Roadlok - key issues?

This is my second but I think as a result I didn't test it when I fitted it i.e. I think the keys don't match the lock and that they've never turned beyond 90 degrees.
 
There's a small hole at the front for you to poke something in to release the lock barrel.

It's a good idea to cover this with a patch of helicopter tape or similar to stop all the crap getting in there in the first place.
 
I finally got the combination of time and weather (no garage) required to take the lock off and soak the mechanism in penetrating oil which did indeed resolve the issue. Cleaned and dried and packed with graphite powder, here's hoping it'll still be working after this winter's riding!
 
I finally got the combination of time and weather (no garage) required to take the lock off and soak the mechanism in penetrating oil which did indeed resolve the issue. Cleaned and dried and packed with graphite powder, here's hoping it'll still be working after this winter's riding!
Do you use the little thing that covers the hole in the lock?
 
Do you use the little thing that covers the hole in the lock?
I don't bother. When it starts to get a bit notchy, a quick squirt of WD40 clears it for the next 12 months or so of regular riding.
 
Do you use the little thing that covers the hole in the lock?
Both the one that's part of the manufacturing (to be taken off for removal of the lock barrel) and the one that covers the keyhole - though the latter has been known to remove itself (probably my riding style ;) )
 
Mine is in the same state; turns 90 degrees no issue, solid after that. Reasonably confident I could try turning it hard enough to break the key and it wouldn't turn further. Still haven't got round to taking it off to soak in penetrating oil but equally confident that when I do it won't make any difference (though I'll be pleased if it does!).
Oh well, despite having a replacement lock barrel in August, and the rubber dust cap being used religiously mine has seized up yet again, fortunately not when the bike is locked using it.

Once again, the key will not turn far enough to unlock it.
 
Oh well, despite having a replacement lock barrel in August, and the rubber dust cap being used religiously mine has seized up yet again, fortunately not when the bike is locked using it.

Once again, the key will not turn far enough to unlock it.
Before you ask, NO you can't have your old one back :D:D:D
 
Oh well, despite having a replacement lock barrel in August, and the rubber dust cap being used religiously mine has seized up yet again, fortunately not when the bike is locked using it.

Once again, the key will not turn far enough to unlock it.
I've said it once and I'll say it again, they are shite......😁
 
What's your experience of owning one then?
I had one fitted to a ktm superduke. Seized lock was a regular occupancy, despite my efforts to prevent it. Rubber bung in the keyhole etc. It got to the stage where I was afraid to use it just in case it wouldn't unlock. You could lock it ok, it was the unlocking where the problem lay.
 
I've been using RoadLok's for over 10 years and so far it been trouble free (touch wood).
What i found when people saying they dont work was they never cleaned the holes in the discs.
This would stop the pin from pulling out. I use a drill bit by hand to keep the holes clean.
 
I’ve had one on 2 KTM 1190’s and a 1290, Mrs Berin had one on an F800GS and 2 Triumph Tigers.

Mrs Berin does high miles as she commutes and all the bikes have done numerous foreign tours, including dirt tracks and filthy weather.

The roadloks have been the best way to to ensure the bikes always have some kind of security as they are so easy to use.

Like everything, a bit of maintenance doesn’t go amiss but we have never had any issues using them.
 
I had the issue happen to me at work.

The reason was because I, me, moved the bike when the lock was in place which seemed to jam the lock in and after giving it a fricking big pull (after a good 10 mins of panicking it was jammed) it came out.

It was the only time I have put the lock in when the bike was on the side stand and not on the centre stand.

I won't do that again. However no issues from road grime etc....just my error.
 
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I purchased a Roadlok in the UK and within the first week the lock became stiff. I contacted Chris at Roadlok and was advised to clean it with brake disc cleaner and apply graphite powder to the keyhole (graphite powder was not supplied with the product). I followed this advice carefully. After every wash, I dried the lock with compressed air and applied a small amount of graphite powder as instructed.


Despite maintaining the lock exactly as advised, the barrel has now completely seized after only 18 months of use. Fortunately, it was not locked onto the bike at the time, only fitted with the dust cap — otherwise the situation could have been far more serious and inconvenient.


What is most concerning, however, is the complete lack of customer support. I submitted an email request for assistance and completed a returns form but received no response other than an automated acknowledgement. I then called the contact number multiple times before eventually receiving a call back from Chris. I was told, “I’ll sort it tomorrow.”


That was four weeks ago.


Since then, I have made numerous calls and sent several text messages. I have received nothing but delays and excuses, and the issue remains unresolved.


For a security product at this price point, this level of aftersales service is unacceptable. The failure of the product is disappointing, but the failure in customer service is far worse.
 
My experience was treating with a proper penetrating oil and being generous with the graphite thereafter eliminated all issues for me. Maybe your lock got some sort of grit into it, given how quickly it became stiff.
 
I purchased a Roadlok in the UK and within the first week the lock became stiff. I contacted Chris at Roadlok and was advised to clean it with brake disc cleaner and apply graphite powder to the keyhole (graphite powder was not supplied with the product). I followed this advice carefully. After every wash, I dried the lock with compressed air and applied a small amount of graphite powder as instructed.


Despite maintaining the lock exactly as advised, the barrel has now completely seized after only 18 months of use. Fortunately, it was not locked onto the bike at the time, only fitted with the dust cap — otherwise the situation could have been far more serious and inconvenient.


What is most concerning, however, is the complete lack of customer support. I submitted an email request for assistance and completed a returns form but received no response other than an automated acknowledgement. I then called the contact number multiple times before eventually receiving a call back from Chris. I was told, “I’ll sort it tomorrow.”


That was four weeks ago.


Since then, I have made numerous calls and sent several text messages. I have received nothing but delays and excuses, and the issue remains unresolved.


For a security product at this price point, this level of aftersales service is unacceptable. The failure of the product is disappointing, but the failure in customer service is far worse.
Just for balance as I am not doubting your account but that was not my experience with Chris at Roadlok last year. Not only was he very helpful as we exchanged a series of emails but he also sent pictures of how to release the barrel (broken key) and sent me some replacement bits worth £20, along with the new barrel.

They do require a bit of TLC but it's worth it to use on tour.
 
I purchased a Roadlok in the UK and within the first week the lock became stiff. I contacted Chris at Roadlok and was advised to clean it with brake disc cleaner and apply graphite powder to the keyhole (graphite powder was not supplied with the product). I followed this advice carefully. After every wash, I dried the lock with compressed air and applied a small amount of graphite powder as instructed.


Despite maintaining the lock exactly as advised, the barrel has now completely seized after only 18 months of use. Fortunately, it was not locked onto the bike at the time, only fitted with the dust cap — otherwise the situation could have been far more serious and inconvenient.


What is most concerning, however, is the complete lack of customer support. I submitted an email request for assistance and completed a returns form but received no response other than an automated acknowledgement. I then called the contact number multiple times before eventually receiving a call back from Chris. I was told, “I’ll sort it tomorrow.”


That was four weeks ago.


Since then, I have made numerous calls and sent several text messages. I have received nothing but delays and excuses, and the issue remains unresolved.


For a security product at this price point, this level of aftersales service is unacceptable. The failure of the product is disappointing, but the failure in customer service is far worse.
This is almost a mirror of my experience. I emailed roadlok about 3 weeks ago and no reply. Will chase them again.

Mine seized when it was locked in the garage but luckily I got it unlocked but still bent the key as I had to use a spanner on the key to get it to budge and I'd tried everything else prior to that. 😬
 
I had one and found it to be a total faff to use. I quickly learned not to install it with the pin through a hole in the disk, good luck removing it again, you could be there shaking and jiggling things for ages to get it off, no chance if it was on the side stand, easier on the main stand. I then installed it so it would engage a disk hole if the bike moved as it’s sprung loaded. I also had issues getting the key into lock, never mind turning it.

I eventually give up on it, the only person it stopped taking the bike was me, so it was removed and moved on.

I think they are a much more secure option than a disk lock or chain, but ease of use and reliability do not make it a viable option for me.
 


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