My Lucky day ...

[79XS11F]

I spent most of yesterday biking around the city with a lovely lady in the passenger seat. We put on about 200 KM around town and made a few stops for coffee and or the odd beer. While down town I parked the bike and it was parked where I could not keep an eye on her. So I main standed her and used the steering lock for the first time. WELL I actually put her is PARK and did not notice that the lights were ON because it was a VERY bright day. We were away from the bike for about 3 and 1/2 hours. When we returned it was dusk and I could see that the lights were on and I'm telling you It was JUST the faint glow of the filaments :-(
Well much to my surprise she fired right up no problem and idled good. Close call. I will re-charge the batter the next time it rains. Looks like I owe the old girl a favour now :-)
Rob

[fredintoon]

Never again!

Hi Rob,
you are by no means the first of us to fall for Yamaha's little practical joke and I doubt you'll be the last. My own adventure was an overnight stay that sucked the battery right flat 500 miles from home.
But it's over with. You'll never do that again, right?

[Crazcnuk]

It's how the japanese mfg's check to see if you ever read your owners manual!

[mro]

Every now and then I feel the urge to lock the bars.
First time tho did not notice the lights were on and it got left over night that way


mro

[Crazcnuk]

I was really lucky, the first time I decided I was parked in a bad enough area, that I worried about parking the bike, it was dark out, so I noticed right away.

I have only actually locked the steering a half dozen or so times in the last 30 years. The bigger bikes, like the decked XS, or my VT1100 are so cumbersome to push, I felt that if someone could actually get it off the block, they wanted the bike an awful lot.

[webbcraft2150]

Been there, done that. Ever try to bump start a full dress 80g? Just happened to be in front of a biker bar to! Lucky for me the lot had a slight downhill to it and she popped right off. Funny how a dead battery adds 'bout 300lbs to a bike.

[BLUEJEEPLAB]

Not to mention the dreaded Electronic ignition voltage threshold. I bumped up against that last year and as a result, didn't bother to put the kickstart gear back in after the second gear fix. Why bother, might as well save the 3 pounds.

[79XS11F]

I knew it had the "park" position but only ever used it perhaps 2 times even back in the early 80s and then this 1st time with this bike. I am sure that another 1/2 hour or so and i would have been TOAST. Could likely disable the lighting in the park position but in future I will just be more careful.
And if nothing else others will remember this thread as they put the bike into the steering lock position and not make the same mistake as we have.
Rob

[GtrMn]

Been there, done that.

Ooops me too.

[fredintoon]

Learning curve

OK, 'fess up now, which forgetful fellow amongst us has switched through "lock" into "park" more than once?

[DeanR]

Luckily I've only done it once, and I do use the lock all the time.
Went dead in about 2 hours but there was a bit of a downward grade to the road and Very Easily bump started.

[Axel]

what?

What is this Park and Lock . Does the XJ11 not have it ?

[fredintoon]

A click too far.

Hi Axel,
on most Yamahas the key goes in and out with the slot at 11 o'clock "off" position. Turn the key to the 12 o'clock "on" position and the ignition comes on, the bike will start etc. Turn the bars hard left and turn the key ccw to 4 o'clock, the ignition stays off and a pin shoots down to lock the steering. That's the "lock" position which allegedly stops the bike from being stolen. Turn the key further ccw to 5 o'clock the steering stays locked and the tail light comes on. That's the "park" position which satisfies the legal requirements in some countries that vehicles parked on the street at night must show a rear light. Turn the key one click too far, don't notice the rear light is on, pull the key, wander off and run the battery flat. Any fool can do it. Takes a real fool to do it twice.

[Axel]

Really

WOW . I'm gonna hafta re-read my owners manual . Thanks

[Axel]

XJ11 key switch

I've got Parking I at one oclock and Parking II at two oclock . Seems to perform the same functions as above including hazzard flasher