Gas Cap and Seat Lock Tumblers/Keys

[DesertRatliff]

Mornin' GSR,

I did a search and found the gent on this forum that re-keys various GS tumblers (Kiwi Canuck), but he's not responding to my PM after about a week.

Anyone else out there re-key and re-tumble these locks?

I've got a '79 GS850G that the PO jammed a flathead in the gas cap and seat lock. Both are buggered up as pictured below. They replaced the ignition with a new aftermarket unit and the key for that is coded AO5. The key says "JINKUN" so assuming that's the brand of ignition that was purchased. I don't need the ignition key to match the gas cap and seat lock keys, but, for functionality and aesthetics, I 'd like for a least those two new tumblers to match. I have a second gas cap (also pictured below) that has a different code on it that I could use too if someone could make a key for it, then match a tumbler to the seat lock (that might be the easiest/cheapest). The gas cap/seat lock set that has the buggered tumblers is 225 and the other gas cap I have that has a working tumbler but no key is 434.

Wondering if you guys could suggest the best way for me to proceed. Thanks!

[bwringer]

If the ignition key physically fits the other two locks, and if you're comfortable with some loss of the laughable "security" provided by the latter two locks, you can remove the tumblers and remove, reorganize and/or file the wafers with the key inserted until they're even with the surface of the tumbler. You need at least one wafer to keep it from opening with a screwdriver. Or just remove all the wafers.

You'll also want to remove or alter the steering stem lock as well. Most of us never use the steering stem locks since they're known to get stuck. It's caused issues at more than one rally.

Similarly, I've had to file down wafers on a few ignition locks on high-mileage bikes to compensate for wear.


There's a seller on fleaBay somewhere who sells new OEM GS keys cut to Suzuki OEM key numbers. (Or maybe he has a big stock of them or something. Not sure.) But if your "master" key is non-OEM, then there's absolutely no telling how that key is cut, and the code won't bear any relation to Suzuki codes.


And of course, another angle would be to simply remove all the locks, take them to a good local locksmith, and explain your dilemma. There's one in Indianapolis I've used many times for weird motorcycle stuff, and she seems to enjoy the challenge. They're a common and very simple type of lock, not alien technology.

You might need to poke around. Some locksmiths don't know much about this sort of thing or don't want to deal with it.

[DesertRatliff]

Thanks for taking the time to post such an informative answer. I haven't tried the local locksmith in my small town and saw a thread here so figured I would reach out to the community in the know. Not too concerned with security but the buggered face of the tumbler is an eye sore to me and worth some love. I might try the sanding approach and have already eliminated the seat lock. Thanks again!

[Kiwi Canuck]

OK finally saw the message, I've PMed you back with my email info.

BTW I can not see the pictures you posted.

David,

[Baatfam]

BTW I can not see the pictures you posted.

Same here..............

[cowboyup3371]

DesertRatliff, may I suggest using something else like Flickr or Imgur for hosting your pictures? For whatever reason, Google is not allowing the access for anyone other than you to see them.