Steering Lock

[GeoffD]

I'm missing the key for the steering lock on my Classic and I do not know the key number.
I borrowed a good selection of old keys from Graham at Startights, without success.
Has anyone got any ideas on how to get the old lock out without damage? I'm hoping there might be a number or somthing on the barrel.
Ta. Geoff

[johnbirchjar]

Have you ever tried to use the steering lock on a Classic?I did,just the once,I can't remember exactly what the problem was(it was 30 years ago )but suffice to say I never bothered again.So my question to you is "Is it rely necessary"?J.B.

[kanonkopdrinker]

I had a similar problem years ago with a DKW W2000. The Hercules factory came to the rescue as they had kept a record of what lock number went in which frame ....

Richard: Any chance that Norton did the same?

David

[Richard Negus]

David,
I don't recall the Norton build register book being that complete. The number may have been recorded on the individual machine job cards, but I believe those cards are long gone - unless John Williams knows better of course.

I have corresponded directly with Geoff on ways of removing the lock.
R.

[GeoffD]

Thanks for the pm Richard.
John, you are absolutely correct, the lock is not vital & it's probable that it would be rarely used (if ever). It's just that I do not like having stuff that doesn't work. I'll just put it on the ever growing list of things to do "one day".
Geoff

[Interpol2471]

I have a spare I think

[GeoffD]

Thanks, but that still leaves me the problem of getting the original lock out.
I don't fancy attacking it with a drill in situ.
I understand the correct way is to turn the key anticlockwise and pull, but I would obviously need the key. But if I had the key, then I wouldn't need to take the lock out.

[johnbirchjar]

"If it aint broke,don't fix it" ,J.B.

[wust588]

Hello Geoff,
I can't remember whether the steering lock details were recorded in the build register book or on the bike job cards. Tho' I seem to remember
they were in/on one of them. Academic now of course.

I seem to recall we had to remove at least one lock. I think (it's a long time ago) we removed the pin by bending out the cover plate, and then used mole grips, and brute force. We may have drilled the pin out? The one fitted to my air-cooled (1981) is brass.

You may have already had success - but best of luck if you haven't!

Come to think of it, I have a spare frame under the bench without keys, so I'll drag it out and try and get the lock out. I don't think these locks were ever
thief proof.........

John Williams.

[GeoffD]

Thanks John, but I think I've decided to just live with it as it is.
As J.B. says, I would probably never use it anyway.
I guess I was just looking for something to do during the lockdown.
Cheers, Geoff