Handlebars won't lock...

Didn't really think about it at the time when I bought my bike but the handlebars won't lock when I turn the bars and the key in the lock position
. Is there no lock on my bars or is it disabled or what? The key has the left position, center and ignition on position to the right. Any ideas?

 

I'm new to the forum and XJ bikes, But I don't believe mine locks either. It does have a chain lock behind the motor that looks like It came with the bike when new. I've never tried using mine yet.

 

The key has TWO "left" positions, one marked "lock" and one marked "P" further on the left, that leaves your taillight on. (Be careful with that one.)

The bars have to be at full LEFT position, they won't lock turned to the right. The way the lock works (is supposed to work) is a small plunger comes out of the back/side of the switch assembly and engages a tab on the steering/lower triple tree.

Sometimes the plunger is stuck, broken or sheared off; or the tab on the steering is bent, broken or sheared off.


NOTE "P" position in pic below; and XJ4Ever carries replacement ignition switch "ring" decals if yours is as illegible as mine were.

 

FYI to get into the lock position you gotta press the tumbler inwards with key inserted of course and turn it

 

I had this problem. The PO removed the cam that pushes out the pin in the switch.

 

Good point on the P position, I had mine there for two days and the battery was as flat as a pancake. On mine it turns both front and rear lights on.

 

Yea but it won't take 2 days to do that, and there is NO roll starting with a pancaked battery. A jump will be required and skillful throttle control will be needed at all stops...otherwise your dead again. Wet cell batteries will not come back from dead without a trickle charge, and some fresh H2O, sometimes a little H2SO4 will help..but then again who has sulfuric acid laying around?

Can't someone just invent a little device that interrupts the flow no matter what when the battery drops below 12.2V??? How hard is that?....dang evil 'P' position!!!

Try spraying the mechanism (but not your ignition switch, use graphite pumped into the key hole for it) with Teflon spray. Make sure your all the way to the left lock and then try again.

 

this might help:

http://www.xj4ever.com/clean%20and%20lu ... switch.pdf