Fork lock removal

Moto Guzzi V700, V7 Special, Ambassador, 850 GT, 850 GT California, Eldorado, and 850 California Police models

Updated: 2014 February 18

1. Use a small screwdriver to pry the chrome cover pin out. Try to pry behind the cover so as not to damage the front.
2. If you have the key, you can just insert the key, turn it, and withdraw the lock.
3. If you do not have the key, you have a choice to make...
   1. Drill it out and replace it with a new one.

      If working with a bare frame, you can drill completely through the length of the main barrel and into the steering neck. If you choose this method, be sure you remove the steering head bearings beforehand, as swarf will entire the steering neck. As an alternative, Steve Hilhorst describes a more targeted drilling approach below that does not necessitate the removal of the steering head bearings.

   2. Take it to a locksmith, have them pick it and withdraw it and then have them make a key for it.

      Unless you know an inexpensive locksmith, drilling and replacing the lock is probably the most cost effective route to go.

Thanks to Steve Hilhorst for sending me this information in a private e-mail. In Steve's own words:

I saw on your site that it says if drilling out the old lock to take out the steering head bearings first. No need to do this if you drill in the right spot and don't drill too deep. If this is done properly all the swarf from the drilling can only fall out and not go into the steering stem as the outer case of the lock is not breached. If you drill too deep or too big in diameter it may be a different story. Although there is a fair margin for error when drilling (especially with diameter).

For my bike I had no key for the original lock. I took the bike to a locksmith who was unable to pick the old lock as it was seized after many years of no use. After inspecting the replacement lock that I had, he determined where to drill, and how deep was required to get the job done.

4 mm drill bit, to a depth of no more than 15 mm (which is the length of the lug on the exterior of the lock). The spot to drill is at the top of the where the key slots in towards where the lug on the lock is. Then simply put a small screwdriver in, a quick turn anti-clockwise (maybe a tap with a small hammer on the inside bit where the key would go) and the lock pops out.