Having to use key to open seat

I know that we have talked about how to eliminate the use of a key for the gas cap. I have used this method on other cycles I have had. It is not a good option for the Swing gas cap but to me the key for the seat storage is a big problem so this is how I took care of my problem.

I cut off an extra key and then glued it into a knob, this is left in the key slot. It does not come out when riding but can be removed when needed. It will also work for the lockable glove box. It will not work in the main key switch. The key length to too short and will not turn do if you leave it in the seat key slot (like I do) someone can not take it and use it to steal your Swing. To most people it looks like a knob for opening the seat.

There are more pictures in my album

SteveO

It also makes the older style (2002 to 2006) glove box lids a tad more user friendly.

Looks good guys. Think i will do the same.

What about security? Are there no thieves in the US of A?

What is wrong with using the key to open the seat?

LDB wrote:

What is wrong with using the key to open the seat?

The key is still used, removable if one feels necessary! It would be nice not to have to fumble to get a key, usually by having to shut the bike off to get that key, especially in my own garage!!

LDB, as an old and forgetful guy I was always running around town getting stuff, then at the Swing get the key out, open the seat, put stuff under it, close the seat and sit on the Swing to start it and remember that the key was still in the lock. This way all I have to do is turn the knob to open the seat.
Colin B far as the security goes when you feel the need to lock it up, just pull the knob and drop it under the seat. You will always have a key with you.

SteveO

Not arguing, SteveO; just curious. If it works.....

Colin B wrote:

What about security? Are there no thieves in the US of A?

Hell no! We all walk around with guns, keeps folks honest!

trouble1100 wrote:

Colin B wrote:

What about security? Are there no thieves in the US of A?

Hell no! We all walk around with guns, keeps folks honest!

And the statistics show it........

The only real downside I see to that is the cut off key also still fits the ignition. I know a Goldwing rider who made a similar cut off key to make it easier to open the gas flap. At a rest stop one of his buddies started the guy's bike while he was in the restroom. He wasn't amused to find his bike idling when he came out.

The cut off key is not long enough to fit all the way to the bottom of the Silverwings ignition. You can open the seat, remove the gas cap and lock/unlock the left glove box, but it is not long enough to start the scooter.

What did you use to cut the key?

model28a wrote:

The cut off key is not long enough to fit all the way to the bottom of the Silverwings ignition. You can open the seat, remove the gas cap and lock/unlock the left glove box, but it is not long enough to start the scooter.    

Very good! The fellow with the Goldwing apparently didn't think of that.

exavid I've never ridden a Goldwing so I don't know if the ignition key needs to be as long as the Silverwings key.

It's actually a good bit shorter so the technique might not work on a GW. The ignition key was one of my main gripes when I got my first SW. It really required an accurate insertion to get the thing to go all the way in. One of my friend's SW does the same thing, fits into the seat lock easily but touchy going into the ignition. Buffing the key and lubing the lock didn't help much. Luckily he's getting more accurate at getting the key in the ignition.

exavid wrote:

model28a wrote:

The cut off key is not long enough to fit all the way to the bottom of the Silverwings ignition. You can open the seat, remove the gas cap and lock/unlock the left glove box, but it is not long enough to start the scooter.    

Very good! The fellow with the Goldwing apparently didn't think of that.

I made the same short key-knob for my 2004 GL-1800 and it would NOT go deep enough in to the trunk or the ignition to work.
Could it be that his was to long? No man on earth would ever make claim to that!