A vehicle controller for a straddle type vehicle includes a portable device that transmits a code signal and control unit comprising a receiver and an authenticator that respectively receive and authenticate the code signal. If the authentication is determined to be successful, a release signal is issued from a control unit to actuate a release structure of a steering lock to automatically release the steering lock. When a power source of the control unit is turned off, manual locking is allowed. Manual locking of the steering lock is actuated through a user's operation of a push-type locking switch. A manual lock structure is provided to manually lock the steering lock. The manual lock structure can be integrated with the automatic release structure that automatically releases the steering lock.