1400 Ignition Switch & Disc Lock Questions

[et18]

It figures, I said a week ago that I hadn't had a problem yet that cost over $20 with my MG, now I don't have a problem that cost over $277.

The ignition switch failed on my 1400 Touring last week.  I know this is a common failure and many owners choose to repair the switch instead of replace it due to cost.  One of the two spring-loaded contacts is pushed down too far and gets caught in the plastic housing.  I have one on order but in the mean time I fixed my old switch and everything seems to be working fine.  Of the owners who have fixed their switches, how reliable are they?  I have no problems going for a day ride on it but I don't want it fail far from home.

My 2nd question is related:  I'm convinced the failure is due to my frequent use of the fork lock and I'm considering a disc lock or some other lock, what recommendations do you guys have?  I've never used one so I have no experience with them.

[Zoom Zoom]

Although people have, I guess I have been fortunate. I'm not sure if anybody ever associated a pattern of use with the switch until I read your question. I hardly ever use the lock position on any of my bikes. If that is suspect, maybe that is why??? As a usual thing, I will squirt some wd 40 into the locks on my bikes. I also don't know if that has anything to do with my lack of trouble across all the Guzzi's I have ever owned.

Onto the disc lock. Great item. I have one but haven't felt the need for it for some time. The one I got uses a barrel key, which, as I understand it, is more difficult to pick. The only thing I do with mine is I took an old key fob and tied it to a piece of leather shoe lace. I cut the fob down and stuck the bright yellow sticker to it. Whenever I put the lock on the disc, I hang that warning fob around the mirror stem so it hangs over the starter button. That has saved me a couple times from starting to ride off before removing the lock. Those that have done so have had resulting damage that got expensive. When I put the lock away, I lock the warning fob onto the lock.

John Henry

[Kiwi Dave]

Due to the lack of luggage space under the seat, I chose not to carry a disc lock but instead a small cable lock that can be hidden inside the LH side cover.

Once I broke a key in a disc lock because I chose the wrong key to try to unlock it.  I was flabbergasted how easy it was to cut the lock off the disc using a cutting wheel on a 3" grinder.  Gave me no nice security feelings.

[et18]

Thanks, guys.  I took a long ride today and the repaired switch is working fine.  I'll probably replace it when the new one comes in and throw the repaired in one of the saddle bags just in case, but until then I'll ride it like normal except for the fork lock.  The disc lock will probably ride in the saddle bag with the switch most of the time but will come out for occasional use.  I know it's not the most secure option but it probably beats a fork lock.

[Motormike]

I have a Xena disk lock with the built-in motion detector alarm...that sucker is LOUD!  In actual use, I found it too sensitive and would give off the occasional false alarm.  So I removed the battery and use it as a normal disk lock.  Just be sure any lock you use has a red lanyard or other reminder you can loop over your throttle, etc. so you don't forget to remove it.  Years ago I watched a rider on a beautiful Guzzi 1000S roll about two feet before his disk lock stopped the front wheel cold and down he went.  Ouch!

[bodine99]

I use a disc lock on the rear wheel with a bright orange lanyard. it's a smaller bike and can not be rolled away. That's possible with a front disc lock

[Utrider]

I repaired my original switch, and it lasted about 2 yrs and 10k miles before it decided to not work again in the middle of nowhere Arizona.  We were able to carefully position the key to get it started and I made it home.  I just replaced the bottom part of the switch (the part that fails) with one I picked up off of Ebay.  I will repair the original one, and put it in my spares.  Other than this, I have had no failures (Utrider, knocks on wood) and mine has about 32k miles on it. I NEVER use the fork lock.

[et18]

I repaired my original switch, and it lasted about 2 yrs and 10k miles before it decided to not work again in the middle of nowhere Arizona.  We were able to carefully position the key to get it started and I made it home.  I just replaced the bottom part of the switch (the part that fails) with one I picked up off of Ebay.  I will repair the original one, and put it in my spares.  Other than this, I have had no failures (Utrider, knocks on wood) and mine has about 32k miles on it. I NEVER use the fork lock.

Thanks, that's about what I was thinking.  I'm going to going to replace mine with a new switch this weekend and carry the repaired one and the correct tools to replace it in a saddle bag.  With the correct tools it's just a 20 minute fix.

So did you stop using the fork lock after the failure or did it fail w/o ever using the fork lock?  I'm guessing the left contact (if held from the top side with the contacts at 10:00 and 2:00) was pressed all the way down?  I was thinking the only way it could end up in this state is if the key was pressed down hard when engaging the fork lock.

bodine99 & Motormike, thanks for the tips.  I was actually considering a Xena but was wondering about false alarms, so maybe I'll just get a bright yellow Kryptonite for the same money.

[Old Jock]

Cannot comment on the ignition switch & you will not be as dumb as I am

But if using a disc lock make sure you have something to warn you it's there.

I forgot one time I was in a hurry and tried to ride away a Daytona with one fitted to the rear

CLANK!!! disc lock and 2 halves of the disc disc lying on the ground. Followed by a long wait and a bill for a new disc

[Ncdan]

An old set of handcuffs is idea for a disk lock.

[Utrider]

Thanks, that's about what I was thinking.  I'm going to going to replace mine with a new switch this weekend and carry the repaired one and the correct tools to replace it in a saddle bag.  With the correct tools it's just a 20 minute fix.

So did you stop using the fork lock after the failure or did it fail w/o ever using the fork lock?  I'm guessing the left contact (if held from the top side with the contacts at 10:00 and 2:00) was pressed all the way down?  I was thinking the only way it could end up in this state is if the key was pressed down hard when engaging the fork lock.

bodine99 & Motormike, thanks for the tips.  I was actually considering a Xena but was wondering about false alarms, so maybe I'll just get a bright yellow Kryptonite for the same money.

I didn't ever use the fork lock.  I don't think pushing down on the key has anything to do with the failure, that all happens in the upper portion of the switch mechanism. The bottom part is held on with 2 screws and appears to be independent.  I agree, it only takes a few minutes to swap it out. My hope is by having the backup with me, I will NEVER need it!

I have a Xena with the alarm that I have used on my Stelvio and yeah, that thing is LOUD.....in a very good way.