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Steering lock

Jacob2

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Hello all,

I got a 1979 Honda CB 750k (Fancy-schmancy 10th anniversary edition)

Anyway i’ve never been able to get the steering lock to work properly. Essentially I turn the wheel all the way to the left press down on the key and attempt to turn it to the lock position and it just does not want to rotate left, its like its just stuck.

Any tips?
 
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Try moving the bars just slightly to the right and wiggle them a little bit while putting pressure on the key; you might find the spot where it turns. I've had to do this on every bike I've owned with a steering lock.
 
I tried, no luck. Ive tried moving/wiggling the bars while putting a little/alot of downward pressure on the key. Even tried no downward pressure and nothing.

The locking device im sure has not been used since the late 80s early 90s. (Grandfather's bike I found in his barn and fixed up) So im wondering if it is just seized together in there? Turning it in the 3 positions that work is smooth though. On, off and the park (all the way to the right where only your tail light will stay on).

So at this point I’m wondering if I should try applying a lubricant or maybe even a small amount of heat. Such a simple device and it has gotten me stumped.

Thanks for any advice
-Jacob
 
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Have you figured out the trip odometer reset button yet? Took me a while to remember that you have to turn the button slightly before you push it. In fact, I disassembled it to try and "fix" it before I figured it out. :rolleyes:
As far as the fork lock, maybe remove the ignition switch and lube the lock mechanism from the bottom? Replacement switches are readily available. I've seen them on several sites recommended on this forum.
 
Yeah I have haha, thats how I keep track of my gas stops, about 120miles and start looking for a gas station.

Yes that’s what I’m thinking I’m gonna have to do. From a visual standpoint it looks like it has a lot of oxidation and corrosion on the outside, probably just stuck.
 
I started to take it apart but when inspecting I cannot figure out where the lock even locks at to prevent the head from steering? Am I missing something?
 

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I started to take it apart but when inspecting I cannot figure out where the lock even locks at to prevent the head from steering? Am I missing something?
I've never had mine apart, and the factory manual I have doesn't really have a detail drawing or picture of how it works.
 
Now you've got me curious. I think I'll go look at my 1980 K with the steering lock engaged and see what it does.
Yes please upload photos.

Its never been an issue for me because I have stored it in a garage. Now I do not have that luxury and most of the summer it will be kept outside with a cover on…so I would like to get it fixed.
 
Engaging the steering lock pushes a pin out of the ignition switch, and into a hole that's drilled in the frame neck. Picture 1 is with the pin engaged and picture 2 is with the pin retracted inside the ignition switch barrel as it would be normally.

On my own K, you have to push the key down into the switch, then turn it counterclockwise, to engage the steering lock. It will not engage if you just turn the key. This motion feels very smooth with my particular ignition switch so I bet yours is stuck or otherwise damaged.
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OK now that’s interesting. If you take a look at my bike where the pin that pushes out on the ignition switch is, there’s nothing there for it to lock into it’s just a big gap. I can post a better picture tonight but it almost looks like someone remove the locking block on the frame or it was never there?

Between 1979-1990 I have no record of where the bike was at. My grandpa told me in the early 90s he purchased it and it has sat in his barn since. The bike only has 7000 miles on it so I can’t imagine someone did a whole lot to it though.

Heck I dont know what do you guys think?
 
Looking close at your photos, I see a broken weld on the steering head that's been painted over. I wonder if that bike was stolen and recovered at some point and got fixed after.
Regardless of that, even if your ignition switch did turn to engage the locking pin, there's nothing for it to lock into so your steering lock will not function unless you re-modify the frame to have that locking spot and get your switch fixed.

Basically you're outta luck. If you want security features they'll have to come from outside the bike itself.
 
Yup yup I think you are right. Weird, I will have to call my grandpa and get the story on that haha.

Well good thing I live in a good part of town, nothing a few chains and locks cant fix.

Thanks for your help guys👍
 
Got the same issue with my 1992 Hawk. Key will not turn to lock position no matter what I try. WD40 in the key slot did no good at all.
 
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