Standard Tank

[wingnut]

Anyone know some trick for getting the gas tank lid open on a standard without the key. I guess I could carry it up to the locksmith but I would like to see what the inside of this tank looks like before I sink any $ in it.

[DiverRay]

The key is the only way. IF you have a sma;; piece of spring steel, like part of a slim-jim, you may be able to bend it and use it to open the cap. The metal would have to be bent in a "J" shape, and even then it may not work.
Ray

[wingnut]

locked out

Not what I wanted to hear. I’ve read the threads on keys and I’m not sure I understand everything I know. If I found a member with a key from a 79 with the numbers 3991 on their locks would that key open this tank? Sort of a loaner program. Any volunteers? I’ll pay the postage

[ccogswel]

I happened to have a lock out set that helped me with a standard tank that was locked. In it there was a fake metal key. Didn't really have any teeth cut in it. It was really kind of flat. What you may try is use a small screw driver that will allow you some room to use a small allen wrench to push on the tumblers and use the screw driver to turn and as you work the tumblers. Or if you happen to have something that is thin that you can cut to the size of key to fit inside so you car work the tumblers. If I remember correctly there was only 3 or 4 tumblers to fight with. Took me about 3 minutes to get it open. If you want I'll post a picture of the key I got in my lock set to give you an idea.
Anyway Good Luck!

[red bandit]

Back in 78-79 I had a 76 DT400. With a pocket knife blade about the same size as a key...just stick it in the key slot and giggle back and forth and around and presto. Takes about 5 seconds. Haven't tryed on an XS11 so I don't know???

[mro]

couldn't hurt?

Have opened a few cheep pad locks in the past w/o key

Pound the end of a wire coat hanger flat.
Metal is relatively soft.
Use flattened end as key, press down on cap to help relieve amount of pressure needed to open.


mro
btw
have found that I can open caps on two of my XS's with different keys.

[andreashweiss]

I have opened far to many xs1100 gas tanks w/o keys always use a very small screwdriver (flat head) the kind for eyeglasses. Just insert and try to push down and forcefully turn to the right ususally opens after a few attempts. Sometimes have to use a slightly larger screwdriver but same technique. good luck it is a simple lock.

[HobbyMan]

I have found many tumblers have the sliders removed so as long as something is put in there, it will rotate. You could just jimmi the tumbler and if the tank is good, get a new tumbler and have it set to your key. I did it myself one time and it isnt that hard to pull the tumbler apart and file new sliders to fit.

[scoobes]

over this side of the pond we just give the key number to the key man 10 min`s later we have a working key,,,all for about £10....if you want to wait about a week..one could be sent over.

[wingnut]

Open saysame

Thanks for the help folks. Small flat blade screw driver and some magic words and she opened up. Real happy with the condition on the inside of the tank also. To bad its off a standard.

[TopCatGr58]

Hey Wingnut,

There's a new user with a MNS that wants to convert it to a Cafe racer with a STandard tank, he might be willing to trade you for it, I think his user name is Gixxer something!!
T.C.

[wingnut]

Thanks TC. Hey GIXXER, I've got the tank and the tail piece from a 79 standard that would look real good on your project and real silly on my Special. Wana swap for a Special tank?

[GIXXER 711]

let me get my hands on the bike and check the tank. i am scared of what the inside might look like. if it is usable for you, i think we can definitely work something out. how big of a rush are you in?

[wingnut]

Time,,,,is on myside.....

No Rush. I've started inspecting the tank. Surface rust but its real solid. It will need to be creamed but that's just about standard for all of these old machines. Let me know when you are ready.

Dave

[planedick]

No key

Just take the number to the Yammy dealer and he can get you a new key, about 5 bucks.