Triumphrat

discotheque · 04-27-2008

Beautiful post- Draft Day weather here in Kansas City. I escaped another week of work mostly unscathed. Things are looking up. So, after kissing my wife on the forehead, I strap on my tanker boots, slip on my Sy-Max, and fire up my Bonnie. Aside from a minor snafu or two, a nice smooth neighborhood ride on a Sunday afternoon. Sure, I forgot to turn the fuel valve on, again. Actually, I forgot to turn it back off, too. Be right back...
So, other than that and killing it at some Stop signs, I was feeling pretty good. I roll into my garage, turn off the engine, duck walk it into position, and go to lock the forks. Problem. The fork lock key sheers right off. So, key stump in hand, I wonder, does this fall under warranty?
Well, at least I can watch the Royals lose and enjoy the breeze.

road_dog · 04-27-2008

I wouldn't even worry about getting it fixed or replaced. The Bonnie's fork lock is a POS.

If you need to lock your bike, I'd suggest buying some type of lock that actually works.

GeoDiablo · 04-27-2008

I used my fork lock a couple of times when I first got the bike almost three years ago.

I turn off the gas when the weather turns too miserable to ride in November and turn it on again in March or April.

Probably just lazy.

Kirkus51 · 04-27-2008

I don't like fork locks. They're not very good at protecting your bike and you fiddle with them a lot, just like in the good ol days.

I leave on my petcock too, cuz I ride often enough that I don't think it needs to be turned off.

Primo · 04-27-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kirkus51

I leave on my petcock too, cuz I ride often enough that I don't think it needs to be turned off.

I used to think that until last weekend after riding my bike to pick-up breakfast I came outside to find a big puddle of gas under her. Oh well you live you learn...

Primo

CAPTDON · 04-27-2008

The dealer told me to never use that thing when new!! I never have. I never shut off the petcock. Only used the reserve 1x. It may not even turn now? I dont "pre-fill" the filter on oil changes either. I guess I dont do alot of things reccomended? 8000mi+ & still running like a swiss watch!! Maybe it will catch up w/ me some day? So far- so good tho!!
I pre-flight check her all the time & do ALL my own maintenence. If anything goes wrong- only 1 person to blame! Bummer on the fork lock!! I have heard its a PIA to fix/ eliminate!!
I guess - Live & learn? Good luck!!!

u wish u could ride · 04-27-2008

i dont turn gas on /off either, and dont even carry the key for the front end lock.but i guess a locksmith could pluck the key out of there in a matter of minutes.

uzidzit · 04-28-2008

and you can fish the key stub out with a jewlers coping saw blade (or a very small one for woodworking)

I never used mine, here in the states the bonnie is on the top 4 least stolen bikes list.

turn off you gas at least if the bike will sit over 24hrs, I have had bikes flood out the case with gas before, it can happen. (hopefully you notice before you hit the starter)

tiny elvis · 04-28-2008

hmmm, i've been wondering about this myself and wasn't sure if it was just me as a new rider or if just fork locks in general. mine is definately a little finnicky and even when i slightly turn the bars to take the weight off the lock it still feels like the key could break off at any time. guess i'll just avoid it and stick to my disc lock.

also i've forgotten to turn my fuel valve on twice in the first month i've owned my bike so it's not just you.

decobike · 04-28-2008

I've used the fork lock in the city a few times without difficulty, so far. Its weird, I can remember to turn the petcock on and off. Its those d*mn turn signals that get me every year until August.