I take the key out as an extra level of security (the fob is also out of the AO), but I put a cover on the bike so it's not completely uncovered. Thanks for the tip on Lock Ease. I figured something like that would probably be OK for the switch.
At the risk of being all doom and gloom or sounding like chicken little (IIRC a pet peeve of Brian's
{sorry guy, shoot me down, but I'll still be your friend })
end of disclaimer.I have two concerns.
(1) Security: Probably highly debatable, but I think that the highest level of security for the C14 (without additional supplemental locks and devices) is achieved by locking the steering head. The weight of the bike and the technology involved in by-passing the
Mighty powah of the KIPASS system are the two best security aids to the bike. The key itself, not so much. Locking the front wheel full to the left makes man handling the bike even more difficult for potential thieves. Using the steering lock does not allow key removal.
(2) Lock-Ease: Lock-Ease for the lock itself is great for the lock, except that if you do decide to remove the key frequently you'll end up with graphited pants pockets. IMO
the KIPASS switch adjacent to the lock is another matter. The
Lock-Ease isn't dry, it has several solvents or carriers that the graphite is suspended in to help deliver it where you want it. They do quickly evaporate leaving behind the graphite, but then graphite is a conductor of electricity and I wouldn't want that getting into the switch.
My advice is to put Lock-Ease in the
key lock and not the adjacent switch once a year and lock the steering on the bike and leave the key in place when parked. I don't lube the switch myself because I have the by-pass mod installed, but I'm sure there must be a safe dielectric switch lube that can be sprayed into the switch spring area without fear that it will negatively affect the electrical properties of the switch should it get inside.
LINK to Fred Harmon's KIPASS switch photos fyi