If it isn't broken, don't fix it

Sounds like you overdid the powder!
Perhaps if you presented the nozzle of a powerful vacumn cleaner to the
lock entry it might get some of it out.
Or maybe a blast of brake cleaner or CRC etc.

 

Compressed air will most likely have moisture and oil in it and isn't a
good idea to squirt into the ignition, particularly after you've already
used a dry lubricant I think.

Nev..

 

Peter,

While we're asking the seemingly obvious questions; are you using the
right key? Maybe there's two keys for that bike. ('cause a lock got
replaced or something).
Also; does the VTR have HISS? Could the graphite be shorting the HISS in
some way (and preventing the HISS from unlocking the switch mechanism -
[I have no idea how HISS works and I'm clutching at straws here])
I've been using graphite for decades and I've never seen or heard of any
problems with it in bike ignitions.

 

HISS is an electronic system. Code transmitter in the key, antenna ring
around the ignition lock, if the correct code isn't received the key
will turn but the ignition won't fire when you hit the starter button.

Could be that it's just a coincidence that it stopped working at the
same time he used the graphite. It might be possible that one of the
pins in the lock has broken or stuck. Might be worth shining a torch
into the lock and maybe using the smallest jewelers screwdriver or
something to see if all of the pins are moving freely within the lock.

Nev..

 

If the keyway is facing downhill instead of horizontal it is possible to
fill keyway with graphite, in which case it needs blowing out.

 

Yeah I think I did put a little too much in.
Thanks all for your suggestions.
Problem solved.
I got a straw (I dont have an air compressor) and gave it a tickle, then
they key and a wiggle but this still didn't work.
The bike sat outside in the backyard for a night and day and I tried
again yesterday after worked and it turned easily!

I don't think it was user error with the key but I do think user error
was involved with the graphite.

More belated info on the lock, verticle, no hiss, needs a slight push in
before turning to get it out of the locked position.

 

"Peter" wrote

A couple of drops of sewing machine oil will fix it.

Theo

 

.... only if your compressor hasn't got a filter.