Key Problems

[mituk]

Greetings!
I picked up a 2013 Super T a few months back and am trying to sort a few issues, but this key problem is the most pressing. The bike has 27k miles, and is generally in pretty good condition. The PO only had one key for it, and once I got home with it, discovered that the key will only go in the ignition one way - turn the key 180 degrees and try to insert it and it won't go. I've had a couple of keys made at the lock shop that all the motorcycle dealers in town recommend, and neither works in the ignition. I can insert one of the copied keys without any issues, but it won't turn either direction. It will however, work the seat lock and the pannier locks. I've compared keys with a magnifying glass and am not seeing any differences. The other copied key won't even go in the locks, so I'm writing it off as just a bad copy.

I've about come to the conclusion that the ignition is somehow buggered up somehow. I've also tried some dry Teflon lube both on the keys and a drop in the keyhole - no change.
Anybody had any similar experiences or suggestions on things to try? I'm going to try having a couple more keys done and see if we can get on that works, but the fact that the stock key only works one way seems very odd to me and is what is making me thing the ignition is messed up.
Thank you!
Dave

 

[Jlq1969]

Since the key shares its operation with the handlebar lock, perhaps this lock is complicating things. Does the slot where the key is inserted look good?...or does it look rounded, enlarged (this is what they usually look like when they force it to steal it

 

[mituk]

Good idea to check - the key slot looks normal - the spring cover operates properly and there aren't any scratches or evidence that it was physically abused.

 

[whisperquiet]

Is it the original key? The bike comes with two OEM keys and I always have two extras cut at the local locksmith.

 

[mituk]

Yep, its the original - the bike only came with one, so its a single point of failure right now. A big concern is being on a trip and all of a sudden the key won't work, given that it already is acting odd with the key only working in one orientation.

 

[whisperquiet]

Yep, its the original - the bike only came with one, so its a single point of failure right now. A big concern is being on a trip and all of a sudden the key won't work, given that it already is acting odd with the key only working in one orientation.

I would spray the inside of the lock/ignition cylinder with contact cleaner and clean/polish the key with 0000 steel wool or a scotch brite pad to see if that helps…..it won’t hurt.

 

[cyclemike4]

Yep, its the original - the bike only came with one, so its a single point of failure right now. A big concern is being on a trip and all of a sudden the key won't work, given that it already is acting odd with the key only working in one orientation.

Hello mituk. I have a FJR1300 that the key only works with it inserted one direction. It is the original key as well. I have the second key and it will work both ways. They both take the seat off just fine. Not sure why but it has never given me any issues. the dealer i used to use also cut keys for me just using the number off the key. they have been fine as well. Sure hope you can get a key cut that works so you will have a spare.

 

[Sierra1]

To me, if the seat and box lock(s) work with the key, but not the ignition, I'd have to go with a failing ignition.

 

[scott123007]

It's hard to believe that a key that is cut identically on both sides will only work one way, and the others virtually won't work at all in the ignition but will work everywhere else, so I'm with Sierra 1 on this. Before I bought a new ignition switch though, I would take the bike to a locksmith and let them diagnose it. They might have a cure.

 

[OldRider]

I would be afraid that switch will fail in the middle of BFE and leave me stranded. I would put a new switch on now. Should be able to pick one up for $150.

 

[mituk]

Yeah, I agree with you guys on this, and its really interesting to me that CycleMike had a similar one-sided key. And the point about the switch failing in BFE is exactly what I'm concerned about. Want to take this bike on an upcoming trip to Canada in June, and I don't think I can do it with this problem. I'll bring it in to the lock shop just to see if they have any insight as to what might be going on, but I'm thinking replacement.
Partzilla has it for about $130. I've never done anything like an ignition switch replacement, and it isn't covered in my Yamaha service manual.
Is this something medium-experienced wrench can do without buggering something up? Any tips?
Thanks you guys - really appreciate your collective experience/thoughts.
Dave

 

[scott123007]

Well, it sounds like it's the key cylinder that's at fault, not the switch per se. You can buy a switch if you want, but it "might" be an easy fix for a locksmith.

 

[mituk]

I didn't know the cylinder was independent of the whole switch - is the cylinder replacable without having to remove the whole switch and drill out the security bolts? That's the part I don't think I could do myself.
After doing some reading, it sounds like the cylinder idea is likely correct since it is the direct interface with the key, but I have no idea how to get the switch out to do that.
Or should I just take it to a MC repair shop?

 

[Tenman]

My gen 1 has locked up a few times with the steering lock and took a lot of fiddling to get it loose. I don’t use it anymore.

 

[Sierra1]

The Tenere is the first one I've had that engaging/disengaging the steering lock didn't take some fiddling. Even now when I go to use it, I wince and wait for it to not work smoothly. So far, so good.

 

[scott123007]

I have the same problem as Tenman. It's a crap shoot how long it's going to take to unlock my steering, so I only use it if I absolutely have to.

@mituk Yes, I would take the BIKE to a locksmith and see what they tell you.

 

[Gerard]

Greetings!
I picked up a 2013 Super T a few months back and am trying to sort a few issues, but this key problem is the most pressing. The bike has 27k miles, and is generally in pretty good condition. The PO only had one key for it, and once I got home with it, discovered that the key will only go in the ignition one way - turn the key 180 degrees and try to insert it and it won't go. I've had a couple of keys made at the lock shop that all the motorcycle dealers in town recommend, and neither works in the ignition. I can insert one of the copied keys without any issues, but it won't turn either direction. It will however, work the seat lock and the pannier locks. I've compared keys with a magnifying glass and am not seeing any differences. The other copied key won't even go in the locks, so I'm writing it off as just a bad copy.

I've about come to the conclusion that the ignition is somehow buggered up somehow. I've also tried some dry Teflon lube both on the keys and a drop in the keyhole - no change.
Anybody had any similar experiences or suggestions on things to try? I'm going to try having a couple more keys done and see if we can get on that works, but the fact that the stock key only works one way seems very odd to me and is what is making me thing the ignition is messed up.
Thank you!
Dave

Don't you need the red key to make a working copy?

 

[whisperquiet]

Don't you need the red key to make a working copy?

The USA bikes have two keys with black plastic on the head of the key.

 

[Saint rob]

Don't you need the red key to make a working copy?

I’m pretty certain the US bikes don’t have transponders in the keys that interact with the ECU to prevent it from starting, therefore they don’t need to program their keys using the red key

 

[bimota]

I’m pretty certain the US bikes don’t have transponders in the keys that interact with the ECU to prevent it from starting, therefore they don’t need to program their keys using the red key

yep,

no red key in the USA just basic keys

rob