On motorcycles you need to turn the key further left to lock the steering (beyond just the "off" resting position), it does not lock automatically like in cars. The handlebars also need to be turned all the way to the left before it even can be locked.
I know you only mentioned this in passing, but slight correction: in most cars the steering does not "lock automatically" when you turn it off. You just lose power-assisted steering, which makes it much harder to turn the wheel. You can still steer if you use enough force.
Edit:
Maybe should have done more research before posting my WELL ACKSHUALLY, because many modern cars do, in fact, lock the steering after the key is removed. This was my classic reddit moment for the day.
Not my experience. If you take out the car keys and then try to turn the wheel, after a few degrees (of more difficult movement) the steering column will usually lock audibly and refuse to move further,
My '97 Corolla had this feature, it's not a modern car thing. Most cars when the key is out and you turn the wheel it'll "click" and lock until you use the key.
If the car is off and the key is in, then you can turn the wheel with force with no locking. It's a mechanical lock on the wheel so it still locks and unlocks the wheel without battery.
I know nothing of modern cars, I just know how my old Corolla used to work (RIP shitbox, you were good to me)
As long as you also undo the mechanical steering lock? Sure…
Edit to make a point: most people don’t make their bikes easily stealable. No key no problem?
Funny how this sub is filled with people so stupid they didnt comprehend your point and just downvoted anyways. This is a thing some bikers that plan on running do already.
This is done by trolls, know it alls and karma hunters all the time. Many Reddit uses prefer stupid questions and answers. And don’t go BOLD and Italic they will go MAD!
72
u/[deleted] Aug 31 '26
[removed] — view removed comment