General topics » 2015 1200RS Steering Lock Replacement and Other Issues

New to the forum here, but not new to R1200RS ownership. My first one I owned for 4 weeks before it got hit by someone else. Have recently replaced it with one that has one or two problems. The first of these is the steering lock. My bike has the traditional key set up but it would appear that the steering lock has been damaged at some point and it's needing replaced. I've ordered a new one along with new security bolts and the right tool to fit them into the yoke. My plan of attack for this is to:-

1) Disconnect the battery
2) Remove front fairing
3) Drill out old security bolts and then drive them out of the yoke with a Torx bit (bit backyard I know but I live in a one bedroom flat and have no workshop and tools are limited)
4) Swap key barrel and immobiliser over to new steering lock mechanism
5) Replace whole mechanism into yoke and fit new security bolts
6) rebuild fairing
7) reconnect battery
8) Ride happy knowing that the next time I visit a city my bike has another level of protection over and above my disklock

If anyone has any guides or tips on how to do any of that then please share as I want to get it as right as I can without removing the yoke

My next area to do some tarting up on is the frame and exhaust, pictures below:-




My plan here was to use WD40 and some very fine steel wool to remove the surface rust on the frame, hopefully without damaging the paint, and then give it a good wash and wax and then coat with ACF50 (as well as the rest of the bike)

The exhaust I was going to get some Dr Downpipe and remove it and give it a good solid clean with the stuff, my only (and probably stupid question) is if I remove it will I need to source a pair of gaskets for the exhaust and was going to get some new exhaust bolts as well as these are looking a bit corroded.

Thanks for all your help on this

Welcome. You’ll find it all here.

Long ago I replaced a ring antenna on a GS12. I guess it’s a similar task to your lock. As I’ve never removed the lock on my current RS?

Drilling out the security bolts was Hard Work. Was an 8mm drill if I remember correctly to remove the heads.

Heads gone. Switch drops off. But the OEM bolts were fitted with thread lock - access was limited - bought small “mole grips” and worked the screws out.

Then cheated by fitting the the new part with Socket Cap Screws. Piece of cake.

Can’t comment on frame and exhaust clean up. Elbow Grease is your friend.

My 6 year old exhaust header nuts / studs look like they’ll snap off if I ever have to remove them. Good luck.

btw - The Tube has lots of clips for jobs like this