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I recently acquired a special and a standard gas tanks with no keys. Does anyone know how I can get the caps open without drilling the locks out? Thanks for your time!!!
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1979 XS1100SF with a Jardine 4 into 1, ZRX 1200 carbs, 82 XJ rear air shocks, ACCT
SOLD - 1980 XS1100SG with a Mac 4 into 1, ZRX 1200 carbs, round 160 speedo, 82 XJ rear air shocks, ACCT -
Take them, or the number that is stamped into the metal where the key goes, down to the best locksmith in town. In a jiffy, you will have both keys.
If they say they can't do it, they are not the best shop in town.
CZ -
For the Special, look at the small tab protruding forward from the lock. Push it back towards the rear of the tank and it will open. The pointy end of an old can opener should get under there for you. Use a rag under it, so you don't damage the tank. You might be able to get it with a small common screwdriver.Marty (in Mississippi)
XS1100SG
XS650SK
XS650SH
XS650G
XS6502F
XS650EComment
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Also, try any key you have. Some of the locks open VERY EASILY with almost any key if they are worn.Ray Matteis
KE6NHG
XS1100 E '78 (winter project)
XS1100 SF Bob Jones worked on it!Comment
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Stick a small knife blade (about the size of the key) in the key slot, wiggle & giggle it and it will open.79 F full cruiser, stainless brake lines, spade fuses, Accel coils, modded air box w/larger velocity stacks, 750 FD.
79 SF parts bike.Comment
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Thanks everyone. Got them open. Special is in great shape. Standard has rust sludge in it.1979 XS1100SF with a Jardine 4 into 1, ZRX 1200 carbs, 82 XJ rear air shocks, ACCT
SOLD - 1980 XS1100SG with a Mac 4 into 1, ZRX 1200 carbs, round 160 speedo, 82 XJ rear air shocks, ACCTComment
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A few years ago, the keys bounced out of my ignition lock on the way to school. I was able to turn the ignition off with a piece of plastic I found on the ground. In case your are going to ask, the key retaining feature hasn't worked on that bike since I owned it, which was 1989...
When it came time to head home that evening, I headed to the ME machine shop and converted a pair of short, thin nails I found (no long nails available!) into a lock pick and torsion bar with a hammer and anvil (still surprised they actually had an anvil in there!).
The sad part was it only took about 15 seconds to pick that lock (worn out) with home made tools.
The reason this relates to this post is that when I hit the road, I realized I had about 10 miles of fuel left (already on reserve) but had 15 miles to home... The gas cap proved to be a pain in my ass for about 45 seconds until I remembered that I have to PUSH the cap down even when opening it with a key. After that, it took about 10 seconds to have the cap opened. These locks, especially after 35 years, suck.
PS: Several months later I found my keys! They were one the wiring harness under the gas tank!-- Clint
1979 XS1100F - bought for $500 in 1989Comment
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LOL, I hope you remembered to replace the spare key, just in case it happens again.
CZComment
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