1973 DT3 250 fork lock

[beachbum]

I bought my 1973 250 Enduro new in 1973. I have had it stored in my garage unused for the last 3 years under a plastic cover here in Florida. I recently wanted to use it but have a problem trying to unlock the fork. If I remember correctly to unlock the fork I would have to turn the key counter-clockwise. Is this correct? I have wiggled the handle bars to every possible position with no luck. I have applied penetrating oil in the lock while the bike was on its side, also without luck. The only thing I can see to do is disassemble the fork by removing the handle bars and front spring assemblies to see what I must do next. Does anyone have any ideas? This old guy needs help!

[JimR]

Originally Posted by beachbum

I bought my 1973 250 Enduro new in 1973. I have had it stored in my garage unused for the last 3 years under a plastic cover here in Florida. I recently wanted to use it but have a problem trying to unlock the fork. If I remember correctly to unlock the fork I would have to turn the key counter-clockwise. Is this correct? I have wiggled the handle bars to every possible position with no luck. I have applied penetrating oil in the lock while the bike was on its side, also without luck. The only thing I can see to do is disassemble the fork by removing the handle bars and front spring assemblies to see what I must do next. Does anyone have any ideas? This old guy needs help!

Is this a lock fixed to to bottom yoke or directly to the headstock ?
If the lock is attached to the bottom yoke moving the handlebars in any direction & the lock in any direction will unlock it (you would just need to release the pressure on the lock). If the lock is built into the headstock the best option is to drill it out as I would guess the plunger part of the lock has rusted up. Is the steering lock key the same as the ignition .. this could shed some light to which system of locking you have

[beachbum]

Thanks for your reply. The lock is built into the frame section that holds the steering bearings. The key is different from the ignition key. I have tried moving the steering handle bars in every possible position with no luck. In the past I would just turn the key and the lock would move outward which released the steering lock. It would help if I knew for sure which way the key should turn before it releases the lock. To the best of my memory, I seem to think I turned it counter-clockwise. If I could turn the key, I would have a much better chance of releasing the lock. Any and all help is appreciated.

[beachbum]

I am lucky I do not need to use my bike at this time. It looks like the only way to unlock my fork lock is to drill it out. I hesitate to do this and only as a last resort. It seems to me, I cannot do this without the possibility of contaminating the steering bearings. I have tried laying the bike on it's side and flooding the fork lock with penetrating oil. I have tried heating the lock with a small bottled gas torch, all without any success. The lock assembly seems to be loose inside the frame when I turn the handle bars in the correct position. The problem seems to be the lock assembly itself. This assembly consists of an outer white metal sleeve and a white metal key tumbler section in the center. When you turn the key it should turn inside of the out sleeve. My two sections seem to be frozen. Anybody have any ideas? Thanks for taking the time to read about my problem.

[beachbum]

After three days of penetrating oil and butane torch heat I finally was able to unlock my fork. The key to my success seemed to be a flat round punch. I gave the center section of the lock assembly a careful rap with a hammer. I just made sure not to damage the key opening.