Has anyone had issues with the ignition switch sticking and bending the key? If so what did you do to fix it? How hard is it to put in a new ignition switch? Thanks for the help or info on this!

Option 1:
a. Spray gunk/wd40/brake clean/pam...
b. In an old pot, heat up, but not to a boil, or boil and turn off the stove, drop the whole gas cap in the water mixed with vinegar and peroxide and let sit with key out of it. Next day, pick it out of the pot and see if it works wit key? Say it does. Back on the stove, fresh water only and boil. Turn it off and dip the gas cap back in so it cleans internally and a swish or two can rinse it with a little movement getting at the springs and tumblers.
c. We are saying the boil worked. Now prep it back in service by spraying chain lube in the key slot, a pinch of brake clean to thin the chain oil, tumble the cap so it lubes all over internally.

Option 2:
Order a new switch assembly and that means seat lock too, if it comes that way only, better one key fits all than two lost keys.

Option 3:
Last chance before ordering a switch is to tear it down as much as possible and spray WD inside and see if it loosens up without all the boiling and cleaning.

Last Legs:
No joy so you buy a racing gas cap system that needs no key.

* Last updated by: Hub on 3/24/2021 @ 4:12 PM *

lol.That'd be fine if he was fixing the gas cap....

How many ignition keys do you have?If you keep using one that's bending,it's gonna wind up breaking in there.Google online for the switch removal.OR if someone has done that here maybe they'll chime in...I think there MAY be a pin or two in that mechanism that needs to be removed before you can pull the switch out all the way.I could be wrong.Just google it.I'm pretty sure there's a vid on this somewhere.

You COULD try some wd 40 sprayed with the tube right in there and give it a good bath.See if that lubes it ok.You could also use brake cleaner with a tube extension and do that,then follow up with the wd.Then maybe some light oil.

* Last updated by: Grn14 on 3/24/2021 @ 9:21 PM *

Grn14

I will give that a try. I replaced my gas cap setup, because that was giving me issues. I'm actually thinking of doing a keyless security system, if I can't fix this damage switch.

Oops. There's a senior moment right there. Short of the dip, clean it like Grn said. Does the spare key with the aluminum tag turn the switch any better? Say it does. Get another spare cut by using the new tagged key to cut off from, then use the spare, keep the OE new and unworn.

Do you think it could be as simple as the keys being worn in some way?I'd make sure they're okay.

...or is the key a copy from Walgreens? If you need copies, they have to come from a dealer who orders from Kaw.

The only bent key I got was from the gas cap lock sticking....and I might add, if that happens, you aint replacing that gas cap without first unlocking it. As soon as it gets sticky, order a keyless gas cap. I like EVOtech but there are a lot of nice light ones available now.

Rook,

I have two copies made at a locksmith shop and they had to order the blanks in. I replaced the gas cap already and my uncle told me to spray with a little brake cleaner, let dry and use graphite powder. Its working good so far.
Thanks yall for the input.

* Last updated by: MikeZX14R15 on 3/25/2021 @ 4:54 PM *

I realize this thread is about the ignition but the key can be easily damaged while opening and then locking teh gas cap.

I gotta ask....Are you guys using teh key to lock teh gas cap or just pushing down on teh cap itself and letting teh key spring back to a neutral position , then simply removing it . To unlock the cap, I always insert key then apply downward pressure to teh cap and gently turn key.. I have been riding Kawasakis since 197 and have never broke a key..

* Last updated by: chrly on 3/25/2021 @ 8:07 PM *

Chrly,

I would put pressure down on the cap to lock and unlock. The lock was sticking even with the down pressure and even after trying to free it up. The graphite powder did the trick.

Graphite powder is what I've used as well on all 3 lock mechanisms ever since buying the bike 1.5 years ago. I read the horror stories of people getting stuck far from home with broken keys, so I lubricate my locks every month; more often if I get stuck in the rain somewhere.

MikeZx, Maybe I don't have problems because we never have really ferocious weather. My bike is always garaged or enclosed trailer and gets more water on it from washing than it does from rain.. :) Just never had a key problem...

My bike has been garaged and never in heavy rain before I had to ditch the stock gas cap. I always pressed down while turning the key to unlock the gas cap. The lock stuck within two years. Graphite wouldn't unstick it after a while. Whatever you squirt down your gas cap lock goes in your gas. Thankfully, I never had a problem with the ignition but the bent key from the gas cap didn't turn the ignition easily so I can see how that might cause trouble with the ignition.

I noticed my ign switch getting a bit "sticky" a while back and also noticed the small metal shutter that covers the hole when you take the key out wasn't closing which would allow water and dirt in there so I applied some aerosol spray graphite oil which worked a treat. Just stick the long plastic applicator spout as far into the key hole as possible to get to the bits that count. The switch is now really slick and the closing shutter now operates protecting the mech.