98 Valkyrie ignition problem

[Loki]

Good evenin all.  Been a lurker for awhile, haven't posted that I can remember.

Names Marc, from Katy Texas.  I own a 98 Valkyrie Tourer.  Cream and Red.  It's got 116,000 miles on the clock and is still going strong.  Also own an 85 Magna V65, currently with 153,000 miles on it's clock.  Love them both but have to say I spend a lot more time in the saddle of the Valk.

This after noon I came out to the garage at work to go home and stuck my key in the ignition.  Felt some resistance and it wouldn't go all the way in.  Started eyeballing the keyhole and noticed a bit of metal inside which I fished out.  Found it was a tiny spring, I imagine it was providing some resistance to a tumbler which I now assume is stuck inside my keyhole somewhere.

Long story short, I took the bus home, went over to my local honda place and ordered the ignition key core assembly.  2 questions

1.  Part isn't coming in probably until Monday or Tuesday.  I definitely don't want to leave my bike sitting all weekend in my parking garage.  Can I hotwire my ignition?  Looked at the schematics and it doesn't appear as if I can't.  Any gotchas or comments or suggestions?

2.  Once the core comes in I have to get the old core out.  If the key won't turn in the lock will I be able to get the core out?  If so, how?

Thanks!

Really appreciate any help.  I would hate to have to rent a trailer and trailer my baby back home.

Marc

[DFragn]

I feel for ya and no offense, it seems a straight-up post. But, you would be hard pressed to have anyone post what would be essentially 'how to steal a Valk' on a public board.

Sounds as if it may be safe in the garage. If your not comfortable leaving it there. You could rent a trailer for $30.00 and drag it home.

Good Luck to you.

[Scott from FL, now in Maine]

Your key may still work fine. Sounds like yours did the same thing mine did. There is a little flap or door if you perfer, that covers the key hole. Mine broke inside the keyhole. Took a paper clip bent straight and picked out the broken peices including the spring. The spring is for the door not the tumblers. Key works as always now and I just shoot a shot of WD40 in it every so often so it isn't affected by water.

[R J]

Loki, get yourself a small pick with the bent 90 degree hook.  Small one now.   

You will usually have to buy a set of these picks to get the one ya need.

Using a nice strong light, we use an LED light at the shop, put the pick in the slot and anything laying in the key slot, try to extract it.

All it is is the spring and pieces of the flapper door on your switch....

You don't need a new switch, just clean out this one periodically with WD40.  DO NOT use Carb or Brake Cleaner for this.  It will eat paint off the bike.........

I had to do this to mine about 6 or 7 years ago.......

[Loki]

All you guys rock!!  Thanks for the tips, never thought about the little flap over the lock, which of course isn't there anymore.  Too bad I already shelled out the 56 bucks to order a new core.  LOL.  Wonder if the stealership will give me back my money when the part comes in.  I'm heading to work now and as soon as it gets light out I'm going to try to fish that junk out of my assembly.

Thanks again and I'll let you know how it goes.

Marc

[Tundra]

Hopefully that will work for you. I had to replace mine. Now I have to carry two keys    One for fuel and lock and one for ignition. I wasn't so lucky, mine was in a hay field on the side of the road...NO WAY I was leaving it there. I won't leave my bike anywhere I cant' see it. I did have to "hot wire" mine. Best of luck.

[Loki]

Now for the update:

The problem was indeed what you guys suggested.  However I was not able to fish the little pieces out simply cause they ain’t so little and won’t fit through the key hole with the picks/tweezers/tools I have.  I managed to get the pieces pushed far enough back into their little cubby hole that I can now fit the key in all the way and start the Valk.

So…while I was cursing my impetuousness in buying the core mechanism from the stealer yesterday I think it’s going to be a good thing as I will probably end up replacing it after all.  Not too fond of having to carry 2 keys around but thems the breaks!

On to my 2nd question, or a variation of it, from yesterday.  I'm going to have to pull the core.  Now that I can turn the key I am assuming that there is a point in the turn process that will allow me to pull the core.  Anyone know where that point is?  I noticed a small hole on the side of the ignition assembly, I assume that at some point I will have to be able to trip something in there in order to disengage the core mechanism while turning the key?

Again, thanks for your great suggestions.  M/C riders are the bomb!!

Marc.

[Ricky-D]

Not trying to criticize here but I think that in trying to save some bucks you are going to end up having to spend more. I'd take it to a locksmith and let him do the work. As a matter of fact he (the locksmith) could clean all that refuse out of you present cylinder and get it back working 100% I would surmise.  Bet you didn't even think of that did you?

[Loki]

Guess it's because I'm so used to doing all the work myslef on my Magna.  I like tinkering so sometimes with a little helps from my friends  I tackle jobs possibly best left to other more competent folks.  I have fun though and I've managed to keep my Magna on the road for quite a while.

Thanks for everyones help.  I really appreciate it.  Ride safe!

Marc

[kickstand]

If you call pinwall cycle you may be able get a gas cap and ignition and keys at a good price I have bought from them did me pretty good