A good disc lock is another option... probably more effective than the crap OEM steering lock anyway.

 

Most people I know don't bother with the steering lock because it is such a PIA. I used the one on the VFR all the time because it was integrated into the starter but I have used the one on the Scrambler once or twice and will probably never use it again.

 

Get a disc lock, the steering lock, in addition to be almost useless for theft prevention, is a real PITA

 

Agreed

 

I'll disagree. The steering lock works great. True, the wheels still turn with the lock engaged, but a thief will not be able to roll the bike straight ahead. That lock is part of my layered defense: ignition key, disc lock, steering lock, and chain through the frame and then around a lighting pole or through an eyebolt set in concrete.

Someone wrote that the steering lock was easy to defeat, and that all you had to do was hit it with a well placed kick. That's just not true. Try getting your foot in where the lock is, and look how the lock's tumbler is in a steel case that's welded to the frame. Good luck with that kick.

Two steering lock keys were originally provided with the bike. The keys are not coded. There's basically no way to replace the keys once they are lost. About the only thing you can do is to keep one key in a safe place and duplicate the remaining key if one is lost. Once both are lost, you're SOL. You can't duplicate a key you don't have.

Triumph sells various accessories that have keys. On my bike, I've added thier disc brake lock and locking gas cap. Now, I have four different keys for the bike, all marked "Triumph". That doesn't include the high security Master lock for the chain.

 

. . . . . .Someone wrote that the steering lock was easy to defeat, and that all you had to do was hit it with a well placed kick. That's just not true. Try getting your foot in where the lock is, and look how the lock's tumbler is in a steel case that's welded to the frame. Good luck with that kick. . . . . .

As I understand that conversation, and the video I've seen; a sharp kick delivered to the end of the handlebar is sufficient to sheer off the locking bolt in the frame.

 

If I felt the need to lock it, I'd get a disk lock if I didn't have the steering lock key. There's probably a way to replace that lock, but it's probably not worth the expense.

 

Used mine once,took 15 min.to get it to open!
Disc lock for me.

 

I've had no problems with my steering lock. I can't engage the lock with the bars at full lock, but if I take one hand on the bars and one hand on the key, I simply turn the bars from full lock to center until the lock engages. Same process to unlock. Takes me a mater of 5-10 seconds to lock and unlock. I agree it's not really much of a deterrent but not really much of a pain either.

 

I guess if I had to leave her on the street on a regular basis I would use something but it wouldn't be the steering lock. I just maintain full coverage insurance.

 

If the dealer can't sort it you should be able to download a user handbook on-line.

 

Having had my bike completely apart, I can tell you the steering lock is easy to break. At some point during my 1087 build, the frame and forks were up on blocks in my basement with the lock engaged. No engine, wheels etc. The frame tipped over and sheared the lock. Handlebars were about 4 ft off the ground. Needless to say, when I nickle plated the frame, I just plated over the whole assembly. Always had a hard time engaging it anyway.

I use a Xena disk lock when I go downtown. Use my simple Datatool Demon all the time. Layered approach as somebody said....


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The lock is useful ...

... A tip from a motorcycle police officer I was given. When filling up and going off to pay, turn the wheel towards the pump and use the lock.

 

Many thanks to the replies and excellent feedback on this thread. After starting the thread I noticed other threads on the same topic, so sorry for rehashing an old issue.

I've decided to forgo the steering lock and get a disc lock instead. Now I have to tell the locksmith, who sent away for the parts so he could try to cut me a steering lock key, that his services are no longer required. The fact that you can't get one cut after the originals are lost makes the job easier, but no less enjoyable.

I've already downloaded the owners manual, but want the service manual as well. I'm assuming that will have to be bought. Seen them online for about $25 AUS and sounds like reasonable value.

 

Where do you guys live? Is motorcycle theft really that big an issue?

Just looked at your "Locations." here in New Hampshire USA the weather sucks so bad no one would bother to steal a motorcycle just to freeze their butt off most of the year! I generally leave my key in the ignition.

 

I'm pleased to discover others find engaging the steering lock on these bikes to be a PITA, because I sure do. One benefit of aging is theft and collision on motorcycle insurance is relatively cheap ($200 a year), so that's how I deal with it.

 

I've never gotten mine to work, I'm sure if I futz'd with it for a while I could. My worry is with having the lock mechanism fail engaged making my bike unridable.

 

I've never had a bit of trouble with mine, but I don't use it very much, I don't ride in the rain, and the bike is kept in the garage.

 

I use mine every time I shut it down. Takes all of two seconds. While it may not be the end all be all in theft prevention (which is a problem in my city) it is a one step. I am usually parked with a foot and a half next to a fence, so getting that "well placed kick" is near impossible as there is not enough room. That said, if someone wants to steal it and they have the wherewithal and means, they will find a way. That is what insurance is for.

 

My fork lock was VERY difficult to move the first couple of times. I'm assuming the PO never used it. Now it turns with such ease, I wish the ignition responded the same.

I like to use it. It makes me feel a little more comfortable. I feel the same about all forms of security. "They only keep the honest people honest." Nothing is fool proof. If a thief wants your bike, he'll get it, regardless of forks locks, disk locks, alarm systems, etc. My goal is to just slow them enough so that they just give up. My bike never spends more than an hour or two sitting in public.

The frustrating part is the unavailability of the blanks. I only have one, so I started searching. When I lived in FL my dealer couldn't get me one. I went to a locksmith and he told me to look for this blank: ZD7-S1 or ZD9P-S1. I got frustrated and gave up. I'm sure I'll get around to it one day soon, but I have too many other projects to worry about.

 

I use mine steering lock all the time. I have found I have to have the forks in a specific position ( just slightly turned in from full left) to engage the lock... A disk lock might be better protection but the steering lock is better than nothing.


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Bonnies here are not really sought after, I use both the steering lock and a disk lock when the bike is outside of the garage just to make it less appealing to a potential thief.