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[Alesius]

Do you lock your fuel tank console door?
I know there's a lock available from HD (#53842-00C) that replaces the push button. I'm travelling in different countries, and while I never had any issues, you never know if some idiots don't put something into the tank just for fun... 
My dealer told me that the lock can be opened with ANY HD key - but I would assume that the casual idiot doesn't carry HD keys all the time.

Any thoughts? 

[Big Dog]

I've removed my lock from other non-CVO bikes and installed the push button and will only use the push button. No fumbling with keys and as far as people wanting to put something in my tank (if they're smart enough to know it's a push button) I park within eyesight where I can see it when I'm able to. I'm not too worried about that type of vandalism, more worried about fat a$$e$ in their cars that need to swing open their doors so wide they hit you in the parking lot, but that's a whole different can of worms.

[grc]

The cheap lock Harley sells can be opened not only by anyone with a barrel style Harley key, but also by most any juvenile delinquent you might find on a typical street corner.  Don't waste your money.

Here's a somewhat related piece of insight from the automotive world.  Back when fuel shortages and high prices hit the USA, locking gas caps became the hot selling accessories to prevent syphoning.  Since criminals are usually pretty sharp when it comes to finding ways to take what they want, it didn't take long for the fuel theft business to escalate to punching holes in fuel tanks if there was a locking gas cap they couldn't quickly defeat.  The lesson is, would you rather lose a tank of fuel, or would your prefer to lose a tank of fuel plus have to buy a new fuel tank?  As for the idea of someone dumping a foreign substance in your tank, anyone bent on doing damage to your bike through such actions isn't likely to give up and walk away just because your fuel cap is locked.  Gouging your paint job will allow such folks to get their kicks, or dropping the bike on it's side, or cutting the tire sidewalls, or a lot of other nasty choices.  You can't surround the bike with a cast iron portable garage while on the road, and even that wouldn't necessarily guarantee your bike wouldn't be damaged.  Get good insurance and stop worrying about it.


Jerry

[cahdbiker]

Alesius, most of us have waited a long time to get the kind of HD we want. Then naturally it is a prized posession so you worry about it. Don't let that take the fun out of owning your bike. I take care where I park my 09 and  I do cover it at night in motel parking lots, but I don't worry about it much because that is what  insurance is for. Truth be known I would worry more about my 95 Heritage being left unattended then my 09 and I don't know why. I just have some sort of unexplainable attachment to it. Maybe because it was my first Harley. Anyways like grc sayes any idiot with a barrel shaped key can open a HD gas cap lock. Probably if you broke off the end of a BIC pen you could open one. I have tried it myself at the local HD dealer and the key from my 09 would open any gas cap in the shop. I  had a reason for this but that was another thread.CAHDBIKER

[kraut]

as you mention it - I got the lock but don't use it. Didn't think much about it when I bought it, just once heard that someone put sugar in a Harley tank. Was a couple of years ago and happened at home, supposedly a angry neighbour. I suppose Jerrys thoughts are on target 

[Twolanerider]

Have the pushbutton on the SEEG.  But on the old 2000 SERG intentionally left the keyed lock.  Though not for any gained security; as there really isn't much.

The SEEG has a chrome lid.  The SERG has a painted to match fuel door.  By lifting the door with the turned key I don't have to repeatedly rub and wear down the clearcoat on the painted door.  For that bike the key is a handle to lift the door with just to help keep it shiny.

[cvobiker]

Have the pushbutton on the SEEG.  But on the old 2000 SERG intentionally left the keyed lock.  Though not for any gained security; as there really isn't much.

The SEEG has a chrome lid.  The SERG has a painted to match fuel door.  By lifting the door with the turned key I don't have to repeatedly rub and wear down the clearcoat on the painted door.  For that bike the key is a handle to lift the door with just to help keep it shiny.

I've got the key on both touring bikes. Started with mine then wife notice (as TwoLane points out) I can open my fuel door quickly while she fumbles with the push button. So wife wanted one on hers only for purpose to ease opening fuel door. If intended to use the lock for security??  don't waste your time, lock can be defeated, will it slow someone down, maybe.     But then again, if someone wants to pour somthing in your tank, they have a reason and will find some other way to 'piss ya off'.    

[Eqcons]

Am I wrong in remembering that there's one that's a lock which also functions as a push button?  I'm sure that I had one on one of my bikes.....  

[later]  Yes, I thought there was, this is it.  I like it a lot better than the stock push button, both in looks and functionality.

Jim

[Wrongway]

The lock is standard on all except the CVO line (baggers). Found out last week when I needed a part for mine and they told me NO Harley comes with the push button. I corrected them and to get the part I needed I had to purchase the whole push button kit. I have never seen a need for the locking door and changed them on my non-CVO baggers.

[Twolanerider]

I've got the key on both touring bikes. Started with mine then wife notice (as TwoLane points out) I can open my fuel door quickly while she fumbles with the push button.

That opening pressure/spring tension can actually be adjusted.  There's a metal tab on the back of the fuel door (the mounting screws go through it) with a tang that you can bend to give more or less opening pressure on the door.  Not uncommon that over time you lose a bit there.  Happens so gradually often not noticed.  I bent my tang (hmm, that doesn't sound at all right ) again a couple years ago.  Door pops right up.

[murphy]

I hate it when my tang gets bent! 

[grc]

You guys need to stop playing with your tang or you might go blind.


Jerry

[Fired00d]

I hate it when my tang gets bent! 

That's not as bad as it not springing up when needed.... I'd take a bent tang over a tang w/no spring anyday.

 
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 

[Fired00d]

That opening pressure/spring tension can actually be adjusted.  There's a metal tab on the back of the fuel door (the mounting screws go through it) with a tang that you can bend to give more or less opening pressure on the door.  Not uncommon that over time you lose a bit there.  Happens so gradually often not noticed.  I bent my tang (hmm, that doesn't sound at all right ) again a couple years ago.  Door pops right up.

See what you started.

 
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 

[Twolanerider]

Just remember guys.  If you bend it and it then starts popping right up again you've done it right .