Steering lock problems... Am I doing something wrong?

[Matt87]

Was rather hoping my first post wouldn't be with a technical issue but never mind! Bought myself a TRX over the weekend, brought it home this evening. My father-in-law kindly rode it back for me as I'm a fairly new rider and wanted to get used to the bike a little more gradually.

He put the steering lock on before he left which he said was a bit tricky to do. I've since released the lock and now can't get the sodding thing back on again. I have the steering all the way to the right, but after pushing the key down I can only turn a few millimeters to the left so can't engage the lock.

Is there a particular knack to doing this or is just a case of having bought a bike with a half-broken steering lock?

Thanks in advance!

[Kevtrx849]

Try all the way to the left and wriggle the bars slightly as you push down and turn the the key.
Hope this helps.

[Matt87]

Took a couple of attempts but it worked! Cheers.

Is this a common thing on TRXs?

[schmiffee]

I had a similar problem with having great difficulty turning the key (ignition also - not just the steering lock) so I took it to a mechanic friend and he told me to just push the key toward the front wheel and turn. Aparently worn lock notches inside caused my problem...might be similar.

[Geoperson]

Mine does that too. Found myself in a "turning over without sparks" situation at the petrol pump the other day. Switched off & back on and we were back in business! It's just an age-related thing, though I run the reversed clip-ons mod, & that brings the clutch cable in contact with the key fob, which won't help things!

[Mincehead]

Virtually ALL bike steering locks require a little wiggle of the bars and key at the same time. It`s a locating the hole in the headstock plate thing.

[slow codger]

Forget the steering lock! yep mine will stick as well. Big chain and disc lock saves it being either snapped, or picked up and put in a van!

Dave E

[Matt87]

A big chain and possibly a disc lock are on my shopping list this week! This is my first bike so wasn't aware that most require a bit of a handlebar wiggle to engage the lock