R1100RT Steering Lock problem...

[ITMagician]

Hello All,

I'm in a bit of bind and would appreciate any advise you can give. I stored my BMW R1100RT three years ago and just decided to get it ready for this season. I've replaced the battery, the air filter, oil filter (and oil), and spark plugs. I went ahead and put the key in the ingnition and turned it to the "on" position and found that only my rear light and front headlight power on. I am not getting any other lights or electronics come up on the "dash". And most importantly, my steering column is locked in the left direction and I can't seem to get the igntion key to turn to the position marked "P" or "R".

Do any of you know if there is some sort of trick to unlocking the steering column? I've tried all day, I've turned the steering column as far to the left and as far towards the center that it will go. But the ignition key just won't go to any postion other than "On" and "Off".

Secondly, do any of you know the difference between the "master key" and the "spare key" ? I am assuming that the key I am using is a master key because it's got the "black" plastic top with the BMW logo. The key unlocks everything else on the bike (the side bags, the gas tank, the rear seat lock), except the steering column.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you,

[CRazyCam]

OK, by the sound of it, three years was a bit much to be left unused.

I think you are stuck between the steering lock and the steering lock plus parking light settings.

Try turning the key clockwise, while gently jiggling the key in and out, and also gently trying to turn the steering.

Correction to that...gently pushing key in as well as turning it..... I just braved the rain to check that for you on my bike.

The "spare" key, the one with the wee metal triangular head, should do everything that the pukka black plastic headed one does.

regards,CrazyCam

[boxermoose]

I'd post the question over on BMWSporttouring - perhaps you need to push the key down (in) to move past and disengage the steering lock

[daytonaredeye]

I had sort of the opposite problem of yours yesterday - went to lock the steering column but wouldn't catch. I had to turn the wheel straight and push down on the key and turn to the lock position while turning the steering apparatus to the lock position and I felt the lock click into place and it held in the lock position. Haven't had the problem in the other direction you noted. And in the "on" position, all lights lit up appropriately. Did your bike crank after all the electrical replacements? If not, may have to check the fuses.