Winter is coming....

[Santa-2512]

And the perennial hexhead problem will return,

For all you starbucks warriors, or garage queen owners its going to seem trivial, but for year round riders, its a pain in the arse, to which there is no Nippys or TT solution available...

Key frozen in the ignition!!!

Ive tried WD & silicone lube but they offer little prevention,

I looked to see if there is a neoprene tube that would fit, but its an odd shaped area,

I was thinking of using some neoprene cut up and cable tied round the key assy, as a start point

Anyone tried anything else?

 

[Smiffypr]

Are you saying that water gets into the lock while you are riding, then freezes when the temperature is low enough?

How about a disc attached to the key that deflects water when the key is in.

Or, you used to be able to get lock defroster in a little spray can (small enough for your pocket).
Like this: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/156476366524

 

[Santa-2512]

Are you saying that water gets into the lock while you are riding, then freezes when the temperature is low enough?

How about a disc attached to the key that deflects water when the key is in.

Or, you used to be able to get lock defroster in a little spray can (small enough for your pocket).
Like this: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/156476366524

Water gets into the lock when it rains, as well as condensation, give it sub zero wind chill and it freezes solid,
Ill have a look at the de icer spray

 

[DJ123]

Use some graphite powder lubricant to help keep the parts turning smoothly. And hopefully prevent binding as the materials contract in the cold weather.

Seeing as you'll be driving to a Starbucks - use the steam from your Pumpkin Spice Latte to defrost it

 

[Santa-2512]

Use some graphite powder lubricant to help keep the parts turning smoothly. And hopefully prevent binding as the materials contract in the cold weather.

Seeing as you'll be driving to a Starbucks - use the steam from your Pumpkin Spice Latte to defrost it

Starbucks or garage queen are not what my bike is lol but i'll give it a go

 

[Slipperyeel]

You've got me thinking. How about a cap (ring shaped) that slips over the top of the barrel, but the aperture in the top of the ring is filled/covered with a piece of EPDM, which has a small slit in it, ready for your key to push through.
Then your idea to a neoprene tube doesn't have to then somehow reach over the top, it can just be a tube?

Sent from my SM-S908B using Tapatalk

 

[rovert57]

So that’s why they invented the keyless system .

 

[er-minio]

I never really had this issue to be fair. And my hexhead has been outside (and used) in snow/icy temperatures (in the past, I’m lazier these days).

You sure it is not an issue with the barrel itself?

 

[Santa-2512]

I never really had this issue to be fair. And my hexhead has been outside (and used) in snow/icy temperatures (in the past, I’m lazier these days).

You sure it is not an issue with the barrel itself?

I had it on the 06 as well as this model 11
Its the moisture in the barrel freezing and it freezes the barrel pins or key to the barrel

Either way a pita

 

[Bardley]

Marine/Quad bike ignition key/barrel cover. Might help:

Pardon our interruption...

Sent from my SM-G781B using Tapatalk

 

[Poncherello]

Vaseline

 

[SBD]

Keyless…

 

[wessie]

just piss on it

 

[Poncherello]

Bit harsh. Just cause the key sticks

 

[brut33]

Blast the ignition lock with compressed air when you first park the bike after riding. This should clear the water out of the lock before it freezes.

There's lots of products about on 'tinternt.

 

[JoolsB]

Blu-tac

 

[er-minio]

Not sure anything that keeps the little lid open is a solution. It would just facilitate moisture ingress.
I’d start spraying ad WD40ing the barrel thoroughly to try and displace trapped water.

Graphite after, as dj suggested.

 

[mpgscott]

I have used GT85 in the past, i think it tends to be water freezes and hand sanitizer i have read is decent with lots of alcohol. A cover over it would be a good idea..

 

[Pukmeister]

The ignition key opening should have a small spring loaded metal gate that shuts to keep water out when the key is removed.

I had no issues with freezing ignition switches on either of my hexheads, its the first I've heard of the problem ???

 

[seahorse]

I have had the same problem on my 1200 for years. I think the little sprung flap is the culprit. Or the lack of one. My 650 twin was the same but I managed to fashion a cover out of a washing machine dosing ball which fitted perfectly when bike was parked up. Haven't found something similar for the 1200 as yet. More than once I have stopped to fill up and had frozen fuel cap lock. Usually solved by borrowing a kettle of hot water to unfreeze.
Old school method of course is to piss on it. If you can that is