Locked steering head on an 04' R1150R

[bmwgsrider]

Right now the steering head is locked and the parking light is on. The key will not budge to where the steering head will unlock so we can get the parking light to go off.

Any suggestions or ideas someone will throw our way to help us get the key to turn please.

Is there any technical FAQ's anywhere on this site or elsewhere that I do not know about?

Thanks so much in advance.

[Sparky]

My only suggestion is a little along the lines of the "is it plugged in" answer when your computer doesn't boot.

Here goes:

If you're not doing it already, try jiggling the handlebars back and forth as you turn the key in order to release pressure on the steering head locking mechanism.

If this doesn't work, then I dunno.

[Sunbeemer]

+1 on what Sparky said, the locking pawl should come loose from the steering head if you try to turn the handlebars one way or the other while unlocking the key - at least it does on mine. It's just jammed in place by the tension placed on it, so you need to relieve the tension while turning the key. This happens if you shut your car off with the wheel turned hard over, too, so you you just turn the wheel a little harder to release it.

[bmwgsrider]

Finally got the steering head unlocked but now the bike will not start. It will turn over but the engine not engaging.

What we did was put in a battery today. I am not sure if installing the battery has caused this problem. Or could it be something electronic going on in the computer?

Thanks.

[Sunbeemer]

Do you hear the fuel pump whine when you turn the key to the run position? If not, check the fuel pump power plug you had to undo to remove the tank. Otherwise, check the Quick-disconnects in the fuel lines, these are often a source of trouble. A little silicone grease on the o-rings will help them slip together easier.

[Sparky]

Another basic suggestion:

Is the sidestand down? If it is, that may the problem since there's a fuel disconnect switch that will not allow the bike to start if it's on it's sidestand and in gear.

If the sidestand is up and you're not hearing the fuel pump whine when you turn on the ignition, the sidestand switch is a place to look for the problem.