Road King Steering lock - 2004 Harley Davidson Road King Base

Buy aclymer manual for svc & repair. Haynes also has rebuild books for hd

Hi, Dyneen the answer to this question is way above my pay grade for this situation, I would call or visit my local dealer or reputable shop's service/parts department and inquire about any possible quick fix, answers, or parts enquiry.
For more information about your issue and valuable "FREE" downloads that you will need for viewing or printing please click on the blue links below. Good luck and have a wonderful day.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kknhg7DBuwU
http://www.mediafire.com/file/l5830e520i0teac/2003+Harley+Davidson+Touring+Models+Service+Manual.pdf
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https://serviceinfo.harley-davidson.com/sip/service/document/90023?baseUrl=%2Fcontent%2Fdocument%2Fview%3Fid%3D90023
https://www.6ya.com/

As you are turning the key to unlock it, try gently turning the forks first one way then the other to try and relieve pressure form the locking pin.

Gordon gives the answer

Put the original key or known working key in the ignition switch with a little bit of pressure in towards the on position, while holding the key that way wiggle the front end by holding on to one of the grips at the same time. Doing this will help the key to turn by allowing it to line up, and push a little bit of debris (foreign particles) out of the way. Spray WD40 or similar product with a nozzle tube down around the thin clearance before trying the key it will flush it out and lube the fine lock pins if they're dirty and hanging up. A side note: after it turns for you check the torque or service the front-end bearings.

Try spraying a good rust solvent on it and then trying moving it about with a small tool or screwdriver etc. Otherwise you may have to take the assembly apart to fix it.

On any bike with the large ignition switch and steering lock on the steering head, do not remove this assembly. You can get it out but then you can't get it back in. It takes a special tool to realign the lock and switch. Best take this to the dealer.

Good Luck
Steve

The key is used for 'Locking" and "Unlocking" the ignition lock. As long as the lock is unlocked, you don't need the key to ride the bike. But, neither does anyone else. When you walk away from your bike, anyone can jump on it, turn the switch on and ride off on it. That's why us old timers used to have the manually operated petcocks on our bikes. We'd turn the gas off. Most crooks wouldn't think to check to see if the gas was turn on. If they tried to steal your bike, they'd get just about out in the road and the bike would shut down due to no gas in the carb.

Good Luck
Steve