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Someone tried to steal my 83 Nighthawk (CB550SC) last night by jamming a screwdriver into the ignition. I just bought the bike a few weekd ago and I am a new rider.

The key ignition is now screwed up, and the key wont turn to start the bike. Since the bike is older, I wonder what the most cost effective way to fix this problem. I am on a budget.

Any suggestions?


Gerardo

Please don't spam you message onto multiple boards. It will be seen no matter where you post it.

Take it to a dealer? (by trailer, or have them pick it up?)

Do you have the Service Manual so yopu can swap it out with a new one yourself?

?

wont the dealer be too expensive?

he did it again!!!

gerpena wrote:?

wont the dealer be too expensive?

The dealer won't be free, but they'll fix it right without messing anything else up.



In the future, post your question ONCE, in ONE forum only (that's what the topic headings are for) folks will take your questions more seriously.

P

This solution may not work for your bike, but when I lost my key for a 70's Honda, I replaced it with a cheap car ignition switch from some auto parts store. I had a Clymer manual and wiring diagram, but there aren't too many wires involved. It's basicallly just a light switch that uses a key instead of an on/off switch. For that matter, I suppose a rocker switch would do the same thing if security isn't a problem.
Edit: I just reread your post. Obviously security IS a problem. Go with the key switch.

revcbl wrote:This solution may not work for your bike, but when I lost my key for a 70's Honda, I replaced it with a cheap car ignition switch from some auto parts store. I had a Clymer manual and wiring diagram, but there aren't too many wires involved. It's basicallly just a light switch that uses a key instead of an on/off switch. For that matter, I suppose a rocker switch would do the same thing if security isn't a problem.
Edit: I just reread your post. Obviously security IS a problem. Go with the key switch.

Thanks for the advice. I just bought an ignition from Bent Bike, a motorcycle shop in the Seattle area (Auburn), for 50 bucks.

It seems to be working great, so I am happy. Plus I learned that working on your bike is not terribly hard and is quite rewarding. Thanks to everyone for their advice.

Lion_Lady wrote:

gerpena wrote:?

wont the dealer be too expensive?

The dealer won't be free, but they'll fix it right without messing anything else up.



In the future, post your question ONCE, in ONE forum only (that's what the topic headings are for) folks will take your questions more seriously.

P

you have that much trust in a dealer? from my experience dealers are a last resort. i had a simple oil change they put a full quart too much oil in. a buddy had a problem with his bike they said it was fixxed. on his way home gas start pouring out of the motor down his leg(next to the hot exhaust). etc.

just because a dealer does something doesnt mean its done right.

Well, as in all things there are good dealers and bad ones. I've grown to trust my dealer, so I forget they aren't all good.

If he doesn't know of a good dealer, then a reputable MC shop could do the work.

P