Originally Posted by gseely

When I bought my Fat Bob about a year ago, when I turned the key to the fork-lock position, the key wouldn't come out. I took the bike back three times for that problem. The first two times, they acted like they'd fixed it, but when I got home, I discovered that it still didnt' work. The third time, they told me that nothing was ever wrong, and the problem was that I needed to put the bike into an upright position before removing the key, and the technician was able to do it.

I took the bike home, but continued to have trouble getting the key out. I figured it was just me, and simply didn't use the fork lock.

Then when I went out to drive my bike home at night a few days ago, the fork appeared to have locked on its own. I got the key out, and fumbled around in the dark. I think it was still in the unlocked position, but I wouldn't bet my life on it. Anyway, I turned the key to the other position and tried to get it out. THe fork remained locked. Since it was dark, I thought that maybe I had it in the wrong position, so I tried it in both up and down positions several times with no luck.

I finally gave up, and called my wife to come get me. Before she got there, though, I was able to break the fork free. It bothers me that the fork was able to lock itself at all without me affirmatively locking it, and I was worried about riding the bike. When I got it home, I tried putting the fork into both locked and unlocked positions. The lock is working like it used to, meaning that I can't get the key out when it is in the locked position.

Maybe it's just my paranoia, but it seems like the handlebars aren't lining up quite straight anymore -- but I can't imagine what would cause that.

I called the dealer, and told them I wanted them to order me a new fork-lock assembly, but they said they needed to see the bike first. I told them I had had chronic problems with the fork lock, didn't want to waste my time bringing it in again until I knew they had the parts. They were busy that day, and said someone would call me back. Someone did, but I missed the call, and haven't had time to contact them again.

Has anyone else had problems getting the key out of the fork lock on a Dyna? Do you have to put the bike into the upright position before doing so? I don't particularly like that solution because I'm short and my feet are planted on the ground as firmly as I'd like when I bring the bike upright and bend over to reach the key. I didn't have to do that on my Sportster.

My biggest concern: Is there a risk that the fork will lock itself when I'm riding the bike? It's not like a turn the handlebars all the way to a locked position when I'm riding it, but I'm still worried about it.

Thanks for your help.

Originally Posted by Maclugie

I only used it once but if I remember correctly there is a procedure to locking the forks. I think it is with the wheel pointed straight ahead put key in and turn to lock. Then take key out. Then turn wheel. It's in the owners manual anyway.

Originally Posted by O.F.

I lock mine all the time and never had a problem. I do need to move the front end a bit for the lock to engage/disengage.