Another finding which maybe useful to someone else. My electronic steering lock failed a few years back, I unlocked it and the pin retracted but, the brains thought it hadn't unlocked hence, the brain refused to give permission to start. Managed to get it going after using a hairdryer on the locking unit for about 10 minutes and never used it again until, I activated it by accident a few weeks back, out with the hairdryer again!! A new unit is circa £500. Whilst I had the tank off last week, I thought I'd take a look at it. The unit is fixed to the frame from underneath with two anti-tamper bolts, I think you'd need to remove the expansion tank and radiator then drill them out, or grind the heads off, to remove the whole locking unit. I didn't really have the time for that so, removed the black plastic cover via two screws then remove the two screws from the locking housing and you can lift the top about 5mm before it fouls on the frame. Thinking that the reason for it not working could be dirty electrical contacts I squirted a good measure of contact cleaner in there, most of it ran out of the bottom of the lock and was a filthy black colour. Left it a few hours with the top lifted to dry out and hey presto, I have a working electronic steering lock again. Must have tried it a hundred times now, all good so far.
Not really but, it goes with keyless ignition, keyless fuel cap I suppose, otherwise folks would moan about having to find their key just to lock the bike. Great when it works but, as these bikes get older, I expect to see many more of these issues arise. Just like the original Multistrada from 2003 with its common dash issues, and the expense of the replacement part, it will be these unrepairable electronic parts which end the bikes life, whilst the engine and other mechanical parts are capable of going on for years due to being able to be repaired by most folks in their sheds.
That might be best practice anyway, steering locks don't seem to bother the hoody scooter gang scrotes nicking bikes for more than a couple of seconds.
This is especially frustrating when they don’t notice the roadlok you have fitted before they break the steering lock.
I’ve never used it in a year of owning my GT, because I’ve been worried about the same thing. However, do we think a regular squirt of contact cleaner in the appropriate place is enough preventative maintenance for me to be able to use it in confidence? If so I might be tempted to start. I’ve having the bike apart soon to do it’s desmo service so it will be a good opportunity to look at it.
I'm still not 100% confident to use it whilst out riding. I'm using it whilst left at home, if it works for a few months I may risk whilst out but, probably not on tour, once (or twice) bitten.......
I engaged it last night for the very first time, after looking up how to do it. Does seem like it would take someone five minutes with a jr hacksaw to cut through that pin!
To my absolute surprise - I am told that when they did this to mine, someone started shouting at them they had called the police (didn’t make shred of difference) but then the police actually turned up within a few minutes so they legged it. I do/did park about 30 seconds from West Mids Police HQ to be fair.
