Quick question if I may...

Some ****** tried to relieve me of my ride one night but only got as far as jamming the steering lock. I managed to work it loose and get going again but something is obviously twisted or mangled so I got a new lock.

Does anyone know just how much I need to drop the forks to get the tumbler out, I unfortunately don't have a proper lift so wonder if I can do this?

TIA
Gordon

 

quick bump to see if anyone has done this already

 

There should be a grub screw on the neck below the lock itself. Just remove that (2 or 2.5mm hex I think) and your lock should come right out.

 

Thanks, I got the grub screw and tried to pull it out already but on the 2014 Softails you have to drop the steering head to remove the lock (so the service manual says)

I was wondering if the lock will come out if you drop the steering head partially, or if indeed you have to remove it completely?

cheers

 

I have a 2005 myself and it has been a very long time since I removed mine.

Looking at the parts manual online for the 2014 model, it has the same part numbers (45680-90 FORK LOCK & 45605-00A STEM & BRACKET ASSEMBLY, INCLUDING LOWER BEARING CONE) so I don't think anything has been changed.

Have you tried to remove it with the front end turned all the way to the left (locking position)? Also, with the grub screw removed, try rotating the whole assembly while pulling it out.

 

I'll give it another go but the book does say to drop the head
thanks

 

Did you ever find a solution? Thanks

 

had to drop it all of the way out

Incidentally, the damage was not just limited to the keyed lock pin either - the steering shaft was damaged as well.

Even when it was good you could turn the bars about a quarter of the way anyway, which became about a third after the damage ...I never bothered locking it after that.

 

Wow, mine isn't damaged, but I replaced my ignition switch and I wanted the keys to match. Sounds like it may not be worth the effort. Thank you for the information.