Ignition Switch? Help!

houseowax · Post by **houseowax** » Mon Nov 30, 2009 12:47 pm

I recently bought a '63 CA77 in decent condition. Almost everything is intact and it looks as if it'll run without too much work. One of the things holding me back is the ignition switch.
I bought the bike without a key, assuming that I'd only have to hunt for a matching one. I found one in no time, but unfortunately it doesn't fit. As there's no key broken off in the lock that I can see, I assume someone had a new cylinder installed.

I took it to a locksmith thinking -hoping- that it wouldn't be too difficult to remedy, but he and another locksmith in the area were unable to help. They both suggested taking it to a Honda bikes dealer, but I'd prefer to avoid the trouble if at all possible. Our closest Honda dealer is understaffed and generally a pain to deal with. Of course I'll do it if need be, but if anyone has any experience here and can guide me I'd really appreciate it.

mike69 · Post by **mike69** » Mon Nov 30, 2009 3:39 pm

If all else fails,only if all else fails!
Remove the lock from the bike. Take out the the thin brass strip that is in between the threads and remove the tumblers from the the lock.
If your key goes in you should be able to turn the lock,unless there is internal damage to the electrical part of the switch.

brewsky · Post by **brewsky** » Mon Nov 30, 2009 7:04 pm

That's what I had to do to mine. Remove the strip and tumblers and anything will turn it.
If you are patient enough, you can try re-arranging the tumlers one at a time to fit the key you have, even if you only use one or two of them, you might be able to make the key you have work.
I wasn't that patient, and a screwdriver will turn mine, but nobody knows that but me.
Oops!

houseowax · Post by **houseowax** » Tue Dec 01, 2009 5:05 pm

What a mess. I finally wrenched the cylinder out and it's pretty abused. Seems to be a replacement of some sort, although god knows what- maybe a desk drawer or filing cabinet? Anyhow, it's a strange little bit of twisted pot metal. And the pins have been removed. It was obviously rigged to be turned with a screwdriver.
Since I'm a city with one of the highest rates of vehicle theft in the nation, I figure I'd be well served by having a functioning ignition, even if it only slows the thieves down a bit. Got my eyes out for a complete ignition assembly on eBay.

Thanks for all your help everyone. Will post more when/if anything develops.

Onemilewest · Post by **Onemilewest** » Sat Dec 19, 2009 3:42 pm

I am late on reading this thread, but I used this guy to get my key. I just took the number off the switch and sent to him.

http://www.motorcyclekeys.com/vintage.html

Onemile

houseowax · Post by **houseowax** » Sat Dec 19, 2009 5:08 pm

Hi onemile-

I did the same and he sent me a key to match my ignition switch. But the key didn't fit- so I took the switch apart to find that the barrel had been replaced with something else and it had no tumblers at all. Obviously someone lost their key or...(?) and decided to jury-rig the ignition so it'd be able to start with a screwdriver or something.

Anyhow, my solution was to buy a new five position ignition switch from a CA95. Popped it in and was ready to go in no time!