Kawasaki Concours Forum
The C-14, aka Kawasaki Concours-14, the new one :) => The Bike - C14/GTR 1400 => Topic started by: clogan on March 05, 2013, 08:38:51 AM
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Starting yesterday, my knob key will not come out of the switch. It otherwise works fine, turning easily from lock, on, fss, etc., but I can't remove it when in FSS. It's like the knob key is "locked" in place, and cannot be removed. Thus, when I stop for fuel, I now have to fumble around and find my fob, remove the hidey key, buy my gas, then reverse the process.
A simple work around is to buy a separate key for fuel, seat and saddlebags, but I hesitate to do that until I asked advice from other Connie owners.
All thoughts appreciated.
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Ifn it won't come out, it's probably bent, don't you know... Mine stays in the bike all the time and I use other keys to open the tank and cases. Up to you on what you want to do. You could take to a dealer and let them sort it out (probably will cost you but you never know) or you could futz around some more and try to get it out yourself or just use the spare key.
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It happened to me one of the first times I used the bike: no way to pull the "big" key out" :(
Then, when all my hopes were lost.... all of a sudden **shglupp** it came out! (like the sound?? ;D)
Since then I understood that the knob key is designed by Kawasaki... to remain there! ;)
I use the small key in the FOB for opening the bags and fuel cap.
I warmly suggest you to do the same...
:)
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I also use the fob key for this reason as well. :)
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Problem is, the key has been used in the Gasshole so many times, its bent.
I advise everyone to have a blank cut, or two, or three and used them in your bags, and Gasshole.
gasshole. ;D
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Yup...guess I'll just get a few extra keys. Local Kawi Dealer doesn't sell keys (!), ACE had no blanks, but local smithy said he could make copies for $3-$4 each. Maybe I'll epoxy some new keys onto some sort of knobs, and just leave them in place in the locks.
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I don't use my knob anymore either. ;D
I got a nice lanyard and wear with my fob and a spare key on it. I always know where my fob is and while I get my wallet out I use my spare key to open the gashole. (the spare is on one of those quick detach thingies)
Keys on caps open my bags so they stay in there.
This seems to have streamlined the whole process.
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I bent the key knob in the gas hole. I straightened the key and inserted back in the ignition.
Key would turn but not come out. Dealer removed the key and said "bent key".
Knob now stays in the ignition, 7500 trouble free miles using the FOB to refuel and opening the bags.
No hassel getting the FOB out of my pocket. But I'm sure its based on my bent key experience.
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Stove knob never comes out of my bike. Like others said, I got some extra keys cut. I also epoxied one into a radio knob and that stays in one of my side cases when riding. At the pump I use that key for the gas.
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I also use the fob key for this reason as well. :)
I had a separate non-fob, non-stove key cut that I use. I never remove the stove/knob key.
For some reason, the lock on my gas tank is getting harder and harder to use/turn/insert/remove. I think it is starting to bend my "extra" key.
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I think I might search for a non locking gas cap as I don't want to bend the key and it makes the whole process a little easier. If anyone has already done that, please provide a link. Gracias
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Here's one
http://www.amazon.com/Kawasaki-Billet-ZZR1400-1400GTR-Concours/dp/B00BFFER8A/ref=sr_1_34?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1362524521&sr=1-34 (http://www.amazon.com/Kawasaki-Billet-ZZR1400-1400GTR-Concours/dp/B00BFFER8A/ref=sr_1_34?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1362524521&sr=1-34)
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I had a separate non-fob, non-stove key cut that I use. I never remove the stove/knob key.
For some reason, the lock on my gas tank is getting harder and harder to use/turn/insert/remove. I think it is starting to bend my "extra" key.
Are you aware of the modification so that you can close it without the key?
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GOt 3 made the last time I was in Lancaster OH at Slaters. 5 bucks plus tax. ILCO X259 is the blank number on the keys. (https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc1/v/804234_10151336447990098_1154969305_n.jpg?oh=5f0c82fbbb2242d09fd235951e9858dc&oe=51385D33&__gda__=1362698965_6abb36ffec44aeed3f5300f6ab750a7f)
He threw in the Kawi Fob. Nice guy.
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I push down on the gas cap before I turn the key. No issues with that or removing the ignition key to use for fueling up.
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VirginiaJim: "Are you aware of the modification so that you can close it without the key?" NO, will you tell us?
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From Fred Harmon:
http://www.pbase.com/fredharmon/gascapmod (http://www.pbase.com/fredharmon/gascapmod)
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More: http://www.zrxoa.org/forums/showthread.php?237033-close-your-gas-cap-without-the-key...&p=3260967#post3260967 (http://www.zrxoa.org/forums/showthread.php?237033-close-your-gas-cap-without-the-key...&p=3260967#post3260967)
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Are you aware of the modification so that you can close it without the key?
I think I read about it. But my issue is more of getting the key in and out and turning it. Closing it is not difficult.
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I push down on the gas cap before I turn the key. No issues with that or removing the ignition key to use for fueling up.
Oh, I always push down- you have to or it is simply impossible to turn. But it is STILL difficult to turn and to insert and remove the key. And there is a bunch of white stuff. The bike is only 2 years old and it started getting this way maybe 6 months after I got it. Kind of a mystery.
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Just because it was designed and intended to be removed, doesn't necessarily mean it is a good idea.
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- this was discussed a while back.
- simple solution : leave knob in place. Cut a spare key for the bags and fuel cap. Easy.
.
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- simple solution : leave knob in place. Cut a spare key for the bags and fuel cap. Easy.
+100
I paid $4 each for two keys (for the blanks and to have them cut) from a local locksmith, and it's worth every penny.
I leave the knob key alone, and keep one of the spares in my sleeve pocket on my aerostitch for the gas cap and/or saddle bags.
Jeff
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I've used the stove knob for everything, every time, and never had a problem.
Of course I spray some lock lube in the keyholes from time to time.
Not skeered. ;D
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Me too. Lot easier than digging for the fob. A little DrySlide lube works wonders.
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Oh, I always push down- you have to or it is simply impossible to turn. But it is STILL difficult to turn and to insert and remove the key. And there is a bunch of white stuff. The bike is only 2 years old and it started getting this way maybe 6 months after I got it. Kind of a mystery.
You should take that lock apart Max and get that corrosion cleaned out of there.
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Keys on caps open my bags so they stay in there.
Can you expand on this? What do you mean? One of the aggravations - because I am in and out of my sidebags everytime I ride - is being forced to get the key out each time. My Royal Star could be locked or you could leave them unlocked and push the lock in to open the bags.
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Can you expand on this? What do you mean? One of the aggravations - because I am in and out of my sidebags everytime I ride - is being forced to get the key out each time. My Royal Star could be locked or you could leave them unlocked and push the lock in to open the bags.
Some folks have bought extra keys and then glued color matched caps onto them for use in the bags, they mostly just leave the keys in the bags for convenience.
See this thread for more info.
http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=3602.0 (http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=3602.0)
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I carry my spare key on my 'janitor' retractable key ring.....
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Some folks have bought extra keys and then glued color matched caps onto them for use in the bags, they mostly just leave the keys in the bags for convenience.
See this thread for more info.
http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=3602.0 (http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=3602.0)
That's what I do.
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I carry my spare key on my 'janitor' retractable key ring.....
Very nice Jim, when you get done playing with your keys there's a clean up needed on aisle 4.
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;D
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I dry lubed the heck out of mine, several times, to no avail.
And then I discovered it was bent. ;)
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If I ever get my knob key out, I'll check it for bends, and lube it up real good...but honestly, I can't see it ever coming loose at this point. I mean, that rascal is REALLY stuck. So, I guess I'll just forever leave it in the switch, and buy me some spares on which to epoxy some caps. Then leave 'em in the bags and seat locks.
I also have two cars with fob systems, but they both also require keys. Fobs are an unnecessary complication, IMHO. Guess they said the same thing about keys when ignition keys were first introduced way back when.
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Before I got my extra keys and used the stove knob, I found it difficult to get a good grip on it. So using a Dremel I cut horizontal lines on the sides to give it a better grip.
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I also have two cars with fob systems, but they both also require keys. Fobs are an unnecessary complication, IMHO. Guess they said the same thing about keys when ignition keys were first introduced way back when.
With my Infiniti, I never touch a key or mess with the fob. It is just in my jacket. When I get close the car, I can open the doors or trunk with my hand and start the car with a finger. THAT is what I would want on the Concours :) (Open bags, seat, gas tank, and start, all without a metal, insert-it-type key)
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With my Infiniti, I never touch a key or mess with the fob. It is just in my jacket. When I get close the car, I can open the doors or trunk with my hand and start the car with a finger. THAT is what I would want on the Concours :) (Open bags, seat, gas tank, and start, all without a metal, insert-it-type key)
+1...
Mama's new Camry is just like that too, very slick. 8)
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I've had that on my Prius since late 2004. It spoils you.
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Yep, as others have said, the key is most likely bent and was forced into the lock. Now it is stuck and will be difficult to remove although it will come out. You will probably need a pair of large pliers or medium vice grips to grab onto the key knob and pull it out (wrap the key knob in a rag first to reduce the chance of gouging the key knob). Once out, straighten the key and it will again slide in and out (easy boys!) of the ign. lock.
I have been using the main stove knob key on my bike in all the locks on the bike since '07 but perhaps disaster is just around the corner. I think it will be OK if I continue to chant the incantation before starting the bike though. Dat dare KiPass can be an evil system- at least that is what I've heard now and then....
Brian
Starting yesterday, my knob key will not come out of the switch. It otherwise works fine, turning easily from lock, on, fss, etc., but I can't remove it when in FSS. It's like the knob key is "locked" in place, and cannot be removed. Thus, when I stop for fuel, I now have to fumble around and find my fob, remove the hidey key, buy my gas, then reverse the process.
A simple work around is to buy a separate key for fuel, seat and saddlebags, but I hesitate to do that until I asked advice from other Connie owners.
All thoughts appreciated.
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If I ever get my knob key out, I'll check it for bends, and lube it up real good...but honestly, I can't see it ever coming loose at this point. I mean, that rascal is REALLY stuck. So, I guess I'll just forever leave it in the switch, and buy me some spares on which to epoxy some caps. Then leave 'em in the bags and seat locks.
I also have two cars with fob systems, but they both also require keys. Fobs are an unnecessary complication, IMHO. Guess they said the same thing about keys when ignition keys were first introduced way back when.
I just put a pair of vice grips on mine and jerked it out.
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:yikes: ouch!
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With my Infiniti, I never touch a key or mess with the fob. It is just in my jacket. When I get close the car, I can open the doors or trunk with my hand and start the car with a finger. THAT is what I would want on the Concours :) (Open bags, seat, gas tank, and start, all without a metal, insert-it-type key)
That's the way my Vee Dubbya is too. It's a true keyless system. If I do want to dig the fob out of my pocket I can use it to open/close all the windows, including the sunroof.
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That's the way my Vee Dubbya is too. It's a true keyless system. If I do want to dig the fob out of my pocket I can use it to open/close all the windows, including the sunroof.
If you really want to know how good your FOB is, you will have to trust Brian (B.D.F.) with it.......
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-WLI9eQq0bco/TdqB18gmITI/AAAAAAAAABw/83TdT9XZHFs/s512/Misc.mix%2520097.JPG)
And if you're a non-believer, you will pay the price.....
(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-xSuwcLc0d1w/TdqDUrTEvBI/AAAAAAAAAB4/fmlinzJ3LoM/s720/Misc.mix%2520102.JPG)
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If you really want to know how good your FOB is, you will have to trust Brian (B.D.F.) with it.......
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-WLI9eQq0bco/TdqB18gmITI/AAAAAAAAABw/83TdT9XZHFs/s512/Misc.mix%2520097.JPG)
And if you're a non-believer, you will pay the price.....
(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-xSuwcLc0d1w/TdqDUrTEvBI/AAAAAAAAAB4/fmlinzJ3LoM/s720/Misc.mix%2520102.JPG)
:rotflmao: Brilliant...
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I just put a pair of vice grips on mine and jerked it out.
Followed Booger's lead: grabbed the knob with rubber grip gloves, both hands, and it came out. Yup: it was bent all right. I straightened it out, lubed it up real good with graphite lock lube, and now it works fine. I'll be more careful from now on with the gashole...that's where I bent it, no doubt. I also cut a spare key, then cut it to fit into a small radio knob. Cemented the key into the radio knob with JB Weld. I'll leave this new "radio knob key" in my seat lock...looks like any other knob to the untrained eye. If I get worried about security, which is a very rare occaision, I can just pocket my hide-in-plain-sight hidey spare.
Thanks, Booger!
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Here's the "radio knob " key.
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pretty slick, one more thing for the to-do list