hey all, first Harley here, so go easy. But my new '19 Sportster 48's key ignition (standard ignition, not anything special) is super hard to get the key in compared to other bikes / cars I've owned. Is this common, in my head, or worth looking into warranty work over? Key goes in, but you have to fight it enough where it's annoying...

Kurt

 

all keys, or did ya just get one.....shoot some graphite into it

 

Thanks! All keys unfortunately. I did the graphite and it helped a bit, just wasn't sure if it was normal. Thanks again.

 

Take a fine jeweler file or a piece of 500 silicon carbide paper and very carefully go over the edges. In time it will do it on it's own.

RIP'S new Subie key was the same way. Everyone is cutting quality control to the barebone. If you make 1000s of keys, that adds up to a lot of time for someone to do that.

Putting anything in the actual key hole just causes problems later.

 

Great info thanks!!!

 

Mine was an 18, 48.Did the same thing. I Read in the manual that you should never spray anything into it. Mine has gotten a lot better 1700 mi.

 

 

Sweet looking ride! Very nicely done.

As I recall, my ignition lock was a bit temperamental for a short while when new. It will work itself in as time goes on.

 

powder graphite wont hurt it.........i wouldn't spray wd40 or triflow, and liquid lub into it.....but good advice on the light sanding on the key also

 

If you have the security system, you could always just replace the Ignition swtich with a pushbutton switch,
or even a switch from a softail for "keyless" operation. As mentioned, this is NOT recommended for
applications that do not have the Security System since anyone could just start up & ride off with
your bike.

good luck,

T.