FJRiders.com

Today, I'm going to pack my horse.....

Redfish wrote: ↑Wed Oct 02, 2019 8:23 am I have tried going to my local dealer with the key code that COMES WITH THE KEYS from the factory and they tell me that they cannot do anything with that code. I have to buy a key blank from them and take it "somewhere that makes keys".

You need a better dealer then. Remember my elevator incident? Yea, it isn't as famous as my fork incident, though it should be. But I was able to order a new key through my Yamaha dealer. Nice find on that alternative source though.

Redfish wrote: ↑Wed Oct 02, 2019 8:23 am ...
I take good care of my FJR. My key is soft, it gets bent, it's wearing funny. It's not my fault, it's soft metal. I have tried going to my local dealer with the key code that COMES WITH THE KEYS from the factory and they tell me that they cannot do anything with that code. I have to buy a key blank from them and take it "somewhere that makes keys".

Don't know what people do to their keys??
I used one OEM key for the entire time I had my '07 - 185,000 miles. The second OEM key was still like new.
(This was a US bike so no superior Canadian keys) It bent (twisted) a little a couple of times but still worked fine after straightening.
My current FJR has the non-USA chipped key and it is not showing appreciable wear after 65,000 miles or so.

Redfish wrote: ↑Wed Oct 02, 2019 8:23 am ...you have probably dealt with the Yamaha Soft Key issue...

You want the key to be somewhat softer than the tumblers so the key wears, not the lock. Though the key doesn't have to be ridiculously soft.

Redfish wrote: ↑Wed Oct 02, 2019 8:23 am ...I have tried going to my local dealer with the key code that COMES WITH THE KEYS from the factory and they tell me that they cannot do anything with that code...What is that stupid key code for then?

The dealer is supposed to have a key punch to make keys. Dial in the key code and the punch will produce the key profile defined by the key code. -10 points for the dealer for not spending $100 for the key punch tool.

Redfish wrote: ↑Wed Oct 02, 2019 8:23 am ...ordered an Ilco replacement key...I think is of harder/better material than my Yamaha key...

That's the correct answer -- Ilco and the price is withing the acceptable range.

Good for ya getting it sorted out.

FJRoss wrote: ↑Wed Oct 02, 2019 9:48 am

Redfish wrote: ↑Wed Oct 02, 2019 8:23 am ...
I take good care of my FJR. My key is soft, it gets bent, it's wearing funny. It's not my fault, it's soft metal. I have tried going to my local dealer with the key code that COMES WITH THE KEYS from the factory and they tell me that they cannot do anything with that code. I have to buy a key blank from them and take it "somewhere that makes keys".

Don't know what people do to their keys??
I used one OEM key for the entire time I had my '07 - 185,000 miles. The second OEM key was still like new.
(This was a US bike so no superior Canadian keys) It bent (twisted) a little a couple of times but still worked fine after straightening.
My current FJR has the non-USA chipped key and it is not showing appreciable wear after 65,000 miles or so.

And here we go again... On some other FJR forum somewhere I remember this key discussion and some folks had this issue, others did not. Those that did not were 100% sure that the folks with bent keys had to be doing Something Wrong. It could not be the key, it was because the owner Did Something Wrong.

I have 3 motorcycles, 1 Four-wheeler, 1 Three-wheeler, a lawn mower, a fifth wheel camper, a boat, a house, a truck and a car. NONE of those keys has this issue. Not one. So I am unwilling to accept that this key bending, twisting and wearing is MY Fault. I don't even carry the motorcycle key in my pocket at work, it stays in the pocket of my riding jacket. The Suzuki key that is actually used more often and is slightly longer is treated exactly the same way.

Yes ionbeam I 100% agree that the key needs to be softer than the tumblers. I know you are right as usual. But I don't think it should be this soft.

Maybe my South Louisiana heat is bringing the metal too close to the melting point...

<laughing at RF's humour>

Redfish wrote: ↑Wed Oct 02, 2019 8:23 am Should have mentioned this a few days ago. Some of you have probably dealt with the Yamaha Soft Key issue. I have read that it's not the key, it's the saddlebag locks are too stiff, it's poor maintenance, it's really Your Fault...

I take good care of my FJR. My key is soft, it gets bent, it's wearing funny. It's not my fault, it's soft metal. I have tried going to my local dealer with the key code that COMES WITH THE KEYS from the factory and they tell me that they cannot do anything with that code. I have to buy a key blank from them and take it "somewhere that makes keys".

What is that stupid key code for then?

Anyway, went online to keys4urride and ordered an Ilco replacement key. Entered the key code that came with the keys originally. 3 days later I received a new key, already cut that really works that I think is of harder/better material than my Yamaha key. It ended up costing me over $17 with shipping but I got it.

Good to know. I had to get one online then took it to the local hardware store to be cut. Dealer was no help in my case too.

On the side locks. That guy that does the FJR videos on you tube "Two Wheel Obsession" I think. Addresses the saddlebag issue. It's dirt around the outside of the lock that causes the problems with them. He gives his take on the problem and solution. Of course it means taking them off.

I just locktitted mine on.

Back in the '03/'04 days the joke was to put your bent key on a table top with the bend facing up when you went to bed, the next morning the key would be flat again.

Compare the length, width and thickness of the FJR key to most other keys. The FJR's long, narrow blade does not enhance the stiffness of the key making it easier to bend.

Edit to add: The key only needs to be cut on one edge, perhaps leaving the other edge uncut would add some stiffness. You would just have to get used to putting in the key in one direction.

I got tired of the issue as well, the locks seem a little ratchetty going in and out kinda thing. My low mile Honda is worse. I now avoid lock lubes with graphite and other "thick" greasy stuff, it attracts dirt and builds up as it dries. I now simply take a cheap lock de-icer plastic squeezy thing, squirt it in the locks once or twice a year to flush them a bit... it is thin liquid, bit of alcohol and a smidge of oil. Keeps the tumblers moving. The seat lock is particularly prone to dirt build-up. Anyway, trouble free now, if a key gets bent, just place it on a flat anvil and tap it with a hammer to straighten. No not the BFH.

On the way from the gym today, in our little town, going 15 mph I spot 3 HD's coming my way. First bike checks up, 2 nd rider (female) panics, steers left directly in front of me, misses a utility pole as the front wheel goes over the curb. Guide wire for the pole stops the bike, bike then falls on it's right side and the lady is face down on the pavement. Stopped and ran back as the 3rd rider pulls to block traffic and the first rider gets her up and of to the side. Bloody hand (probably knees too) which may have more injuries. We stood the bike up and parked it, really seemed to fare well. Within 60 seconds there are 3 police on scene, I described what I saw to the first, I had done my good deed for the day and felt very lucky to not have been any more involved. A couple of seconds made the difference for me and had she hit a car or truck, she probably would not have gotten up and walked away.

Lucky that the guy wire for the pole stopped the bike and not her. Could have been worse.

FJRoss wrote: ↑Wed Oct 02, 2019 4:07 pm Lucky that the guy wire for the pole stopped the bike and not her. Could have been worse.

Eeeek.

geared up for a ride, rode to add air, front valve stem broke off (bike stored outside), rode home 4 miles @15mph on flat front without it coming unmounted... new front ordered...

wpbfjr wrote: ↑Wed Oct 02, 2019 4:54 pm geared up for a ride, rode to add air, front valve stem broke off (bike stored outside), rode home 4 miles @15mph on flat front without it coming unmounted... new front ordered...

f@$k!

Bought some turpentine to wash the tar off the front of the bike after following them dusting the road for 8 seconds. What a mess

Packed my red mule.

Tomorrow, we ride!

Hppants wrote: ↑Wed Oct 02, 2019 8:58 pm Packed my red mule.

Tomorrow, we ride!

I like when Pants rides. We get an awesome RR.
No pressure.

Hppants wrote: ↑Wed Oct 02, 2019 8:58 pm Packed my red mule.

Tomorrow, we ride!

And when we ride...WE RIDE!

Finally washed it from EOM.

Today I tackled something new to me for maintenance. I replaced the springs on my garage door so I can open it again and get motorcycles out to go riding. Right one broke earlier in the week so I ordered new ones and followed the directions. A little tedious and a bit of a pain, but not too hard to do in the end. Wayne Dalton Torquemaster plus makes it safe and easy.