1999 vfr800 broken fork lock

In order to tow my VFR (don't ask why), the towing company forcibly somehow broke the steering lock. No one I contacted, including the towing company, has an explanation of how they did that. One mechanic suggested that, with great force on the handle bars or straps on the forks, the lock can be broken. It would be helpful to know how it was done that so that I can plan a repair - I don't have a clue what's broken. Any thoughts?

 

Two questions arise.
1. Do you NEED a steering lock?
2. Who's paying for it?

I understand you might not think this is the most helpful, but, if you haven't figured out what they did to break it then you shouldn't really be fixing it... it's not that hard to replace it's just possibly expensive.... and do you really need it....

 

The steering lock is a pin (about 8mm diam IIRC) that projects out of the lock mechanism and engages with a socket in the steering head casting. I'd hope it is the lock pin that has broken not the frame! The lock mechanism is held to the upper triple by a couple of bolts with Torx heads that will be beasts to get out UNLESS you have a handy impact driver.

 

Thanks. I've decided I'll skip the expense and time to repair. I can live without the fork lock. I've got the bike back, ridden it up and down a local, paved, twisty mountain road, and the front end seems OK. I've got other ways of securing the bike.

 

Uh, this condition justifies close inspection...I'd verify that the pin ( broken remnants?) or lock is not, under ANY circumstance, allowing *anything* to freely float, jam, move around. If so this could prove dangerous.

You need eyeballs on it, eliminate any questionable conditions.

 

That sounds like some sage advice.