Bike almost stolen and now F'd up

[CaGuy78]

Hey guys,

Well this morning I woke up and went down to get on my baby and she was gone! I can't even describe how pissed off I was especially since this was the one night that I didn't put the chain on her. Well after trying to cool down and get my head straight low and behold I saw her a block down the street from my house. At first I thought I was hallucinating, but then I ran down there and there she was.

At first glance everything looked ok. Then I looked at the ignition column and it was gone. They also cut the ignition wires underneath.

So it looks like I have to replace the whole column (where the key goes) and either patch the cables or replace them.

So any advice on where to start? I checked the parts manual but couldn't find the part where the key goes. Is that something I need to take it in for (not sure how I'm going to do that either).

I'll post some pics of the damage here in a bit.

Any advice on where to start or what to do to get her back and running again would be awesome.

[drewl]

That way sucks, but good save on getting her back. The insurance company should have recommendations on where to take her and it should be covered. I would get it done professionally to get the right keys and have a record of it.

[flameface]

Ignition switch and two keys from Honda $106.00 add a seat latch and gas cap (the "complete lock kit") and you're at $209 total. not that bad really.

[SLOVFR]

Insurance? I may have a used harness and maybe a lock but would needed to be keyed. Brian

[flameface]

There's a locksmith in my town who can cut a new VFR key if you give him the number on the back of the seat lock/latch (from Brian's used parts). $10 per key.

[drewl]

I was just thinking from legality' point of view. For future sales or gettin hassled by The Man.

[CaGuy78]

Thanks for the responses guys... I'm still trying to figure out what exactly needs to be done... How can I tell if the steering lock was broken? Here are a few pics of what I can tell the damage is.

Looks like I can probably just patch and tape the 3 wires together?

[johnnyb]

man that really stinks!! At least they didn't do MORE to it. Any damage to the plastics?


Good luck with repairs.

[flameface]

at a minimum I would solder the wires, then wrap them in that rubber electrician's tape, then wrap that in regular electrical tape. You don't want to have it short on you sometime down the road.

Next time you park it outside, put a note on the dash that says "FRONT AXLE LOOSE". No one will steal it, trust me.

[CaGuy78]

Should I use connectors for the wires or just patch them back together and tape the sh*t out of em?

[Britt]

Sickening to see damage done to someone's bike by some idiot. Sorry you are having to go through it.

[marc28ni]

FU*KIN Bassdrinkers. That just sucks sorry to hear that but at least you have her back and the C*NTs didnt get it to far (my the people who took it be killed tomorrow)

[CaGuy78]

Still trying to figure out how to get at the ignition and check to see if the steering locks broken. Not having much luck with internet searches and can't seem to find anything in the service manual.

Anyone have any ideas?

I'm hoping I just need the ignition and nothing else is FUBAR. :(

[SLOVFR]

Looks like you are going to need to remove that switch housing and replace that unit any ways..

[Longerfellow]

Originally Posted by CaGuy78

Still trying to figure out how to get at the ignition and check to see if the steering locks broken. Not having much luck with internet searches and can't seem to find anything in the service manual.

Anyone have any ideas?

I'm hoping I just need the ignition and nothing else is FUBAR. :(

Here, try this site:

http://www.ronniesmailorder.com/fich...ion_detail.asp

They use Honda part numbers. I looked up the 99 not knowing what your bike is. The ignition is bolted with lock tite under the upper triple clamp and comes with the proper connectors. If you have to patch it then use solder and heat shrink tuning available at any hardware store.

[CaGuy78]

Thanks, I found the kit and looks like it should just bolt right on, but the only part I'm still confused about is how the steering lock works. I called a dealer and he made it sould like it was part of the frame. I guess I'll just have to take it off and see what I can figure out.

[Longerfellow]

Originally Posted by CaGuy78

Thanks, I found the kit and looks like it should just bolt right on, but the only part I'm still confused about is how the steering lock works. I called a dealer and he made it sould like it was part of the frame. I guess I'll just have to take it off and see what I can figure out.

I think the steering lock is just a "lug" that sticks out of the lock assembly itself when you turn the key to that position. Like you said, taking it apart will tell all. I wish you better luck in the future.

[madduxca]

that sucks man... it would be worth someone damaging the bike trying to steal it if you caught them. i would trade 209 dollars worth of honda parts for an ass whiping that would keep those dirtbags from trying this crap again. stealing bikes is becomeing a big business, especially here in florida where we can ride year round. luckly i have a garage but the appartment complexes around here get hit pretty regularly. if i didnt have a garage i would probably run a string from by back tire, in the bedroom window, and attached to my pinky toe. just to be sure. good luck with all that bro

[300shooter]

Originally Posted by CaGuy78

Should I use connectors for the wires or just patch them back together and tape the sh*t out of em?

I'd solder the wires and use hink shrink tubing to seal them , prevents moisture corrosion and has good abrasion resistance.

[masonv45]

I don't know if all the locks work the same, but on my bike, turning the key causes a metal shaft to push out horizontally from the bottom of the front head. This shaft is pushed into a recess in the frame.

If you don't have heat shrink, I've been a fan of liquid electrical tape. Basically, it's paint on wire insulation.

PS. always solder the connections if you can

[CaGuy78]

Awesome, thanks for the responses guys! I'm hoping all I have to do is replace the ignition and be good to go. I'm ready to get back on the road!