Ignition switch

[KatScratchFever]

Hi to all, sorry if this question has been answered before but I checked the archive and couldn't find a simple procedure for it - how does one remove the ignition switch to test it? It looks impossible to remove without drilling the thing out but common sense says there has to be an easier way. . .

Thanks.

[arsenic]

pre or post 98?

[KatScratchFever]

Bike is a 1999 model, so post-98.

[arsenic]

they are safety torx

[Black_peter]

You can get them out using a tiny socket or I have used an Allen screw as a "wrench" to remove them. This is dependent on how corroded they are. I bought a pre 98 600 top tree with ignition switch and the screws popped right out. To get Paradoxmd's out we needed a whole lot of tools and a lot of swearing. I'll say this:
It makes the job a lot easier if you remove the top tree and work from the top.

[steves]

On the 98+ there is a special way to remove them... which Keith has refrained from posting since theives could use it to steal bikes.

[crazyaussie]

they are safety torx

ditto...I used safety torx and removed the ignition from the bottom (not removing top tree). It was hard to get at, but I eventually got it.

[Black_peter]

On the 98+ there is a special way to remove them... which Keith has refrained from posting since theives could use it to steal bikes.

Umm I think that is kinda lame.

[ctandc]

98+ Katana:

The ignition is held in by two Safety Torx bolts underneath.

Size is T-40 'Tx' bit or Safety Torx.

[chinto]

On a few occasions I have used BP's method and taken the top tree off for easier access. I used a small socket and tapped (lightly with a hammer) it onto the security torx bolts.

[ctandc]

That would work too...but since the Safety torx socket set was all of $8 at Harbor Freight, I picked it up.

[KatScratchFever]

Umm, don't most thieves already know how to steal bikes? Frankly I think that's kind of stupid. It's the same logic as censorship or having a book burning because someone doesn't like the content. ANY information can be misused - the answer is seldom to withhold the information. But that's just one guy's opinion.

Frankly, I doubt most thieves would take the time to disassemble the bike to the point where they could access the underside of the assembly anyhow. The guys that get bikes ripped off are the ones that park 'em outside overnight without a chain on them and a bunch of guys show up, stick 2x4s in the wheels, heave the thing in the back of a pickup and they're gone. Several bikes have gone AWOL around here in that manner. Once the thieves have the bike back at their chop shop they can take all the time they need to disassemble the lock mechanism, or just cut it off.

Anyhow thanks for the heads-up.

It sounds like it's going to be a major timesuck. I'll check Sears for the tools. Thanks for the info.

[ctandc]

It sounds like it's going to be a major timesuck. I'll check Sears for the tools. Thanks for the info.

"Timesuck" ? Why? I'm not positive, but I'd almost be willing to bet with a wobble extension and the right socket, you could get it out without removing any fairings...

[steves]

Umm I think that is kinda lame.

[arsenic]

BP, I imagine you did this on a pre 98. Pre 98's are NOT safety torx, they are sheer head bolts, the way to get them out is a center punch and a hammer, knock the botl in a counter clock wise direction. 98+ just get the right safety torx. It's hella easy.