questions re 636 steering and steering lock

I just picked up my 636 last Saturday and I love it! Anyway, I had a couple of questions:

1. RE STEERING - When I turn my handlebars all the way to the right, I can't roll the throttle because the gas tank blocks the rolling of my wrist. This is a problem for me when turning to the right from a stop. I end up having to do a wide, truck-like right turn. Does anyone else experience this problem too? Any suggestions to remedy this (changes to the bike or in riding technique)?

2. RE STEERING LOCK When I turn the steering all the way to the left before turning the key to the lock position, I can't pull the key out. I have to turn it a bit to the right (1 cm or so) before I can pull the key out. Is this normal?

Thanks in advance!

several other people that i ride with have to do the same thing for #2. So it's probably normal like everyone has said. As for #1 there are several things that your can do, me personaly I would adjust the clipons. It shouldn't feel too funny to you because you just got the bike and probably haven't had a chance even get 100 miles on it. I guess it's a comfort question, just play around with a couple of diffent angles at low/high speeds and try some conners to see how it feels.......just my openion

yeah as for no 1 and 2 both the 03 have that problem, as for no. 1 just move your hand so that you are only using your fingers and counter weight for the turn.

Thanks for the suggestions! I'll try them out!

About the #1... when I got my '02 636 the same thing happened to me! I thought the bike was a pain to ride in the heavy city traffic. Then, I got used to and now I do everything I did before with my Fazer 600, which is a bike made for the city. I really believe it's just a matter of habit.

Wilder than the wildest dreams!

So I've noticed the same thing happening on my '04, #2 that is, but I'm going to add the following: When I insert the key while the steering is locked the key will not turn to the OFF position most times until I move the handlebars around a bit. Is this proper? It is a real pain in the ass. Sometimes, when parked on an incline, I've almost given up because the key won't turn in the ignition. Any input?

Strepto, same with my bike pretty sure it's normal. Whenever it's stuck in locked I just turn the handlebars to the left as far as possible while at the the same time trying to turn the key. If the handlebars are already turned as far as possible while locked then just apply a little pressure to them as if you were trying to turn it further left while at the same time turning the key. Works evertime for me

Yeah, that doesn't seem right though. I haven't owned a bike in about 9 years before thsi one, but I don't ever remember this type of problem. Ah well, guess I'll have to live with it. Thanks for your input!

........so it sounds like alot of riders are doing #1 and #2..........