Just purely technical!!!

[XS1100 Newbie]

I thought when i got my bike, that the lock for the front end did not work. I could not get the key to turn no matter where i tuned the wheel. Yes i pushed it down to turn. While working on my 650, (greasing the steering head bearings) I tried the lock on that while i had it out cleaning. Same darn thing, couldn't get it to move. Finally i kept pressure turning while i let up the key, and presto it worked. I walked over to the 1100 and tried it, and presto it worked. I guess my question is, is this normal? Is there a way to correct it if it isn't? I felt very dumb when this happened. I had been telling everyone that it didn't work, and blaming it on my Cousin for not reassembling the bike right.

[bikerphil]

Best solution would be to take the switch apart and lube the internals and the locking mechanism. The lock position usually doesn't get used as much, so it's prone to hang up more than the normal on and off positions.

[TopCatGr58]

That's the way it works!

From the owner's manual!

Steering Lock
The steering is locked when the main switch is in the "LOCK" position. To lock the steering, turn the handlebars fully to the right or left. Give one push to the key at the "OFF" position: then turn it counterclockwise to the "LOCK" position and remove the key. To release the lock, turn the key clockwise.

T.C.

[DGXSER]

Yes it is normal, if I am understanding the question correctly. If you push the key down and hold it down, it will not turn to the lock position. You need to push it down and release it, then turn it counter clockwise from the off position.

[dbeardslee]

Best solution would be to take the switch apart and lube the internals and the locking mechanism.

I didn't even know I had a steering wheel lock, until I took the switch apart and cleaned it. After 30 years it had gotten pretty grungy in there. Also, be careful when engaging the lock - if you turn it all the way, in addition to locking the forks, it will cause the taillights to come on. It can be a battery drainer.

[crazy steve]

Also, be careful when engaging the lock - if you turn it all the way, in addition to locking the forks, it will cause the taillights to come on. It can be a battery drainer.

Eh? I never had that problem on my '78, and wouldn't it kind of defeat the purpose of a lock? I would think that's an internal problem in the switch and not a design feature....

'78E original owner

[DGXSER]

Hey Steve,

Not sure when they implemented it, but in both of my 81's and all other XSs I have seen, the switch has four positions. Off, On, Lock, and Park. To get to Lock you push the key down and turn counter clockwise to get to lock, if you continue turning past that just a bit, the rear parking light is turned on. It is pretty easy to turn it to far if your not paying attention just like Doug suggested.

[Rasputin]

Eh? I never had that problem on my '78, and wouldn't it kind of defeat the purpose of a lock? I would think that's an internal problem in the switch and not a design feature....

'78E original owner

That is a design feature and is indeed built in to every XS11 I have owned. You can lock the steering in one position, and when you lock the steering in the other psoition it also turns on the tail light. I believe this was in case you had to leave it at the side of the road. Others could see it was there due to the light but with the steering lock it was secure. The battery did drain if it was used for long periods of time but was better than having someone rear end a disabled bike.

[XS1100 Newbie]

Thanks guys. I just figured if i was going to be away from the bike awhile, i would lock it. Thanks for the tip on the tail light also.
Bob

[crazy steve]

Whup! Went and looked.... Well, it does have a 'p' postion. I guess I never used it, never suffering a disabled bike (at least at night). Must not have screwed up with it either, as I don't remember running the battery down.

Learn sumpin' new all the time.....

'78E original owner