1983 KZ650? Reviving a barn bike that hasn't rolled over in the past 15+ years

Okay so back at this!

Still sorting out the key thing - turns out, someone had tried to get into the ignition and make a key, and totally ruined it (the ignition was busted up, and the pins for the locking mechanism were all gone). That means, the cylinder / locking mechanism in the ignition is no help, and that I'll actually have to replace that unit.

I was, however, able to pull the helmet lock off of the side of the bike...lots of bending and wiggling until the metal actually just came off.

My question is - does anyone know if I made a key for the helmet lock, would it ALSO open the tank and the seat? Talking to a local-ish locksmith, and he said that if I made a key for the helmet lock, that key wouldn't turn the ignition because the helmet lock uses less of the...teeth? than the ignition would. Obviously not a problem here as I'm replacing the ignition anyways, but I'd hate to pay 150+ to make a key for the helmet lock but not be able to open the rest of the bike.

Hopefully that makes sense! If anyone knows the keys / lock cylinders for this bike well, please let me know!
 

No need to break the metal, but too late I guess. You should be able to get screwdriver in there just by bending the flap out of the way. For next time.   That's what I did.

And yes, it will open everything except your borked ignition, but maybe you can get that keyed for the same key by a good locksmith?

150 to make a key??!!?.!,  I hope you are talking about 150 Japanese yen.
The helmet lock should have the key code stamped on it. A locksmith can make the key from that code, and that key will fit all of the original locks on the bike.

Sometimes ebay has keys that match the key codes .Worth checking/ 150 is kind of pricy /   

riturbo wrote:

Sometimes ebay has keys that match the key codes .Worth checking/ 150 is kind of pricy /   

Love it - that's like saying Sudam Hussain was a "naughty boy" - Lol

My key cost 10.99 on ebay using the helmet lock code. I wanted to use member rstnick and would still do so but wasn't sure how soon he'd be back online and needed to get my key asap.

DougTrenches wrote:

Hi All - 

5 years ago, I was gifted a KZ650 '83 (from what I recall / can tell). It supposedly ran at some point, but hasn't been turned over probably in 15+ years at this point. It been sitting in a barn/garage for most of its recently life. I just got my hands back on it - shipped it from Mass to Chicago, and I wanted to bring this thing back to life. 

For starters, I need to get my hands on a key, which currently doesn't exist (any easy answers here)...then probably change the oil, filter, spark plugs, and get some fresh gas in there. 

I'm more of a rider than a mechanic, so I expect to run into a bunch of speed bumps, some of which I'm sure are novice or amateur. If anyone has tips or ideas that want to share, I love learning and I'm all ears! 

Will try to keep you guys updated as I go along, trying to get this thing back going one bolt at a time.
 

I will be following this with interest, because I also am more of a rider than a mechanic but I've learned to do what needs to be done, even rebuilding my 305 engine successfully which I had no business even trying. I have plenty of failures too, but that's how I learn (sometimes. And as you may have seen, I also have a CSR that hasn't run in x years that I am trying to get on the road. I also have one I've been given, but that's closer to you than me (Chicago). Anyway don't be shy about asking for help.