Never use a Disk Brake Lock

I have been using a Disk Brake Lock on my Fat Boy for a year now and last week at the Cristal Inn off of I-10 near Gulfport MS and with an a group of collage students having there complementry breakfast in the lounge watching me out the window, I attempted to drive off after loading my Fat Boy. Bump I hit the Lock and you got it, down I went over on the side while everone was watching. Nothing broke on the bike when it hit the ground as it was a slow roll (with me trying to support it). I did the leverage handle bar lift and got it back up before a very large croud could gather. I laughed, brushed off my leathers and my ride. Then I remembered the Lock (and the saying, bike never falls unless lots of people are watching). I loughed again and got me keys out and unlocked the lock. Well it would not un-lock. I Tried hammering, screw drivers, Plyers, WD-40 and nothing worked. I was to meet my Viet Nam bud 20 minutes ago. The pressure was on. I called a Lock smith and he came out and I knew I was in trouble as he drove up in a beat up, ugly 51 chevy PU that looked like it had more rust than any paint. In a heavy drawl, "Never worked on a Harlee before". He tried Hammers, Screwdrivers, WD-40 and then drilled (no mark on lock after) and attempting to use a cuter that only made a scrach, he took out his rusty plyers and pulled on the key (that was now stuck) and Pop the lock un-locked. This is not the end of the story though. It gets more unbleaveable. The disk was bent when the lock hit the piston mount. Yes the bike rolled OK and nothing was apperant on first inspection but about 100 miles later, no rear brakes, caused by the disk pushing the pistons out and with out pumping the peddle, no brakes. I have replaced the rear Disk and was told by HD in Sacramento that this is a common occurance. My advice is either never use a Disk Lock or attach a cord or tie around the front brake handle as a reminder.

RapidoRaptor

I use a disk lock and have caught myself before doing just that same thing. I've often wondered what 'good' alternatives there are to the disc lock....

Anyway, sorta a funny story, but sorta sad too...since you bummed your ride. Thanks for sharing, stay safe.

I had a friend do the same thing in Daytona a few years ago , luckily he had barely started rolling when he dumped it....brand new "Electra Glide". It didn't hurt much other than his pride...lol

:cool:

I've done the same myself with a disc lock, but I still use it cause it's so handy just to slip in my pocket if going out for a ride, so I don't have to carry a big chain and lock.
Try painting it flourecent yellow and putting it on the front disc instead of the back, that way you have more chance of noticing it when you get back on your bike. :)

Rapido-that story, while being hysterical, is pretty sad. Sorry for your woes. Made me remember back to a time when a friend had loaned his bike to another friend and when the borrowing friend came out of the store he borrowed the bike to go to there was a car load of fine foxes parked next to him. They were watching him and he was watching them and after he strapped down his purchases he, in his words here, cooly threw his leg over the saddle thumped her to life gave the carload of ladies a big grin, punched her into gear and fell right over. Clunk. Right on the parking lot. Laying there, under the bike. He forgot to balance, I guess. Anyway, you're right Rapido, it never happens unless there is a crowd around. I was on a ride with a bunch of friends once and we pulled into a park. LOTS of ladies everywhere we looked. Everyone leaned real low as we pulled in. I was laying over like I was trying to look under the bike. I was the only one who hit the loose gravel. I was the one that ALL those girls noticed... while I was getting up dusting myself off and straightening my bent and deformed stuff. Life does get pretty funny. :p