Ads
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06-04-2008, 02:57 PM	#2
jonathan180iq Super Moderator Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Dalton, GA Posts: 3,996	You have to make sure that the bars are turned all the way to the left, until they hit the turn stops. Then, push the key down, and turn it to the left. If it's jammed, some graphite or a squirt of wd-40 surely won't hurt. I've never had a problem.
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06-05-2008, 12:02 AM	#6
bigwonton Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: NE Ohio Posts: 90	Like others have said, I just turn all the way to the left and it usually locks up fine. Be careful that you don't get overzealous and go past lock and get into the "Park" position where the rear tail light comes on and then leave your tail light on all day while you are at work (not that I've done that, mind you).
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06-05-2008, 12:36 AM	#7
Moedad Senior Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Orange County, CA Posts: 642	I got it. It was just a liitle backed off from all the way over to the left. Thanks all.
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