Different keys?

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bingo808
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Different keys?

Post by bingo808 »

Hi
With any purchase 2nd hand, you're bound to run into problems. Now I have found my first real one!

I can't open the fuel tank lock/lid with the ignition key! Did Honda make two keys - one for ignition and the other for fuel cap?

Bike is 1999 VTR1000F. Should I continue to pester with the ignition key, and maybe some graphite powder, or do I go and buy a new fuel cap assembly?

See this listing - https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/254163311025
Someone put it together, so I should be able to pull it apart.
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8541Hawk
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Re: Different keys?

Post by 8541Hawk »

stock they used the same key....ignition,fuel cap and seat relese
Loud pipes don't save lives, knowing how to ride your bike will save your life.
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bingo808
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Re: Different keys?

Post by bingo808 »

8541Hawk wrote: Fri Jul 09, 2021 3:37 am stock they used the same key....ignition,fuel cap and seat relese
Okay, thanks. I just tried to unlock the fuel cap again and no go. :( :? :(

So I took the plunge and bought the ebay lock set. Should arrive next week.
Someone put it together, so I should be able to pull it apart.
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sirch345
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Re: Different keys?

Post by sirch345 »

8541Hawk wrote: Fri Jul 09, 2021 3:37 am stock they used the same key....ignition,fuel cap and seat relese
+ 1

It sounds like either the fuel tank or ignition switch has at sometime been replaced. Fingers crossed it's the tank.

Check to see if the ignition key unlocks the seat lock, hopefully it does,

Chris.

**EDIT** I have just looked at your Ebay link. I see you should be covered either way :thumbup:
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MacV2
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Re: Different keys?

Post by MacV2 »

Quite common to have mismatched keys...

I've got one that the seat lock had to be changed so two keys for that bike...

You biggest problem is getting the cap off.

It's only held on by 3 bolts the others are just dressing. 9o/c & 5 & 7 o/c are the ones that hold it in... But it wont come off unless the cap is open... The cap latches on the the rim of the tank...You can brute force it off but all that does is dammages the lip then the new one wont catch fully... Best bet is to drill out the old lock or force it by smashing a flat blade in there...

Good luck either way.
Making up since 2007, sometimes it's true...Honest...
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bingo808
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Re: Different keys?

Post by bingo808 »

sirch345 wrote: Fri Jul 09, 2021 11:15 am
8541Hawk wrote: Fri Jul 09, 2021 3:37 am stock they used the same key....ignition,fuel cap and seat relese
+ 1
It sounds like either the fuel tank or ignition switch has at sometime been replaced. Fingers crossed it's the tank.
Check to see if the ignition key unlocks the seat lock, hopefully it does,
Yes, I have managed to get the rear seat unlocked!
Someone put it together, so I should be able to pull it apart.
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bingo808
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Re: Different keys?

Post by bingo808 »

MacV2 wrote: Fri Jul 09, 2021 1:13 pm Quite common to have mismatched keys...

I've got one that the seat lock had to be changed so two keys for that bike...

You biggest problem is getting the cap off.

It's only held on by 3 bolts the others are just dressing. 9o/c & 5 & 7 o/c are the ones that hold it in... But it wont come off unless the cap is open... The cap latches on the the rim of the tank...You can brute force it off but all that does is dammages the lip then the new one wont catch fully... Best bet is to drill out the old lock or force it by smashing a flat blade in there...

Good luck either way.
Thanks for the heads up. If I drill out the old lock, am I risking getting metal bits in the tank? I think I might try bashing it open first with a flat blade screwdriver.
Someone put it together, so I should be able to pull it apart.
tony.mon
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Re: Different keys?

Post by tony.mon »

No, that method only works when stealing fireblades.
Although a livewire key apparently starts any motorcycle with no discernible engine performance, i.e. any Harley Davidson.
It's not falling off, it's an upgrade opportunity.
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bingo808
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Re: Different keys?

Post by bingo808 »

tony.mon wrote: Sat Jul 10, 2021 1:06 am No, that method only works when stealing fireblades.
Although a livewire key apparently starts any motorcycle with no discernible engine performance, i.e. any Harley Davidson.
So that's where I'm going wrong. :wink:

How does the HD torque wrench work again? Tighten til it goes loose then back off 1/2 a turn...
Someone put it together, so I should be able to pull it apart.
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bingo808
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Re: Different keys?

Post by bingo808 »

I'm having real troubles with this lock. Tried the original keys again - no go

Tried the flathead screwdriver trick - no go. How far does it have to go in? The centre part of the lock doesn't turn.

Also tried drilling it out - testing my new air tools and compressor. I can drill with a 5mm bit but how deep do I go? I'm scared of the fuel underneath.
Maybe drain the tank first? (Bigger bits gets stuck so starting small.)
Someone put it together, so I should be able to pull it apart.
tony.mon
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Re: Different keys?

Post by tony.mon »

Now that you're commited to a destructive method just drill straight through. Drill little and often, allowing the bit to cool.
You'll need to drain out the fuel anyway, to invert the tank and remove any swarf that has dropped in.
But there will still be fuel vapour, hence cooling the bit.
An air tool is ideal, no sparks.
It's not falling off, it's an upgrade opportunity.
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sirch345
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Re: Different keys?

Post by sirch345 »

Probably a silly question and a bit late now I know. Couldn't you have asked the previous owner if they had a key for the fuel tank :?:

Chris.
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bingo808
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Re: Different keys?

Post by bingo808 »

sirch345 wrote: Sat Jul 10, 2021 3:01 pm Probably a silly question and a bit late now I know. Couldn't you have asked the previous owner if they had a key for the fuel tank :?:

Chris.
Good point. But I tend to think that my problem was half the reason why he was trying to sell it!

I assumed (which makes an ASS of U and ME) that the locks would match.

Oh well. You live, you learn.
Someone put it together, so I should be able to pull it apart.
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MacV2
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Re: Different keys?

Post by MacV2 »

bingo808 wrote: Sun Jul 11, 2021 1:42 am
sirch345 wrote: Sat Jul 10, 2021 3:01 pm Probably a silly question and a bit late now I know. Couldn't you have asked the previous owner if they had a key for the fuel tank :?:

Chris.
Good point. But I tend to think that my problem was half the reason why he was trying to sell it!

I assumed (which makes an ASS of U and ME) that the locks would match.

Oh well. You live, you learn.
Another it's a bit late post...but I would have wanted to look in the tank before buying to check for rust & how much fule was in it if I was riding it home...

Still you live & learn...You'll never do that again...I hope... 8O
Making up since 2007, sometimes it's true...Honest...
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bingo808
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Re: Different keys?

Post by bingo808 »

MacV2 wrote: Sun Jul 11, 2021 10:24 am
bingo808 wrote: Sun Jul 11, 2021 1:42 am
sirch345 wrote: Sat Jul 10, 2021 3:01 pm Probably a silly question and a bit late now I know. Couldn't you have asked the previous owner if they had a key for the fuel tank :?:

Chris.
Good point. But I tend to think that my problem was half the reason why he was trying to sell it!

I assumed (which makes an ASS of U and ME) that the locks would match.

Oh well. You live, you learn.
Another it's a bit late post...but I would have wanted to look in the tank before buying to check for rust & how much fule was in it if I was riding it home...

Still you live & learn...You'll never do that again...I hope... 8O
All good. The bike was towed home as no registration. Bit of impulse buy I'll admit.

I paid AUD$1700 for it (around 900 pounds) so it's nothing spectacular.
Someone put it together, so I should be able to pull it apart.
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