Unlocking the side cover/no key

[donebysunday]

Anyone know of a way to unlock the side cover lock without a key ?
Bought an 80 or 81 parts bike no keys or title.
Got real lucky, in my stash of keys the very 1st one I tried worked in the gas cap and the ign., would not unlock the helmet lock or side cover.

[Bartman]

I had to spray cleaning lube into the lock several times and finally got the side cover lock to release. You may not need to push the key all the way home before turning. I was afraid of breaking my only key too but finally got lucky. Hopefully your one key will work for all locks after lubricanting them good.

[motoman]

I had to spray cleaning lube into the lock several times and finally got the side cover lock to release. You may not need to push the key all the way home before turning. I was afraid of breaking my only key too but finally got lucky. Hopefully your one key will work for all locks after lubricanting them good.

Key does NOT go in tumbler assembly but just a little ways to turn and release. Spray a bunch of WD or similar in there and keep working it back and forth a little to release those tumblers.

[donebysunday]

Key does NOT go in tumbler assembly but just a little ways to turn and release. Spray a bunch of WD or similar in there and keep working it back and forth a little to release those tumblers.

I think I found a way, maybe ? Took the helmet lock apart and found the key would work IT if it was 1/16" longer.
Remember this is a key I found in my stash and it was for a 1975 XS650 not for this 80/81 XS11.
Going to the locksmith Mon., want to get that cover off not breaking it !
I have tried not putting it in all the way,,,, that's what she said and still PG ?

[red bandit]

I know the key is supposed to work either way. Mine only works one way. Try turning the key over 180 degrees.

[GLoweVA]

It may be that the po had swapped out the gas and ignition locks, so the helmet and sidecover locks may be different. JAT

[donebysunday]

Took the side cover lock apart and it seems if the key was just a tad longer it would work the helmet lock.
Monday going to Whitlows, (they cut this key for my 75 XS650) and get another key cut just a tad deeper/longer.
Still this may not help with the side cover lock ?
So is there any way to remove the side cover and lock together or reach in there and release the lock ?

[Yahman]

In the very bottom of the lock assembly, directly under the lock tab there is a drain hole. If you take a small allen wrench (1/16" or so), you can stick it in that hole and pry the lock tab back. That should release the side cover tab from the lock.



Ride safe,
Larry

[natemoen]

Just take the tumblers out of the cylinder and then as long as the key goes in the lock (or a screwdriver for that matter) you can turn the cylinder to unlock it.

[donebysunday]

Took the side cover off the LH and checked to see how the lock worked.
Tried the small allen wrench but could not get it to unlock.

Bent a small screw driver, got between the latch and the side cover hook, it came open so easily I could not believe it, had to try it a couple more times.