Key broken off, how to remove?
 

yes the main ignition key flush with surface. Trying to wedge it out with small tools today. Looked to remove assembly from bike but see it is a tamperproof design, but how is everyone going to change the top clamp? it appears it would need to be drilled out after removal.
any idea's would be greatly appreciated, key is not magnetic and does rotate switch. thanks ingmar d

Have you tried a shop-vac? How about some type of sticky putty?

I would say make sure the ignition key is in a position that you can get it out off and then lube the whole thing then use tweesers or small pliers and keep very calm. Maybe after it's lubed it might help to tab with a nylon hammer in the neighbourhood of the ignition lock maybe this way it will move a bit upward(if your very lucky).

thanks wood-d and Skippy. what position is for removal, if you could describe by the clock. Currently it is at 10 oclock, 12 is in line etc. greatly appreciated. ingmar d

IIRC, 10AM. Noon is on.

I know a guy who's key broke off in his car and he just adds the broken off bit to start and stop it. Leave the stuck half down in there. Done it for years!

I suggest Shop vac (slightly covered for more suction) before spraying lube in there. Lubing rules out "crazy glueing" a tiny, tiny metal piece as an option later...glue is a last resort IMHO.

-Eff

10 o'clock. Here's a photo. It should be pointing at the 'R'. This is if the forks are UNLOCKED. Are your locked? If so, more like 8 o'clock (OFF position in the photo)http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1169416652.jpg

Medical foreceps are better than tweezers because they can be locked in several shut positions.

The lock tumbler is but is not tamperproof. Search the forum on locks and you will find the method to remove the tumber. From there you can just push it apart (I think).

thank you for the picture and info. will try glue after prying.

Success!! finally oiled slot heavily than had to hammer and depress around key on aluminum cap. was then able to using medical locking pliers and catch end of key and pull out. alum cap came off at that time and i hammer tapped it to original shape. below this is a spring loaded door that covers key slot. used small scredriver protruding from cap and held down key door as replaced cap. after many attempts was able to hold down door align cap and tap back into place. thanks guys

Atta boy!

-Eff

Nice one.

now tell us how you managed to break it off in the first place...

"now tell us how you managed to break it off in the first place"

Easy How To instructions-

1)- lock up both wheels and go off into loose rock (ignore any training)
2)- somersault bike forward, shear windshield and bike continues to bounce off ground hitting seat of bike
3) best practice is to then have bike land on top of you so you absorb impact and bike is relatively unmolested. ( at least on that side). Bike was facing forward after all this.

happened in November, bike and i repairable. One piece Aerostich saved my hide.

a little hammer and some patiencehttp://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1169518832.jpg

Man, that just hurts thinking about it. Glad you came out ok.

At least you did the right thing letting the bike fall on you to protect it. Congrats on getting you key out.