Breaking a fuel tank lock

[jimmytanko]

So I seem to have lost the key for my fuel tank, the bike had been victim of an attempted theft when I bought it and so had a different key for the tank and ignition
Seems this idiot has lost the tank key.
So I need to break it open as I have a new one waiting to go on instead
Can anyone advise me on the best way to do it please?
Cheers
Jimmy

[Drunkn Munky]

Drill it, takes under a minute i did one the other day

[Morespeedvicar]

If you get a flat bit of wire, like flatten the end of a spoke with a hammer, and a small flat lade screwdriver and run the wire gentley down the lock and slighty trying to turn the screwdriver you should be able to pick it, there not very good locks usually.

[mattUKNC]

I'm pretty sure I got one out by undoing the 3 screws that hold the cap in place and 'gently' lever it out from the hinge end.

[Bike_Nut]

I took off seat lock and took tumblers out. Then bought blank key and filed it to fit which then opened tank. Drilling is quick but sparks near fuel is not my first choice, and didnt want bits falling in the tank either

[jimmytanko]

Will try to pick it first I think then drill. Tried to do what you said Matt but no joy. Cheers fellas will hopefully have it sorted tmw

[code2006]

When I bought a spare tank for my nc23 it didn't come with a key so I took it to my local lock smith and he opened the lock for £5 then put the lock in the bin lol

[jimmytanko]

Used a big screwdriver and just twisted it open, fitted the new flap/lock but it wont seat properly to let the lock spring closed and release the key, any ideas why?

[Davez29]

Used a big screwdriver and just twisted it open, fitted the new flap/lock but it wont seat properly to let the lock spring closed and release the key, any ideas why?

If you have forced the lock at all you may have twisted the rim where the lock grips the tank, making it hard to sit right. I had this similar problem when taking off my cap. So check see if the inner rim is out of shape, it doesnt take much to cause a problem. I used a bent driver to carefully pull the rim out correctly.