Has anyone else had this problem? It seems like most of the people around my area that that Kawaie's have had this problem. I actually broke several keys off and all. I have since replaced my cap with a keyless. I'm just wondering is it something in our area thats doing it or is it a all around problem?

Heard of a couple guys having lock problems...yes.I never have...maybe the fuel they're using?IDK.

Nah I thought that at one time and tried using high mid and low didn't matter it just got worse and worse to the point it wouldn't turn at all anymore. For awaile it was rigged to where you could put any key in the hole or even a screw driver and it would open. Until I broke down and got the keyless.

I was curious if maybe it was something in the air here in Maryland or if it was a national thing ya know. I have a buddy of mine with a 636 and his is a little coroded mine on the other hand was shot. The weird thing is when the bike was parked in the house during rain or the winter it still happened.

I went through ALOT of WD-40 lol

Ya,strange.IDK...Maybe some graphite lock stuff in there regularly...that might solve the stick.I did notice a couple o' times the small springs under the cap were developing a mild white corrosion.I just cleaned em off...never had any problems.I do regularly fill my tank to the FULL amount...where the fuel is contacting the mechanism in there.I probably wouldn't like...recommend anyone doing that.On a hot day...you better be ready to fuel and go.So...IDK.Sounds like condensation building up somehow.

* Last updated by: blue07 on 7/24/2011 @ 1:21 PM *

Yea i thought that maybe a condensation build up but either inside or out it still kept getting worse and i fill my bike to the rim too. shouldn't but hey i need every drop at 170mph with Johnny Law following with it bubble gum machines blinkin ;)

My bike has a defect it when stop when i see lights ;)

* Last updated by: Sherriboo on 7/24/2011 @ 1:26 PM *

My 06 is doing it also. Slight white colored deposits on the edge of where the key goes is. I have noticed it is a bit harder to get cap open lately. Seems like the problem has worsened since I have returned to Ca. There was just a slight discoloring before.

Ron

when mine gets a lil rough i just give it a squirt of liquid graphite and it fixes it right up

Here ya go, sweety. Hope this helps. If you get stuck at the pump, try pulling the key up and then pushing straight down with a little force, then turn. That worked right away for me after I saw twisting alone was no good.

HOW TO UNSTICK GAS CAP

I quit filling mine past the splash guard. No problems since. Get some powdered graphite lube for locks at the auto supply.

BTW, Private Messages are at the top below the member pics bar. Click. I think you got one Sher,.

I went through ALOT of WD-40 lol

oops, I think the reason they do not recommend that is because it leaves behind a residue of oil?????? graphite powder no worky if wet????? IDK? hope you get it sorted. I can tell ya, WD did NOT work for ever on a padlock that was frozen. That thing ended up in the trash.

I can sympathize. But for some reason my cap woes stem from it going out of alignment with the hole. If you look at the cap in relation to the ring when it's closed my cap is a lot closer to the ring at the front side. But the carzy thing is this changes. One day a week or two ago, I stopped for gas on the way to work and I thought my key was gonna break because the lock just wouldn't turn that last little bit and then it wouldn't come back out. I ended up getting it open eventually. I tried to complain about it when I had a warranty because it's obviously a quality control problem. I have never had a bike which had such a sloppy mechanism. It's just crap IMO. But I won't get a screw jobby because I want to be able to lock it...

No amount of graphite or lube makes any difference for mine BTW.

Poll:

1. I push the head down first before I turn the key.
2. I just turn and it pops open.
3. I do either one I still have key jam.
4. I seem to use the key more for gas tank fillings than turning the key on to the bike.
5. I have a solid key switch but using all that gas, my cap is a painthe ass worn out.

1 (when closing) & 2 (when opening)

I push down the cap when ever I turn the key to open or to close.

Had the same problem last season. Almost broke my key off as well so I did what was suggested here. Dropped some liquid graphite in there and all is good now. Always run Shell premium but not sure if that had anything to do with it.

The gas vapor can get gummy at times but that is some off the wall variable as the next one I've got for you. There could be key-fob-beer-bob-her-break-in. See, mine too caught the break-in come on baby, don't bust another one I'm almost home, ShaDING!; and there you are holding only the fob. Scary I know. Been there, [almost] done that, but I took a little brake clean kind of clean the tumblers of any grit or where the key drags over the divots; where the springs hide behind. Could be a piece of shebits from the shadinging you keep giving it has to be pushed aside or flushed out so all is well again. Some of us have that there problem and is resolvable.

I think any kind of contact/brake spray cleaner might work, followed by some sort of lube base like WD-40. Try the other suggestion above if not WD. It's then a matter of a maintenance spray along with the foot peg pivots. Say, the levers could use a spray in there or you'll elongate the pivot to perch to lever. The pin having the least amount of wear between different metals, meaning = Big bucks to change that one part. Cost very little to nothing is finding the time to lube a few parts on the bike.

S100 Total Cycle Corrosion Protectant Aerosol. In your part of the country this is a must have. You spray it on the entire bike even in the locks, (not the brake rotors) and then wipe it down with a soft rag. Get it you wont be sorry!