Sometimes CRAP just happens

[Grabcon]

So today I get home from work and go to pull the key out of the ignition. I got it out and it slipped out of my fingers and slid down between the frame and the fuel tank. Normally I would get off the bike and then pull the key. But for whatever reason today was different. Oh this is on my 2016 CT. It is hot out, in the 90's the bike is hot and I just got off work so I go change before I start the process of finding my key.

The key is on a steel key ring with another key. So I am hoping the the ring is magnetic because the keys are not. I get out my little magnetic prob and start to fish around a bit and I hear it touch the key. Remember now I am in the blind because I have really no idea where the key slid to. I hit it again and there the key goes into neverland. So now is oh crap moment number one. Where did they go?

Just recently I had to remove the tupperware for some maintenance so that was still fresh between the ears. I get to the point where I need to lift the fuel tank and then it dawned on me where is my second key. Oh crap moment number two. The wife and I usually carry each others second key just for moments like this. But the wife is not home and she is not answering her texts. She out with the girls for a bit. I have to lift the tank without the ability to remove the seat. Hmm how well will this work out. Well I was able to get the tank up a couple of inches and was able to see just a piece of the tip of the key, down along the ECU on the front side.

I get my little grabby finger tool and I was able to grab the little buggers and get them out. Oh joy. Time for a beer. Well there was oh crap moment 3. No beer. Forgot it at work. Crap.

But all is well got the keys, still need to find second set, I am sure they will show up. So here are a few pics of the key excursion. So the question is "Could I have done this on the road?" Most likely not since I never carry the little grabby finger tool thing.

[zphenyl]

Glad to hear it went well.    BTW, how long did take you from start to finish to extract the keys?

[Grabcon]

About 45 minutes. My big concern was that the key did not fall any further into neverland.

I found my extra key and my wife didn't have it We put it in a place where we would find it. With the rest of the keys for everything else. LOL And I did go get beer too. But both of those tasks are not included in the 45 minutes.

[Hartley]

Glad you managed to find and retrieve the little bugger.

I’ve had a similar thing happen.

Few years back I had a cheap Chinese Satnav on my FJR. This thing came with a little pen type pointer in a holder at the back of the GPS. The Pointer fell out and went a
On a similar adventure to your key.

We were away on holiday with some friends at the time.

Off came panels and tank and eventually I could see the pointer. However it had fallen into a really tight area with no hope of getting a finger or two on it.

At a complete loss as what to do my mates wife said.

“Do you think you could grab it with a couple of drinking straws?”

Off she went to the hotel bar to get a few straws. I couldn’t reach it with one straw but with one slid inside another I could get down the gap, slide the straw over the end of the pointer. It was just tight enough to hold it and out it came. The straws and the offending item were lobbed straight in the bin.

My mates misses had fresh straws for the drinks I bought her that night.

[Yasko]

Nearly as bad as dropping my car keys down a drain in the 70's  Glad it turned out okay for both of you.

[Superjeap]

I know the drill, lost a lot of screws, nuts and bolts that way.




Thats why most dealers give you a keychain-cord-thing with the bike 

[Red Boll]

Wow, that sucks.  A good thing that you were able to retrieve it.

I know myself so i have a pretty big "keychain" on my key. 

[Friday]

I'd suggest a tidy bottle opener on your key ring, Grabcon.