Ignition lock won't engage

[Caveman]

Hey everyone,

I have a weird question. I bought a used 02 Katana 600, and the ignition won't turn to lock. It turns a little, but when I looked at the little cam coming out of the ignition barrel, it seems like it doesn't quite line up with the hole it's supposed to go in to. It seems like it's a bit higher than the hole.

Has anyone run into this before? Any ideas on how to fix it?

Thanks in advance for the help

[Kreylyn]

Hey everyone,

I have a weird question. I bought a used 02 Katana 600, and the ignition won't turn to lock. It turns a little, but when I looked at the little cam coming out of the ignition barrel, it seems like it doesn't quite line up with the hole it's supposed to go in to. It seems like it's a bit higher than the hole.

Has anyone run into this before? Any ideas on how to fix it?

Thanks in advance for the help

Sounds like there might be an issue with the front end being assembled correctly. I would double check that to make sure.

The lock is attatched to the ignition, bolted to the top triple. If that is too high, something must be keeping it from being seated properly.

At least, that's my guess from here not able to see the actual bike.

Krey

[91GSX750]

Our bikes have an ignition lock? When I pull my key out I can still turn my forks... is that what you mean by ignition lock because if they do then mine is broken lol

[Kreylyn]

Our bikes have an ignition lock? When I pull my key out I can still turn my forks... is that what you mean by ignition lock because if they do then mine is broken lol

Turn the bars to the left almost all the way, then you should be able to turn the key past off into the lock position.

Krey

[88kat-rider]

I had the same problem...my triple tree wasn't tapped down all the way on one side causing for a misalignment.

I Used a piece of wood between the triple tree and the hammer to prevent damage, knocked it down all the way and it worked like a charm.

I was also told I needed a new ignition switch because mine was very sticky...you can free them up if it's a problem with it sticking by using some liquid graphite. My ignition feels like new.

[squiggy]

I had the same problem but it ended up being the switch itself. Once I replaced it, the key would turn all the way over to the lock position.

You can try to lube the ignition first. It may help to lubricate the internal lock and/or tumblers.

[91GSX750]

Nice, I tried and if I push down I can turn my key past the off to what I am guessing is the locked position, expect it wont let me pull the key out and it also doesn't stop me from turning it

[Kreylyn]

Nice, I tried and if I push down I can turn my key past the off to what I am guessing is the locked position, expect it wont let me pull the key out and it also doesn't stop me from turning it

Make sure your bars are turned to the left to line up with the hole the peg will instert into. If it's not turned fully into the locked posistion, you can't remove the key.

You turn it nearly 1/2 turn back into the locked posistion. Just make sure your leaving it in park (lights on).

Krey

[91GSX750]

Make sure your bars are turned to the left to line up with the hole the peg will instert into. If it's not turned fully into the locked posistion, you can't remove the key.

You turn it nearly 1/2 turn back into the locked posistion. Just make sure your leaving it in park (lights on).

Krey

I'll have to give that a try tomorrow. Thanks for the info Krey.

Also I need to message you regarding my 750 to 600 tailswap. Got a couple questions for ya

[Caveman]

Thanks for the idea. I'm gonna try that first.

Thanks for the advice everyone. I'm gonna try dry lube, then tapping, and replace i if all else fails...

[92xjunker]

Check to see if the switch was replaced before, I had the same problem. The po ground off the ignition bolts and part of the switch supports, had to shim the switch to line up.

[91GSX750]

I got mine to work, I just had to not turn the wheel as sharp as I was turning it before

[mcssls]

I just changed out my ignition switch with one I got with a matched key seat and gas cap lock. Took 10 minutes. No drilling out the security screws, no taking the triple tree off. I ordered a $6 security torx bit set off Amazon. Took out what appears to be a standard torx security screw and reused them. Nothing special looking about them.