The action on my gas cap key rotation is feeling notchy and rough. I understand this is a delicate apparatus, so what do I need to do to clean it and lube it if necessary, without screwing it up somehow?

* Last updated by: tooncinator on 4/26/2015 @ 12:30 PM *

Mine's the same way on my Connie. I've tried about everything I can think of.
I think I'm gonna get a keyless cap and just get rid of the stocker.

a small bit of graphite dry lock lube

* Last updated by: cruderudy on 4/26/2015 @ 5:24 PM *

get a keyless cap and just get rid of the stocker.

a small bit of graphite dry lock lube

I have a good one I can sell you, Toonce. I took it off and went keyless before it screwed up. Locking gas caps are the dumbest things ever put on motorcycles.

* Last updated by: Danno on 4/26/2015 @ 7:46 PM *

If you're bending your key with the turning force, push down on the cap with your other hand, then turn the key. It opens up nice and gently then; you aren't fighting the latch friction using your key as the lever.

That worked just fine before it started sticking. When it stuck at the gas pump I was pushing pulling bending doing anything I could to get that cover to pop up. I think the last time it stuck was just before I removed it to put the LighTech on. No more problems. I always wonder if some schmuck will come and pull my cap off though. I always cover it if I leave it for more than 20 minutes in a lot.

I'll try the graphite. It still works, it is just losing the smooth springiness it once had. Like, when you properly close it by pushing down on the cap so the key snaps back, it doesn't. Sigh.

The idea of some asshole putting sugar into my tank makes me very reluctant to have a non-locking cap. Maybe it is an exaggerated fear but shit like that would keep me up at night.

You can see the one I got off of AliExpress at the bottom of page 2 here.

http://www.zx14ninjaforum.com/messages.cfm?threadid=F9699A13-D56B-84E2-1C2D1038C0CA0F68&page=2

A key comes with it but you could still open it without the key. A potential saboteur would probably not be aware that it was actually an ordinary 1/4 turn cap that could be removed with a pliers. ONly problem, the opening instructions are anodized on the cap. The gold cap is NOT a good gold color at all. I will probably paint it someday.

The Vortex cap also looks a little more complicated to open and might dissuade tampering. I feel pretty comfortable leaving the bike covered. Geeza covers are much more compact than your average cover so they are easy to carry on the bike.

* Last updated by: Rook on 4/28/2015 @ 7:27 AM *

I need to research what the composition of the white crusteez.

Then I'll know what chem dissolves them.

That will extend the life until too much of the gas cap gets dissolved.