Motorcycle Safety & Driveability: ignition switch, wd 40, salvage yards

Question
I have been out on my 1980 cb900c honda and sometimes when I put my key in---it won't turn--I almost panic but I mess with it a little bit -- turn it around sometime--and it works. I think maybe someday I will be far far away from home and it will not work. It just will not turn sometimes--not that I don't get juice once it does turn.Anyhow where can I order a new one ? or is there a fix?

Answer
Hi Bill,

Thanks for the question.

Could be a couple of things. The ignition switch where you put the key in may be dirty on the inside, or the key may be worn, or both. Also, the inside of the ignition could be worn as well. It is 25 years old, after all.

First things first: see if you can clean out the ignition switch. DON'T put any oil or anything else in it. You want it to be dry. If you have an air compressor, use it. If not, go to a mechanic or gas station that has one. Hold the little key door open with a small screwdriver, pin or pen, and blast in some air. Repeat a few times. Now try the key and see if it works better. If so, great.

Once the ignition has been cleaned out with air, squirt in a bit of oil. 3-in-1 oil works good, so does good ol' WD-40. No need to drown it, a few drops work fine. Try the key again. Better? Good.

If you do the above and the ignition still is not turning or shows no improvment, try one last thing: get a new key made. Most locksmiths can make bike keys. If you have the original key, take it with you (obviously). The numbers on the key will tell them what pattern to set. Try the new key. If it works, great. If not, you're at the last option: get a new iginition.

If you end up needing a new ignition, most likely you'll end up getting a new "used" ignition. Honda doesn't have them any more (but it never hurts to ask), so you'll need to look on ebay or hit the salvage yards. Check with a Honda dealer and see what OTHER ignitions are the same as yours. I'll bet the CB750C, CB1000C and CB1100C all use the exact same part number. If so, you have more to choose from. When you find one (online most likely), ask the seller what kind of shape its in (how does it turn? Loose or tight?). If it doesn't work, can you return it? Ask lots of questions.

I hear you: getting stranded with a no-go ignition or a busted-off key can ruin a whole trip. Clean it out, lube it, get a new key if need be. There are ignitions out there if you truly need one.

Ride smart, have fun.

Bill Roberson