Any Tricks to Removing Locked Fuel Cap?

RebelMarsh

Standard Bore
Joined
Aug 23, 2023
Messages
9
Ride
2007 Triumph Rocket III Classic Touring
I've got a bit of a situation, and have been trying to find a working solution..

My R3 has been sitting dormant for five years or so now, and in that time we moved states. In the move, the keys for the R3 have gotten misplaced.
I managed to find a spare ignition/seat key I had made many moons ago, but the set I carried daily that included the Fuel Tank Cap key is no where to be found (didn't think to make a copy of this one, derp)...

I'm trying to get the bike back to worthy riding condition, only I have no way to access the fuel tank. A key component to the bike starting can not be added..

  • I tried taking off the hex bolts holding on the flange, but the latch from the lock seems to be grasping the physical fuel tank inside vs the flange itself. So the flange/cap will not come off.
  • I tried calling a handful of Locksmiths, but none of them were willing (probably lack of experience) to pick the lock.
  • I tried calling a few motorcycle repair shops.. Triumph seems to be a bike that scares many of the mechanics in this state as none were willing to work on the bike. In fact half of the ones I called were Harley exclusive.
  • I tried calling Triumph to get a new key; but they only sell the Keys w/ the cap set. Which would be keys to that lock, not mine, right?
  • I could drill it out, yes? But then risk getting metal shaving all up in the tank. Luckily there is probably on a teaspoon of fuel in there anyways (sitting for 5+ years.) Would require a major clean out to be sure no metal shavings landed inside..
  • My only other option I've come across is hauling the bike nearly 2 hours to the nearest Triumph Shop in another state..
Unless some clever folks out there know of any secrets to getting the locked fuel tank cap off?
I can order a new flange/cap from Triumph, but would need to get the old one off somehow without damaging the tank/bike.
 
i hate to be nitt picking but it is nessessary.
i am going to assume that you have a 2007 rocket III classic tourer that has dual headlights two tone paint touring is a different bike
if you have a tourer then you also have a key assembly to release the seat it is at the right side cover lower rear.
now i am going to guess that you add an ignition problem and now you have different keys for that.
so point being check the key you have to see if it works in the seat lock and if it does not then you can remove the cover then remove the seat lock and take it to a locksmith and have a key made more than likely the seat lock key will be the same asthe gas lock seat.
sounds simple lol
 
Since it's already different, order a new one with keys. Try the keys, ya could get lucky. Now I'd jam a screwdriver into the heart and twist the life out of it. Install new cap and place spare key in safe.
 
I have a Two Tone Paint (Black and Maroon[?]) w/ original leather saddles/cage.
Seat has 2 latches; 1 keyed, another on the rear that is actuated by paracord (added for easier reachability)
(not sure what you mean by "different bike")

The key I have operates the ignition & primary seat latch; No Ignition replacement. It won't however go into the fuel tank cap.
 
Last edited:
stingray said:
Since it's already different, order a new one with keys. Try the keys, ya could get lucky. Now I'd jam a screwdriver into the heart and twist the life out of it. Install new cap and place spare key in safe.
Click to expand...

You think using a screwdriver is safe? Meaning it won't cause any damage to the tank? Fuel Tanks are not the most durable things..

To get a replacement locking fuel cap w/ keys will take up to 2 months; they are on backorder and coming from across the pond in England..
 

just trying to comfirm that it is not a touring like it says in the avatar.
that is odd that it will not go into the gas tank losk maybe try some wd40 might be that the tumblers are just stuck.
back in the old days we would use a body puller (slide hammer with a screw on the end) to pop the locks on a trunk lock on cars.
i will take a look at mine when i get home.
 
It's not a complicated lock.
Get on YouTube and watch a dozzen LPL ( lock picking lawyer)
Buy a rake kit on amazon or his covert companion.
get to work.
I garantee you that you can do it. Probably with a wave rake and some time

it's a hobby I got into during my 5 years as a property manager to pick locks people leave behind after a move.
Woth a few hours of practice you can pick most basic locks with either a 9 bump key or just a wave rake in seconds.
 
Well that's what the Title Says, and that's what I was sold.. Tourer/Touring, Tomato/Tomato, Color/Colour
Came stock with Leather Saddle Backs w/ Triumph Branded Chrome Saddle Cage & Rear Crash Guards, Combined Rider & Passenger Seat, Rider & Passenger Backrest, Rear Luggage Rack, and Windshield.. so, don't know what else to tell ya.. same exact bike that's found here
And when the VIN was ran by Triumph to check for possible key replacement, the lady said "2007 Rocket 3 Special. Touring."

But whether one wants to use tourer vs touring .. My issue is with the lock, or rather lack of key.. but the name of the bike.

Ignition/Seat key barely fits ¼ the way into the Fuel Tank Cap lock.. and looking into the lock, the key appears to be to wide to fit all the way in anyways..
 

I was actually just look at that, well not whatever that "Lock Picking Lawyer" is, but for a Pick Set on Amazon. Was only able to find one (available from multiple sellers) but takes about 2 weeks for delivery with a varying date set in the early days of September.
 
Well that's what the Title Says, and that's what I was sold.. Tourer/Touring, Tomato/Tomato, Color/Colour


it is actually not Tourer/Touring, Tomato/Tomato
they are different bikes having many different parts.
yours is a tourer i ot to know because i have one
i will not post again on this.
 
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