PITA fork lock
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Tourer
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 260
Likes: 0
From: Phoenix, AZ
PITA fork lock
When I got the Dyna, I couldn't lock the forks, the key simply wouldn't turn it. I asked previous owner and he said ignition lock had been replaced so keys didn't match. I ordered a key coded lock from HD, went to install it today and couldn't get it right. I have the tech manual but still can't figure it out. And to boot once I had the old lock out I quickly found my key DID actually work with it, low and behold with the new lock installed, my key wouldn't turn it either. I feel I followed directions to the letter. Additionally I stripped the stem top bolt threads while beating on it to separate the upper bearings from the stem. I'm too tired to express how pissed I am. Anyone know if that stem bolt is SAE, metric, fine thread or what? Any trick on getting that f**king lock installed?
I've created one hillbilly rig for attempting this as you can see
I've created one hillbilly rig for attempting this as you can see
Last edited by supermanotorious; Oct 27, 2013 at 01:27 PM.
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,739
Likes: 10
From: Suffolk, England
Can't help with the install but just want to check on the key not working thing...
Did you try moving the bars back and forth slightly as you tried to turn the key? On mine, if you turn the bars to full lock and try to turn the key, it won't. You have to jiggle the bars a little and then it turns fine.
Did you try moving the bars back and forth slightly as you tried to turn the key? On mine, if you turn the bars to full lock and try to turn the key, it won't. You have to jiggle the bars a little and then it turns fine.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 7,138
Likes: 26
From: Southern Oregon
you dont have to jiggle them, turn forks all the way to the stop and then pull back slightly and turn the key. Also turn forks (slightly) away from stop when unlocking. The last 2 bikes I had wouldnt lock when forks were all the way against the stop
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 1,118
Likes: 5
From: Coweta, Oklahoma
Can't help with the install but just want to check on the key not working thing...
Did you try moving the bars back and forth slightly as you tried to turn the key? On mine, if you turn the bars to full lock and try to turn the key, it won't. You have to jiggle the bars a little and then it turns fine.
Did you try moving the bars back and forth slightly as you tried to turn the key? On mine, if you turn the bars to full lock and try to turn the key, it won't. You have to jiggle the bars a little and then it turns fine.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 6,846
Likes: 1,386
From: Florida
The stem top bolt should be 1.5 inch sae. As far as the neck lock goes, they get dry from use. Typical maintenance is to spray a tiny little bit of silicone spray or graphite in it (not wd40) to keep it lubricated just like a car door.
Novice
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
From: NW Arkansas
Had same problem but figured out the trick about pulling back slightly on the forks. Hope you can just replace old lock and use it, after getting that bolt. Frustrating, I know!
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Tourer
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 260
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From: Phoenix, AZ
tried moving the forks but still cant turn the lock, no local HDs have the replacement stem bolt but luckily it is 5/8" fine thread, I'm going to buy a tap from ACE to clean up the stem threads and use a standard bolt to get me by, I just wish that damn lock would work
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Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 260
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From: Phoenix, AZ
I'm at the end of my wits with this, feeling kind of stupid for even attempting, now I just want the bike to run, I'm not up to the challenge of adjusting the bearings for fall away, do you guys know if its safe to ride for a few days before I have a shop do it? I basically aligned the forks and tree clamps up with the old markings and locked them in place
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 5,384
Likes: 12
From: Out on Deranged
Why did you remove the stearing head? Unless you wanted to adjust all away that was an un-necessary move. And why do you beat on your bike- you should never have to.
The fork lock has a decal on it one side says lock the other unlock.
remove the decal and there's two holes there stick a set of needle nose in and turn them counter-clockwise and the lock just comes out.
The fork lock has a decal on it one side says lock the other unlock.
remove the decal and there's two holes there stick a set of needle nose in and turn them counter-clockwise and the lock just comes out.