Kawasaki Concours Forum
The C-14, aka Kawasaki Concours-14, the new one :) => The Bike - C14/GTR 1400 => Topic started by: mvjr1904 on June 07, 2012, 12:38:23 PM
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I used the ignition key to unlock the gas cap. After refueling, the key would not come out of the gas cap. Either, while pressing down and twisting the key to open the gas cap or pushing down to close it, I guess that is when the key got bent. I got the key out and it was visually bent. I straightened it out and put it back in the ignition and tried to turned the key. The key wouldn’t turn and I couldn’t remove it. Of course this all happened while I’m on my way to work and running late. I “jimmied” the key and it finally turned to the “on” position. I got to work and told Security to keep an eye on my bike. Long story short, I took it to the dealer and they were able to remove the key. Diagnosis – bent key.
Because the key does not sit all the way down in the gas cap or saddle bags, possibly bending the key will always be a problem (at least for me). Anyone else have this issue? I will scan the forum for possible solutions.
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I had a problem with the key not wanting to 'return to center' on closing the gas tank.. a couple squirts of WD-40 in the sides where the locking 'wedges' come out of the bottom of the cap, and a couple more into the lock mechanism itself... and voila! No more issues. Not a problem I've had on any of my previous bikes, but not too difficult to resolve before it becomes a serious problem. Good to hear they got you squared away, hopefully someone else will see this and take some pre-emptive actions to prevent it.
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This is exactly why a good many of us do not use the 'stove knob' key to do anything but turn the bike on. We never even remove said key from the ignition. I had an extra key made just for use on the gashole and the bags/seat.
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I have never removed the stove knob key from the bike. I always use the key in the FOB to open tank and bags.
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You can remove the key?
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I had a problem with the key not wanting to 'return to center' on closing the gas tank.. a couple squirts of WD-40 in the sides where the locking 'wedges' come out of the bottom of the cap, and a couple more into the lock mechanism itself... and voila! No more issues. Not a problem I've had on any of my previous bikes, but not too difficult to resolve before it becomes a serious problem. Good to hear they got you squared away, hopefully someone else will see this and take some pre-emptive actions to prevent it.
Don't use WD-40, it will just cause more dirt to accumulate. Get some powdered graphite and use that on all your locks. It is the preferred lube for locks. I have used it on my C14's locks since I got it and have had no issues. I use the stove knob key for everything, it slides in and out very easily.
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You can remove the key?
I don't think so, I suspect they're just messin' with the noobs. My key hasn't ever been out either :D
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The solution is to have a key made and do the gas cap mod...
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Don't use WD-40, it will just cause more dirt to accumulate. Get some powdered graphite and use that on all your locks. It is the preferred lube for locks. I have used it on my C14's locks since I got it and have had no issues. I use the stove knob key for everything, it slides in and out very easily.
+1
Graphite, powdered or spray is the best thing for locks. WD-40 is only a temporary fix. You can clean w/ WD-40, then lube, but even then other cleaners might work as well or better.
As to the bent stove key: Insert key fully, then turn. If you meet any resistance, you're doing it wrong, or their is a problem. With a hammer, anvil, and perhaps a punch, it is usually possible to straighten a key almost back to original specs. If you are as impatient with the hammer as you were with the key when you bent it, if may not turn out well. I've been using the Ignition key in the bags and tank for almost 5 years. I learned my lesson the first time I bent the key, and it has worked fine in all 5 locks since straightening it.
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Only 53000 miles and I always use the intended key to open the Gashole. Why would I bypass the awesome nature of KIPASS and dig in a pocket or tankbag for a key when I have a perfectly functioning key at my finger tips? I do push on the cap and not the key when closing the Gashole.
BTW, did I just hear Steve bad mouth KIPASS? His is sure to fail on his next trip, he better buy a Susuki, FJR, or maybe an ST1300 ;D
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Only 53000 miles and I always use the intended key to open the Gashole. Why would I bypass the awesome nature of KIPASS and dig in a pocket or tankbag for a key when I have a perfectly functioning key at my finger tips? I do push on the cap and not the key when closing the Gashole.
BTW, did I just hear Steve bad mouth KIPASS? His is sure to fail on his next trip, he better buy a Susuki, FJR, or maybe an ST1300 ;D
No sir I didn't bad mouth (http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j180/stevewfl/avatars/icon_worship.gif)KiPass(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j180/stevewfl/avatars/icon_worship.gif), I just leave the stove key in the stove :D
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No sir I didn't bad mouth (http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j180/stevewfl/avatars/icon_worship.gif)KiPass(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j180/stevewfl/avatars/icon_worship.gif), I just leave the stove key in the stove :D
Between the bowing and wordsmithing I would ad in 10 Hail Marys ;)
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I bent my first key by accident. I was at a gas station getting ready to fuel up when I hit it with my arm/elbow while fiddling with my gloves and glasses. It never worked the same afterwards. After paying the dealer ~$30.00 for a replacement, I figured it would be advantageous to have a spare key made and modify the gas cap so that it didn't need a key to close it. My helmet lock and trunk both use different keys, so I't not like I can get away from using keys anyways.
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I believe that modification is here in case someone hasn't seen it yet.
http://www.pbase.com/fredharmon/gascapmod (http://www.pbase.com/fredharmon/gascapmod)
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Stove key is made of butter, leave it where it belongs IMHO.
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Saw the Fred H mod. Not clear what this accomplishes? Can the gas cap be closed w/o the key? Can someone explain the obvious?
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Saw the Fred H mod. Not clear what this accomplishes? Can the gas cap be closed w/o the key? Can someone explain the obvious?
Yes, you can close the cap on the gashole without a key after this mod.
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How do we get it open?
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:popcorn:
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How do we get it open?
That requires another mod.
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Stove key is made of butter, leave it where it belongs IMHO.
Strong as a fence eh... :-\
http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=9151.0 (http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=9151.0)
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That requires another mod.
Someone call?
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Someone call?
Aint you 'sposed to be out riding?
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tweaked my stove on the gas cap shortly after purchasing the bike. that was the last time it went in the tank, now i always use the fob key. for the cases i use the stove,
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Aint you 'sposed to be out riding?
I did go riding. It was great. The C14 is wonderful.
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I did go riding. It was great. The C14 is wonderful.
me too
:thumbs:
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The gas cap mod is how the bike should have come from the factory. Since the key metal is very soft, and the knob provides such a large lever point (i.e. target for bumping), it bends with almost no effort.
I use the stove knob for everything, but with care. For fuel stops, it comes out to unlock the cap, then goes right back into the ignition. With the mod, after fueling, the cap can be closed by simply pushing on it. For accessing the saddle bags, same procedure. Don't leave the key anywhere except in the ignition when it's not being used to turn a lock.
As for needing other keys, I have a FOB to open my trunk, so still no need to remove gloves and dig in my pockets. 8)
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I have never removed the stove knob key from the bike. I always use the key in the FOB to open tank and bags.
This is what I do too.
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This is what I do too.
If I had to use the fob key all the time I would sell the Concours and buy a bike with a regular key. I cannot imagine using the fob key all the time. It is horribly inconvenient.
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I don't use my fob key at all. Don't use the stove knob key either.
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If I had to use the fob key all the time I would sell the Concours and buy a bike with a regular key. I cannot imagine using the fob key all the time. It is horribly inconvenient.
How is it inconvenient? Take the fey out of the fob and put it in your pocket, or make a copy of the key and it is no different than a key that would need to come out of the ignition.
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How is it inconvenient? Take the key out of the fob and put it in your pocket, or make a copy of the key and it is no different than a key that would need to come out of the ignition.
if it was a regular key, I would take it out of the ignition still wearing gloves. I wouldn't have to take off my gloves, dig in my pocket, pull out the fob, take out the key, trying to release it using my fingernail, use it, then put it back. That is why I simply use the stove knob key. That way I don't have to take of my glove and dig it out of my pocket, I can simply push down on the stove knob, turn it, pull it out and use. ::)
A regular key would be easier, but in in the absence of that, the stove knob key is easier and more convenient.
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if it was a regular key, I would take it out of the ignition still wearing gloves. I wouldn't have to take off my gloves, dig in my pocket, pull out the fob, take out the key, trying to release it using my fingernail, use it, then put it back. That is why I simply use the stove knob key. That way I don't have to take of my glove and dig it out of my pocket, I can simply push down on the stove knob, turn it, pull it out and use. ::)
A regular key would be easier, but in in the absence of that, the stove knob key is easier and more convenient.
When I get gas I use the little key. I use my AMEX for gas anyway, its harder to get to than the little key ever will be for me.
Thats just proves the mad pow-ah of KiPass. Some use the stove key, some (like me) never have.... but we have the options due to the pow-ah (http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j180/stevewfl/bigthumb.gif)