Steering lock not functioning

[jbot]

Hello

disclaimer:
I searched "steering lock" and didn't come up with relevant results. If this has been discussed previously, and I just didn't find it, please point in the right direction and accept my apologies.

issue:
Simply put, I cannot lock the steering on my 2004 RSVR Factory. I turn the bars as far as they'll go to either side, and try to push down and turn the key to the steering locked position and it'll only go halfway past "Off" but no more. The only mods to that general area that I am aware of are bar risers.

Thanks for any input,
Jinu Hwang

[Bruno79]

Cant see how bar risers would made this issue, unless they are hiting somewhere before it reach the far left side... And i belive it only locks on full left side, doesnt work on right side, but not sure.

[locknload]

I dont think you have to turn the bars FULLY to the left or right you sorta have to feel where it is in the right position to lock

[jbot]

well, i didnt think the bar risers could have any affect on it since it doesn't actually physically affect the range of movement of the bars, but I thought I'd mention it just in case.

I'll have to try locking it before it hits full left or full right and see if there is some place it locks.

[SEAN]

it probably isn't getting full lock, check if the lug on the bottom yoke is hitting the lowest part of the headstock, you can sometimes feel the imprint of where it has been hitting in the past. Do you feel a positive 'stop'? maybe cable or cable guide in the way if not what was metioned by others.

[jbot]

turning it to the right, there is a positive stop. turning to the left, there are cables with a rubber bushing that may be interfering... but it doesn't interfere enough where I can't turn it to a dead stop. Even if i turn it to the right, it still doesn't lock. I also tried turning it a bit less than full lock and it still won't let me lock the steering.

I'm guessing I'll have to take apart the assembly beneath the lock.

[SEAN]

easy to do, there is one shear bolt and one normal, the shear bolts are not that tight and can be 'shocked' loose with a dot punch if you wish to remove it from the top yoke.

Are you in the U.K.?

If so, i have a new lock i think if req. Cheaper than Aprilia as i used the wire from under it on another job.

[ethosb]

Mine does the same thing. The Aprilia does not require you to take the left clip to the farthest most position. Stop an inch or two before they stop left and the key will turn fully. If you put pressure on the key while turning the handlebar it will lock as well.

[jbot]

I guess this is not that big of a deal... but the darn thing just will not lock.

I'll have to talk to my mechanic friend to see if he can take a look at it.

[scottiep]

I don't know if this will help or not but it's worth a shot. I just got an 07 RSV and i read in my owners manual that to engage the steering lock you have to turn the key and the handle bars slowly to the left at the same time. That's the only way mine works. I can't turn the handle bars first and THEN push down on the key like most bikes. Hope this helps

[jbot]

thanks for all the suggestions guys.

I'm gonna give the "slow-steady-turn the bars and key at the same time" method another shot, and see if i can get anywhere.

this is sort of a puzzling problem. it's more amusing than anything, since it's more of a nuisance than a "real" problem.

after this, my mechanic friend will probably want to tear it apart. i don't think he's ever worked on an aprilia before. this should be interesting.

[mitchv60]

Just a tip.
If it has a similar set of up lock stops to the gen 1 bikes I would check them.If the bike has been dropped and the stop and bolt has been bent that may be the problem.
I've just fitted a slightly bigger staring stop to stop my radial master hitting the dash and it stopped the steering lock engaging.The solution was to make the stop concentric so I could get a good tight fit but also allowed it to lock.

[jbot]

i can't say i know the history of the bike, as far as whether it's been dropped or if anything in the steering (other than the bar risers) has been modified.

i'll definitely keep that in mind as we take that section apart.