K11 Owners Group

Bazsm · Posted: Sat Aug 21, 2021 7:03 pm Post subject: Steering lock no longer locks!

Went to lock the bike earlier this week when I got to the station and nothing! Key works fine to start the bike and turns off fine but no longer turns the next bit to lock the steering. Had the bike a few weeks and steering lock has worked fine so it’s not that I don’t know how it works! Anyone else had their steering lock fail? I’m guessing removal of the barrel etc isn’t a quick job!

TIA
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1994 K1100LT

Scott_Anderson · Posted: Sun Aug 22, 2021 6:36 am Post subject:

Have you tried another key? could be yours is worn enough it's not allowing the lock cyl to rotate to the lock position.(from non-use prior to you owning the bike)
My suspicion is that the locking mechanism is just gummed up with crud/dried grease. Mainly from non-use and age.
You could try some penetrating fluid around the mechanism from below.
Definitely do not put it down thru the key assy.
If worse comes to worse you have 2 other options.
1) drill out the security bolts and remove the switch assy to clean up the lock mechanism
2) remove the upper triple tree whole and clean up the lock mechanism.

The 2nd option also gives you the opportunity to examine/grease the steering head bearings while you have it apart.
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Ride safe.

1995 K1100LT 0302044
2017 FLHTK Ultra Limited
Garmin StreetPilot 2820
Garmin Zumo 550
Garmin Zumo XT
"One who does not ask questions is ashamed to learn" Danish proverb
1997 K1100LT 0302488(R.I.P.)
1997 R1100RT ZC62149(sold)

Flying Duck · Posted: Sun Aug 22, 2021 4:03 pm Post subject:

Grunter · Posted: Mon Aug 23, 2021 7:20 am Post subject: Gummed up

I had the same with the seat lock, but in my case it would not release so I squirted quite a lot of brake cleaner which is a very good solvent and that cleared out what was causing the jam.

I only lubricate the locks with something like WD40/silicone and at a push very thin machine oil so locks jamming are a thing of the past
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1997 K1100LT
1994 R1100RS

Flying Duck · Posted: Mon Aug 23, 2021 10:45 am Post subject: Re: Gummed up

Bazsm · Posted: Mon Aug 23, 2021 2:39 pm Post subject:

Thanks for the replies chaps, the folding key works fine to start the bike but just won’t do the extra turn for the steering lock any more. I’ve only had the bike a few weeks and it hadn’t had a lot of use prior to buying it but has clearly been well looked after. I have tried moving the handlebars back a fraction to make sure the lock mechanism is aligning but I’ll take a closer look and hopefully report back with the fault. Given how smooth the key feels as it turns it seems unlikely the barrel is at fault but I do have some Wurth spray for locks so guess I’ve got nothing to lose trying that first.
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1994 K1100LT

Flying Duck · Posted: Mon Aug 23, 2021 2:45 pm Post subject:

In case you're interested here's what a K1100 ignition looks like when removed.

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93 LT (x2)
94 RS
86-97 K75F(K75/100/1100 Frankenbrick)
86 K75C w/paralever, hi perf cams,TURBO!
91 & 92 K75Ss
91 K1
86 custom K100
14 WR250R
IBA #17739 (SS1K, BBG, 50CC)
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Bazsm · Posted: Tue Aug 24, 2021 3:30 pm Post subject:

Jim · Posted: Sat Aug 28, 2021 1:35 am Post subject:

Seems like the few times I locked the K, I had to figure out which side the lock was on, then had to wiggle the bars just a bit to get it lined up.
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Jim
1997 K1100LTSE 94,000 - still has gremlins!
1995 R100RT Classic 16,650 crashed - repaired!
1992 K75RTP 46,000

"We shall not all die, but we shall all be changed."