mountain_man

I have a 1981 xs 400 and recently lost my keys to it. While replacing the ignition was easy the question is now how do I get the locking gas tank cap off. Is this possible or is getting the gas cap re-keyed a possibility???? thanks

Hi I am new to motorcycles and just got a 1980 xs 400 that had a bad ignition switch. So going on the advice of a friend and wanting to ride it I tried to hot wire it. In the process of cutting the wires to the ignition I heard a spark, and then after crossing the wires nothing happened. Did I short out the electrical system in doing this, or could there be a simpler consequence than having to rewire the bike?