Fork Lock Removal

[R80andR100RT]

Anyone have an idea how these locks are removed. I have a 95 R100RT Classic. The fork lock is frozen (unlocked thank God). Have tried penetrating oil and new keys. Nothing about it in the commercial manuals. Its a long way from my house to the nearest dealer. Thanks

[jdmetzger]

My fork lock didn't seem to work at all, and I didn't get it fixed until I cleaned and lubed the steering head bearings. I would insert the key, turn it to the 10 o'clock position, and it wouldn't push in to lock. Turns out it was gummed up with old grease. Once I could get to the other side (by having the steering stem removed), I was able to use some cleaner and lubricant to get things working, again. Actually, it was good the steering stem was out; the first time, I got it stuck in the "locked" position, and had to pry it back with a screwdriver.

Here is a link to a webpage showing lock removal:

http://w6rec.com/duane/bmw/lock/index.htm

Most methods seem to be destructive. I really don't use mine; I have a disc lock, instead.

[PHMarvin]

Hi,
I know of two ways to remove the fork lock, although why remove it if it's unlocked? Wedge a stout screwdriver under the cover and pry out the rivet. Then unlock the fork lock with the key and pull it out. The second method requires drilling it out, and I don't know if any pieces would cause the steering to bind. As long as it's unlocked, I would use an alternative method - a disc lock, for example - to immobilize it.

[R80andR100RT]

Phil, Good point on the alternate lock, but its a very low mileage 1995 R100RT Classic and I'm trying to keep it as close to show room as I can, i.e. everything working.
Steve

[flash412]

Remove the cover per instructions above. Put the bike on the side stand to keep bits from falling inside the steering head.

Note how there is a circle into which the key is inserted. This circle rotates inside the outer oval. Get a 1/8" drill bit and put it in a power drill. Drill straight into the lock at a point about halfway between the TOP of the key slot and the circle. Drill in about an inch and a half, two inches max.

Whack the lock several times with a hammer to get the tumblers to drop down into the hole you made and out of the lock. Stick a screwdriver in the slot and try wiggling back and forth to get it to turn.

To remove the lock, you have to turn it to the left and withdraw it without the cover installed.

MAYBE it will work with just the 1/8" bit and maybe not. If not, use a larger drill bit and repeat.

Eventually, by the time you get to 1/4", you WILL have drilled enough away so that the tumblers drop down and you can turn the key to the left enough to remove the lock.

Note: If you are CAREFUL, you will actually be able to still use the lock. Of course, ANY key, or even a screwdriver will fit. But if you lock it with a key and then push the cover closed, nobody will know that unless they slide open the cover to look.