Removing gas tank without removing seat, or removing seat lock?

I recently purchased a 1982 XJ750J, which came without keys or a main ignition switch. I've spoken to a locksmith about getting a new key for it, and since I do not have a trailer, I can't bring it to them. I also can't cough up $230CAD for them to come to the bike.

This leaves me with either bringing them the gas tank, or bringing them the seat lock. Obviously, since I do not have a key, I can't unlock the seat lock and remove the seat. Is there any way I can either remove the tank without taking off the seat first, or if that's not possible, if I can remove the seat lock assembly without damaging the surrounding parts? Thanks.

 

I think the screws go in from the top so you wont be able to get under the seat to remove them. If you have no other option you may be able to slacken them with a pozy bit and grips or weld the pozy bit to a metal bar. Worth a try if you have enough clearance. I have slackened screws that were damaged with good quality pliers by gripping the sides of the screw head. I have done the same with brake discs on my Yamaha with Mole grips.

 

Or an offset screwdriver if you have enough clearance?

 

I'll try to find an offset screwdriver and give it a shot. Thanks for the suggestion.

 

This is better.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/28575419...6&customid=P3K6Ld0gAAAATTJicSHtSOrFWLFHAAAAAA

 

Underside of my 900f seat. Its a bit of work but if you remove the back wheel and fender you might get a 10mm ratchet spanner and get the nuts off the seat. Never had to try it so don't know if it will be successful.

 

It is really easy to pick them old locks, give it a try. I picked up a pic set from Amazon just for these older bikes with no keys. Very easy to work around the no key issues.

 

You can send them the ignition switch but c

You remind me Timbox of some of the old Fords over here you could open the doors easily without the right key.

 

No you ain't got the ignition switch got my daft head on lol.

 

This is the way to go. The seat lock is about as basic a "lock" as is possible.

http://www.capricorn.org/~akira/home/lockpick

 

Years ago my currently 25 year old son took an interest in picking locks.
I think 4 times now we have had him open safes and doors for situations where we did not have a key or lost keys. (all legal stuff we owned).
Lost keys to a cheap safe last year, battery went dead and son had to pick the lock to get into it.

I agree, get the simple tools and try it out.

 

I bought a cheap pick set off Amazon, tried to jimmy the lock open, and discovered that it was already unlocked. I simply needed to push on the latches harder and the seat would have popped right up. I have learned a valuable lesson today, haha. Thanks for the help anyway.

 

I have to say.
I started lock picking ages ago and I suck at it.
But picking wafer locks, like the xj uses, is dead easy.

Oh and I don't leave my bike outside at night just because I know this.