I'm sorry you haven't gotten a better answer.  You still have the hidden switch option, which is inexpensive and easy.

My 2009 OM states the number is stamped on the little plate covering the lock and not on the key, but it is stamped on neither?   However the key says made in Germany by a Co called Neiman.  The operation takes some fiddlin, but OM instructions are:

Turn steering to left lock
Insert and turn key CW to stop
Push in and turn even further CW.
Return key to center and remove.

As far as riding off in the locked position, I don't know of anyone who wouldn't pull the bars straight before starting to ride???  When you are unable to do so, it's a pretty good sign things ain't right!

It takes an enormous amount of skill to be able to ride a bike without being able to turn the bars. You're either a stunter or a motorbike cop. Some joe-schmoe ain't doing it, I don't believe it for one second. They're stories and that's all they are.

So far I have only used my lock once.  It took about a minute of fiddling around with it to get it to set, it released much easier when I unlocked it.

Maybe with practice it would be easier to set and not need to fiddled with.

Hey SR, Thank you for all of your insight, you helped me more than you know...

Okay, where is the key code location for the steering lock and what kind of key does it take, obviously it is not the same as the ignition.

Beth

Bamm wrote on 06/23/12 at 09:01:13:


Beth, mine is written down in the OM.   It's not on the plate or the key, but I just noticed a little plastic tab on spare set keyring with the number embossed on it.   As far as the key goes it's a nickle plated cheapie like you might get with a $5 Master lock.

Buy the Cole key or BMW key as suggested. Take the whole bike to the locksmith. He can either read the number code from the lock cover or use a set of picks to read the tumblers and cut you a new key. Pick reading re-key runs anywhere from $28 to $50. I can get keys for the fork lock on a 1937 Henderson bicycle locally, a late model motorcycle isn't that difficult.

If you live near an old fashioned independent hardware store, try them. I know McClendons out in Washington state carries the key blanks, $6.95 each and a couple bucks to cut your copy. Assuming you have an original to use as a pattern of course.

rusty_bike wrote on 02/22/12 at 07:10:07:

I fixed this problem of missing key on my 1987 Savage.

Ron Ayer Fische Item #25, Part No. 51900-22662, LOCK SET STEERING, $32.06.

http://www.ronayers.com/Fiche/TypeID/26/Type/STEERING_STEM/MakeID/2/Make/Suzu...

I checked their listing for the latest LS650 (S40) on file, which is for the 2009 year model. It uses the same part number.

I took a drill bit large enough to carefully drill the key hole (1/4"? - did back in 2003  ), causing all the brass tumbler pins to fall out. Now I could extract the lockset more or less per the Clymers manual, and install the new one.
It comes with 2 keys. Now you'll have one for the road and one as a spare.