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TECHNICAL MOTOBRICK WRENCHING In Remembrance of Inge K. => The Motobrick Workshop => Topic started by: frankenduck on June 16, 2012, 05:24:45 PM

Title: K Bike Keys
Post by: frankenduck on June 16, 2012, 05:24:45 PM
Most likely your K bike came from the factory with a 51251453659 folding key. About $12 when purchased from a dealer.

(http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff192/owrstrich/MB%20dot%20COM/key1_zps82c3be4d.jpg)

BMW also sells a flat "standard" key with part number 51251233554.(Nieman GKS) About$7 from a dealer.

(http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff192/owrstrich/MB%20dot%20COM/key2_zpsb075abe4.jpg)


BMW also sold a 51212315251 key that had a tiny pushbutton flashlight built into it but I think those are long out of production.

(http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff192/owrstrich/key3_zps0e20983b.jpg)


Somebody sells these folding keys on Fleabay under part number 51251243275 but I don't like these because they are so short that they have to be folded over to work, unlike the 659 folding key above which will work either folded or unfolded.

(http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff192/owrstrich/key4_zpsbbcda215.jpg)


Important:  All of the above keys are made of steel and should be taken to a REAL locksmith as the key cutting machines at places like Lowe's and Home Depot are not able to cut steel key blanks.

Aftermarket Keys:

There's a few of them out there but the one I've found that most locksmiths have on hand and works well in K bikes is the Ilco SR61N.

(http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff192/owrstrich/key7_zps15fd60be.jpg)


The Ilco Y61 also works in K bikes and is slightly longer than the SR61N.

(http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff192/owrstrich/key6_zps4a6fc0f2.jpg)


Some key blanks have a shoulder that needs to be removed. (like Ilco SR61N and JMA NE-8)
(https://i.imgur.com/QaPtB8J.jpg)
Title: Re: K Bike Keys
Post by: joepopp on June 16, 2012, 10:50:52 PM
Great post! I wish I had read it sooner as I found out all of these things myself. The eBay 51251243275 key does in fact need to be folded to work correctly. It's kind of tough for the helmet lock although mine seems to work in my luggage without folding. The SR61N has a nub on it that will need to be ground off unless the locksmith catches it. The Y61 is a much better fit and I found them for cheap at ekeyblanks.com for like $2.50 each shipped. I did find the correct BMW emblem folding key #51 25 1 453 659 at http://www.motorwestmotorcycles.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=12&products_id=494 (http://www.motorwestmotorcycles.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=12&products_id=494) for $13.00 shipped.
Title: Re: K Bike Keys
Post by: frankenduck on June 16, 2012, 10:57:03 PM
I always  take the bike to the locksmith so I can test the key in all of the locks before leaving.  Either that or the gas cap for testing purposes if I take the car since that's easy to take off.
Title: Re: K Bike Keys
Post by: tsbt on June 17, 2012, 08:47:48 PM
Great post! I wish I had read it sooner as I found out all of these things myself. The eBay 51251243275 key does in fact need to be folded to work correctly. It's kind of tough for the helmet lock although mine seems to work in my luggage without folding. The SR61N has a nub on it that will need to be ground off unless the locksmith catches it. The Y61 is a much better fit and I found them for cheap at ekeyblanks.com for like $2.50 each shipped. I did find the correct BMW emblem folding key #51 25 1 453 659 at http://www.motorwestmotorcycles.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=12&products_id=494 (http://www.motorwestmotorcycles.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=12&products_id=494) for $13.00 shipped.

Hey Joe the site says these keys are used on "R" models, worked fine on your K? The real deal if that's the case.

Title: Re: K Bike Keys
Post by: joepopp on June 19, 2012, 09:48:56 AM
Great post! I wish I had read it sooner as I found out all of these things myself. The eBay 51251243275 key does in fact need to be folded to work correctly. It's kind of tough for the helmet lock although mine seems to work in my luggage without folding. The SR61N has a nub on it that will need to be ground off unless the locksmith catches it. The Y61 is a much better fit and I found them for cheap at ekeyblanks.com for like $2.50 each shipped. I did find the correct BMW emblem folding key #51 25 1 453 659 at http://www.motorwestmotorcycles.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=12&products_id=494 (http://www.motorwestmotorcycles.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=12&products_id=494) for $13.00 shipped.

Hey Joe the site says these keys are used on "R" models, worked fine on your K? The real deal if that's the case.

I cross referenced it from other sources. I didn't get it cut yet but it looks right! I'll post here when I do.
Title: Re: K Bike Keys
Post by: tsbt on June 19, 2012, 10:38:00 AM
I cross referenced it from other sources. I didn't get it cut yet but it looks right! I'll post here when I do.

Awesome please do, I have exactly one ignition key that I guard with my life  :machinegun: and am in constant fear I will loose it in a gutter.

Chris
Title: Re: K Bike Keys
Post by: frankenduck on June 19, 2012, 10:42:05 AM
The 659 is the right key. It's the one shown at the very top of this page.

For Rs and Ks:

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/partxref.do?part=51251453659 (http://www.realoem.com/bmw/partxref.do?part=51251453659)
Title: Re: K Bike Keys
Post by: tsbt on June 19, 2012, 11:24:40 AM
The 659 is the right key. It's the one shown at the very top of this page.

For Rs and Ks:

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/partxref.do?part=51251453659 (http://www.realoem.com/bmw/partxref.do?part=51251453659)

Bingo  :2thumbup:
Title: Re: K Bike Keys
Post by: joepopp on June 21, 2012, 05:34:35 PM
The 659 is the right key. It's the one shown at the very top of this page.

For Rs and Ks:

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/partxref.do?part=51251453659 (http://www.realoem.com/bmw/partxref.do?part=51251453659)

Bingo  :2thumbup:

Yup! Got it cut and it works great! They have three in stock. Shipping was only about $2.

That is an awesome cross reference page! Bookmarking that for sure. Thanks Frankenduck!
Title: Re: K Bike Keys
Post by: johnny on June 21, 2012, 08:05:15 PM
stephen bottchers neimann keys decoded page... (http://www.stephenbottcher.net/BMW/keys.htm)

j o
Title: Re: K Bike Keys
Post by: BobZ(IL) on June 21, 2012, 08:21:15 PM
I've been able to get keys made for my K-bike at the local locksmith a couple of times. He somehow has blanks that work. Definitely take the bike to make sure the key works everywhere including all the cases.
Title: Re: K Bike Keys
Post by: tsbt on June 22, 2012, 10:25:14 AM
The 659 is the right key. It's the one shown at the very top of this page.

For Rs and Ks:

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/partxref.do?part=51251453659 (http://www.realoem.com/bmw/partxref.do?part=51251453659)

Bingo  :2thumbup:

Yup! Got it cut and it works great! They have three in stock. Shipping was only about $2.

That is an awesome cross reference page! Bookmarking that for sure. Thanks Frankenduck!

They now have two in stock   :yes
Title: Re: K Bike Keys
Post by: BillyMac on July 10, 2012, 02:13:12 PM
Just in case anyone else encounters this problem. I got the keys made on the Ilco SR61N blanks(unfortunately wasn't riding the bike) and no dice. Went to a proper locksmith on the bike and they fixed it and tested it. Just make sure they shave off the "shoulder"(circled part on key) so it can go far enough in the lock.

(http://img713.imageshack.us/img713/4781/img1363.png)
Title: Re: K Bike Keys
Post by: Honolulu on July 30, 2012, 03:10:18 AM
But, if you lose your key, don't have the code or whatever, there is a workaround. 

A couple years ago I took apart my ignition switch for cleaning, etc.  Later it turned out to be okay and I didn't screw anything up, so I got experience, no more or less.

But here's the deal:  the ignition switch only closes two pairs of wires.  A quick look at the wiring diagram which everyone should have, tells you which two.  This means several things.   One, you can replace the ignition switch with a pair of toggle switches, or a three position switch (off, lights, run).  Two, in a real pinch you can jumper the correct pins and go.  Three, it also implies that the meanies can pretty easily hotwire your pride and joy and ride off, but they'd have to know which, and none of us would do such a thing.
Title: Re: K Bike Keys
Post by: frankenduck on November 06, 2012, 03:23:48 PM
I was wandering around The Internet today and stumbled across this list of key blanks that supposedly work with our K bike locks. It lists each manufacturer and the key blank part number(s.)

Borkey   666KA         
Canas   NE17         
CEA   NM3   NM38I   NM63   
Curtis   MC-44         
Dominion Lock   Y61         
Errebi   NE3   NE50   NE9   
Fuki   K-173   K-174      
Ilco   N2M   SR61N   Y16   
Ilco EZ Line   N2M         
JMA   NE6   NE7   NE8   
KeyLine   BM3   BM6   NE1   NE44
Kis   AV1         
Kraga   N4   N46   N67   
Lotus   NE12   NE128   NE4   NE8
Mr Minit   75         
Orion   NN1   NN15   NN33   NN64
RR   NN14   NN32   NN63   
Silca   NE31   NE44   NE5   NE62

Title: Re: K Bike Keys
Post by: TaosBrick on May 15, 2013, 08:17:38 PM
Welp, just in time for this trip to Cally, the locksmith from whom I've been trying to orders keys in our one horse town here told me that the blanks that he could get for my K75 were made from steel, and that he did not have a machine that could cut them. :swear:
  Guess I'll be makin' the rounds of BMW bendover-ships in our travels to see what can be done, as I have one onliest key in the entire world for my whip, which I feel I should be sleeping with on a lanyard 'round my neck.
Title: Re: K Bike Keys
Post by: Grim on May 15, 2013, 08:56:27 PM
Welp, just in time for this trip to Cally, the locksmith from whom I've been trying to orders keys in our one horse town here told me that the blanks that he could get for my K75 were made from steel, and that he did not have a machine that could cut them. :swear:
  Guess I'll be makin' the rounds of BMW bendover-ships in our travels to see what can be done, as I have one onliest key in the entire world for my whip, which I feel I should be sleeping with on a lanyard 'round my neck.
If you are not sure you have a original key is nearly unworn condition ask the dealer to order you a key from the VIN. Will take 2-4 days but it is a key that has factory cut. Put it away as a master. The keys I had for my new to me bike were either worn or copies of worn keys and the dealer could not get a copy to work. I didnt even realize the keys I had could not get the key to turn to the parking light position.
Title: Re: K Bike Keys
Post by: TaosBrick on May 16, 2013, 12:34:04 AM
Wow - Thanks Grim. I don't have an original key, and I've no idea how worn it may be. Will check out that option...
Title: Re: K Bike Keys
Post by: The Mighty Gryphon on December 08, 2014, 01:09:12 AM
I just had two keys cut from Neimann blanks that came with the bike.  Seems that there aren't many steel keys being used anymore so I couldn't find a locksmith anywhere with a carbide cutter.  Finally a resourceful locksmith who made safe deposit box keys cut them for me.

Safe deposit box keys are made from flat steel blanks.  The machine that cuts them is specialized and the locksmith had to put a thin strip of metal in the Neimann blank's grooves so they could be clamped in the machine.  Once that is done cutting is straightforward.   The keys work perfectly.
Title: Re: K Bike Keys
Post by: Brad-Man on December 08, 2014, 03:48:56 PM
Just so's everyone knows, there is one BMW dealer that has the machine for cutting the steel keys - Atlanta BMW/Ducati/Husq....They are on Hwy 41 in Marietta.  I ordered 2 folding keys from them and they cut them for me for free.

This was for my '85 that they had never seen before - it was always serviced by the other BMW dealer in Atlanta.

Of course, when I bought the bike i paid a courtesy visit to the parts dept guys there and said they were gonna be my new best friends...
Title: Re: K Bike Keys
Post by: Grim on December 11, 2014, 09:49:56 PM
Brad they have been good to me quite a few times and I ate up a coupe, of the blanks they had in stock and why they had to order more for you. I had a issue with worn keys so I wasn't getting good duplicate. And couldn't get the key to the parking position.  They ordered me a key by using the vin that worked. I kept that as a master and had them cut a second off it that worked fine.
Title: Re: Where to get blank ignition keys cut/copied?
Post by: TimTyler on June 12, 2016, 12:20:07 PM
I had a key cut at a locksmith a couple of months ago. It took him a while to find the correct key blank to use, but he did. Works great. Ilco X109 FT43
Title: Re: K Bike Keys
Post by: TriSpark on August 14, 2016, 10:47:20 AM
Good to know about the Atlanta dealer who cuts keys in Marietta - I have been there many time before, but not for that.

The local dealer in Chattanooga (Pandora European Motorsports) told me that no BMW dealer in the USA will cut keys and they have to be ordered from Germany. They didn't have any blanks either, and weren't very helpful about some other parts and spares questions.

I see a trip to Marietta in my future.
Title: Re: K Bike Keys
Post by: K1300S on August 14, 2016, 11:39:00 AM
another ILCO that works.  not long enough stock, so ground down the head of the key a bit to make key part longer.

(http://i397.photobucket.com/albums/pp59/mblytle/K75S%20black/imagejpeg_1.jpg) (http://s397.photobucket.com/user/mblytle/media/K75S%20black/imagejpeg_1.jpg.html)

(http://i397.photobucket.com/albums/pp59/mblytle/K75S%20black/imagejpeg_0.jpg) (http://s397.photobucket.com/user/mblytle/media/K75S%20black/imagejpeg_0.jpg.html)

Title: Re: K Bike Keys
Post by: TriSpark on August 22, 2016, 07:38:40 PM
I have an update and a success story.  :2thumbup:

I went to an old school locksmiths in Chattanooga TN today and they cut me 2 keys that work perfectly.

When I handed the guy the key, he said "BMW bike keys? no problem." Everyone else was stumped by them,

30 seconds later he had cut me 2 of them, on the Ilco Y61 blank.

"$7.64 please" he said.

Bargain!

I don't know if they do mail order, but I said I'd tell other Brick owners about the great service.

The company is www.rickslockandkey.com. Not far from the I-75/I-24 split if you are coming through Chattanooga.

Title: Re: K Bike Keys
Post by: bluto359 on May 17, 2017, 11:10:07 AM
BMW numbers that work.


https://www.maxbmwmotorcycles.com/fiche/PartsDetails.aspx?source=catalog&diagram=FA_KEYS
Title: Re: K Bike Keys
Post by: dalebK75 on June 23, 2018, 05:20:29 PM
In Seattle, Broadway Locksmith will cut a steel BMW bike key.
They are on Capitol Hill, near Broadway and E. John.

https://broadwaylocksmith.com/ (https://broadwaylocksmith.com/)


Title: Re: K Bike Keys
Post by: enb54 on April 19, 2021, 05:16:44 PM
I know this thread is old, but am going through this key exercise, tried the ILCO X109 FT43 route and no go, am going to try the ILCO Y61 trial tomorrow. Am doing a complete spring checkup and thought I'd better get some spare keys, the PO only had one set, one key (Neiman GKS) for the ignition and rear side luggage, a different key (folding BMW) for the fuel filler and front storage compartments. As I have the bike in a very advanced state of disassembly I can't take it to the locksmith so I guess it's trial and error time. Luckily, it's not a Land Rover...
Title: Re: K Bike Keys
Post by: stokester on April 19, 2021, 07:46:04 PM
I know this thread is old, but am going through this key exercise, tried the ILCO X109 FT43 route and no go, am going to try the ILCO Y61 trial tomorrow. Am doing a complete spring checkup and thought I'd better get some spare keys, the PO only had one set, one key (Neiman GKS) for the ignition and rear side luggage, a different key (folding BMW) for the fuel filler and front storage compartments. As I have the bike in a very advanced state of disassembly I can't take it to the locksmith so I guess it's trial and error time. Luckily, it's not a Land Rover...
I have not tried the ILCO blanks and have gone to the BMW dealer to have both folding and straight keys cut, works every time and they don't wear down like the brass.
When you get your keys sorted out it's quite easy to pull a lock cylinder, insert the key you want to work and file the pins down to work with that key.  I did it with some replacement side cases so that they matched the ignition and fuel. 
Title: Re: K Bike Keys
Post by: enb54 on April 20, 2021, 10:15:49 AM
Thanks, the closest dealer is an hour's drive away and they would have to order in the blanks, I just want a spare set. If I get really desperate I'll go for the steel specials from a dealer...
Title: Re: K Bike Keys
Post by: The Mighty Gryphon on April 20, 2021, 11:27:18 AM
I have spare keys for my bikes cut on Ilco V06 V77 blanks.  I got them at a local locksmith.  If you can't find them locally, you can buy those blanks on Amazon and eBay.  Just do a search on "Ilco V06 V77" and you'll find a bunch of sources for blanks. 

Title: Re: K Bike Keys
Post by: enb54 on April 20, 2021, 12:05:41 PM
Thanks Gryphon, a flashbulb just went off, I'll take one of the storage compartment covers with me to the locksmith, thus ensuring the blank will fit before cutting...

Edit: When I check my serial # using Johnny's RealOEM.com link, I get that my bike is a European version, maybe that has something to do with the locks? Will take the cover with me to the locksmith, thanks all for the help!
Title: Re: K Bike Keys
Post by: The Mighty Gryphon on April 20, 2021, 01:05:42 PM
A near as I know, the European version is only different in the lights and the emissions configuration.

North American models, for example, don't come standard with a headlight on/off switch on the right handlebar and U.K. models have a different headlight lens.  I don't think the European models have the high altitude plug, so the ECU may be different.

Locks and keys are the same for all versions.

You could also take the fuel filler to the locksmith to make sure the key works.  While you're there you might as well ask if they can set up your locks to all use your ignition key.
Title: Re: K Bike Keys
Post by: stokester on April 20, 2021, 06:22:21 PM
Thanks, the closest dealer is an hour's drive away and they would have to order in the blanks, I just want a spare set. If I get really desperate I'll go for the steel specials from a dealer...
I wish my dealer was only an hour away. 

If they have to order the blanks they must not be able to cut them?
Title: Re: K Bike Keys
Post by: enb54 on April 20, 2021, 10:59:24 PM
Thanks folks,
it seems that the ILCO V06 V77 key fits perfectly (old Volvo type key), but is a bit too long, so it worked opening up the storage compartment, but the ignition and fuel cap won't go, taking them back to the locksmith tomorrow for "tweaking"... Photo attached ... Top is the ILCO X109 FT43, middle is the BMW Neiman GKS and bottom is the ILCO V06 V77 (needs some grinding to shorten). Apparently the dealer can't cut the keys? I am not sure, but I'm not paying $50 for a key! The saga continues...
Title: Re: K Bike Keys
Post by: stokester on April 21, 2021, 07:27:02 AM
Apparently the dealer can't cut the keys? I am not sure, but I'm not paying $50 for a key! The saga continues...
It has been a while but if I remember right flat keys cost me about $15 while the folding was over $20.  That's key and cutting on the spot at Morton's BMW in Fredericksburg VA.
Title: Re: K Bike Keys
Post by: The Mighty Gryphon on April 21, 2021, 07:37:15 AM
The Neiman key is hardened steel.  Probably so that locksmiths can't cut them.  If you are very lucky, you might find a locksmith who has the special machine with carbide cutters that cuts keys for bank safe deposit boxes.  And then you have to convince them to risk their expensive cutter making your key.

How do I know this?  I got a key cut at a local shop.  When I went back a couple months later to get another one cut the owner told me he couldn't cut my blank.  When I mentioned that I had the same blank cut previously he called out his helper and tore him a very large new asshole right in front of me.  Man, was he pissed!  I'm pretty sure I can't go back there again.
Title: Re: K Bike Keys
Post by: frankenduck on April 21, 2021, 02:58:51 PM
The Neiman key is hardened steel.  Probably so that locksmiths can't cut them.

While you're there you might as well ask if they can set up your locks to all use your ignition key.

It's not a conspiracy. Some locksmiths cut steel keys, some don't. Just call ahead and ask if they cut steel keys.  Aside from "key-in-a-minute" type places, a fair amount of locksmiths cut steel keys.

As mentioned above, Broadway Locksmith in Seattle cuts steel keys. Bulger on Lake City Way also cuts steel keys.

If you want to rekey the other locks on your K to work with your ignition key then you don't need to pay a locksmith to do it. it's pretty easy to DIY:
http://bit.ly/kbikerekey
Title: Re: K Bike Keys
Post by: The Mighty Gryphon on April 21, 2021, 05:29:01 PM
There aren't any that cut steel keys that I know of in my part of the world.  I spent several days on the phone and driving around before I found the guy who got chewed out for cutting mine.  The locksmiths tell me these keys require a special machine with a very expensive, fragile carbide cutter and to top it off, the machine isn't set up to clamp the Neiman blank.  Since they are only used for safe deposit boxes in banks and one other place that I can't recall there is almost no work to pay for the machinery. 

I like the Ilco blank because there is a hardware store near by that has them and they will cut a key for about $3.  The Ilco blank is a bit longer than the OEM key, but they modify it to make it work.
Title: Re: K Bike Keys
Post by: Laitch on April 21, 2021, 05:40:23 PM
Since they are only used for safe deposit boxes in banks and one other place that I can't recall  . . .. 
Chastity belts in Thailand?
Title: Re: K Bike Keys
Post by: The Mighty Gryphon on April 21, 2021, 06:12:02 PM
Chastity belts in Thailand?

Hmmm...could be.  Long way to go for a key, though. 

There is a racetrack with a gaming parlor near the guy who cut my steel key, I think he said they use steel keys there.  It would make sense in a way, since safe deposit boxes and gambling equipment are things that would have locks with unique keys that cannot be easily copied by unauthorized people.  I dunno, I have a hard time remembering what I had for supper last night.
Title: Re: K Bike Keys
Post by: frankenduck on April 21, 2021, 09:41:00 PM
Chastity belts in Thailand?

They don't have chastity in Thailand, much less belts for it.
Title: Re: K Bike Keys
Post by: Laitch on April 21, 2021, 10:51:08 PM
They don't have chastity in Thailand, much less belts for it.
Well, some folks are trying for it—evolving beyond the belts—but bluetooth is being substituted for keys, and then there's the angle grinder. This (https://www.bangkokpost.com/world/1998159/smart-male-chastity-device-vulnerable-to-locking-by-hackers) is a market for Tenet to penetrate, so to speak.
Title: Re: K Bike Keys
Post by: Motorhobo on May 09, 2021, 11:02:11 AM
The ILCO X109 FT43 doesn't work, at least not without some creative tweaking that no key cutter within at 100 miles is willing or able to do. I even went to the local key-cutting guru who is known for cutting oddball keys for ancient boats for watermen of the Cheasapeake Bay. That said, I don't have the original folding BMW key, but was trying to have it copied from a Nieman GKS copy.  I don't know why an ILCO blank could be cut from a BMW OEM key but not from a Nieman GKS copy, but bottom line is he couldn't do it and he's the best guy around here.

At any rate, I'm stuck with 2 ILCO X109 FT43 blanks, having assumed they'd work based on what I read here. Am I missing something or do the ILCO X109 FT43's just not work?

BTW if that is really Duck there, how great it is to see you again especially since Inge has left us forever.

Title: Re: K Bike Keys
Post by: enb54 on May 09, 2021, 11:20:35 AM
When Gryphon mentioned the Ilco blanks, I'm sure he was referring to the ILCO V06 V77 which fits perfectly (old Volvo type key), but is a tad too long. After 3 trips to the local locksmith, finally got the correct length and all is good, what a pain in the backside for these keys...
Title: Re: K Bike Keys
Post by: Motorhobo on May 09, 2021, 12:08:29 PM
I was going by an older thread which had an ILCO X109 FT43  hanging out of the ignition.

http://www.motobrick.com/index.php?topic=8461.msg64845#msg64845

Seeing is believing, I thought  boohoo
Title: Re: K Bike Keys
Post by: Laitch on May 09, 2021, 02:36:49 PM
I don't know why an ILCO blank could be cut from a BMW OEM key but not from a Nieman GKS copy, but bottom line is he couldn't do it and he's the best guy around here.
I took two Neiman GKS blanks to the local True Value hardware store key specialist and asked her to do her best with them. I had my moto with me so I could try them and she could modify them if necessary. It took three tries on two keys but the spares operate as well as the originals.
Title: Re: K Bike Keys
Post by: Laitch on May 10, 2021, 07:33:44 AM
The ILCO X109 FT43 doesn't work, at least not without some creative tweaking that no key cutter within at 100 miles is willing or able to do. I even went to the local key-cutting guru who is known for cutting oddball keys for ancient boats for watermen of the Cheasapeake Bay. That said, I don't have the original folding BMW key, but was trying to have it copied from a Nieman GKS copy.  I don't know why an ILCO blank could be cut from a BMW OEM key but not from a Nieman GKS copy, but bottom line is he couldn't do it and he's the best guy around here.
Does all this key-cutting reluctance apply to cutting on the $5.95 key blanks (https://www.bobsbmw.com/store/product/standard-flat-key-for-1981-95-bmw-airheads--k-bikes) that Bob's in Maryland is advertising?
Title: Re: K Bike Keys
Post by: The Mighty Gryphon on May 10, 2021, 08:22:42 AM
Laitch, I had a pair of those JMA keys with another K bike, and I am pretty sure they are brass like the keys you get at your friendly Ace Value hardware store.  Should be no problem getting them cut. 
Title: Re: K Bike Keys
Post by: frankenduck on May 10, 2021, 08:39:57 AM
Does all this key-cutting reluctance apply to cutting on the $5.95 key blanks (https://www.bobsbmw.com/store/product/standard-flat-key-for-1981-95-bmw-airheads--k-bikes) that Bob's in Maryland is advertising?

If you put your cursor over the image on that page it looks like it's a JMA NE-7 which is a STEEL key blank.
Title: Re: K Bike Keys
Post by: Laitch on May 10, 2021, 09:25:48 AM
Does all this key-cutting reluctance apply to cutting on the $5.95 key blanks (https://www.bobsbmw.com/store/product/standard-flat-key-for-1981-95-bmw-airheads--k-bikes) that Bob's in Maryland is advertising?
If you put your cursor over the image on that page it looks like it's a JMA NE-7 which is a STEEL key blank.
Is that a Yes, or are we dealing with various degrees of hardness in these keys?
Title: Re: K Bike Keys
Post by: frankenduck on May 10, 2021, 09:36:01 AM
Is that a Yes, or are we dealing with various degrees of hardness in these keys?

That's a YES, the NE-7 is a steel key and steel has a higher hardness than brass alloys.

(To tell if a key is steel or not all you need is a magnet. A magnet will pick up a steel key but not a brass key.)
Title: Re: K Bike Keys
Post by: Laitch on May 10, 2021, 10:18:41 AM
That's a YES, the NE-7 is a steel key and steel has a higher hardness than brass alloys.
(To tell if a key is steel or not all you need is a magnet. A magnet will pick up a steel key but not a brass key.)
I put a magnet on that key and it fell off the screen onto the keyboard.
Title: Re: K Bike Keys
Post by: Ingo on May 12, 2021, 12:31:37 PM
Good luck getting that key out of the keyboard!
Title: Re: K Bike Keys
Post by: Laitch on May 12, 2021, 04:29:10 PM
Good luck getting that key out of the keyboard!
No problem. It was the magnet that fell on the keyboard.  112350
Title: Re: K Bike Keys
Post by: Ingo on May 13, 2021, 01:56:37 AM
Good, because only old style keyboards had removable keys, now-keyboards just goo bye-bye...
Title: Re: K Bike Keys
Post by: Motorhobo on May 14, 2021, 01:38:13 PM
Does all this key-cutting reluctance apply to cutting on the $5.95 key blanks (https://www.bobsbmw.com/store/product/standard-flat-key-for-1981-95-bmw-airheads--k-bikes) that Bob's in Maryland is advertising?

Actually, Laitch, it does not, and if I'd known Bobs BMW had these keys at that price, I'd not have wasted my time looking for some substitute on eBay. I just called -- they have a bunch of them and charge $5 to cut them which is a very reasonable price and though it's at least an hour's ride from here, it's worth it to check the copies on the bike  before taking possession of them.

Last time I checked with Bobs, they only had the OEM key blanks or the Neiman OEM flat blanks and were charging around $40 to cut them. Which is why I didn't check with them - Bobs isn't known for offering products that cost less than the last time around.

Anyway, this is the best option available and as soon as I get a new tire I'll be headed out there to get a couple spares made.

Oh -- and does anyone have any use for a couple ILCO X109 FT43 blanks? Disclaimer - they don't work on K-bikes, at least not without key-cutting expertise that I couldn't find within 100 miles of here.


Title: Re: K Bike Keys
Post by: Motorhobo on May 25, 2021, 04:15:56 AM
Does all this key-cutting reluctance apply to cutting on the $5.95 key blanks (https://www.bobsbmw.com/store/product/standard-flat-key-for-1981-95-bmw-airheads--k-bikes) that Bob's in Maryland is advertising?

I rode out to Bob's BMW in Jessup MD last week and had a spare made from that $5.95 blank. They charged me $10 to cut the key, so with tax about $17. On the phone they quoted me $5 to cut the key but I wasn't in the arguing mood, I just needed the key. So if you need a key in the DC/VA/MD area, that's probably the least painful way to go.

They want about $32 for the OEM folding key plus the cutting. 
Title: Re: K Bike Keys
Post by: stokester on May 25, 2021, 01:16:37 PM
As mentioned before I got my keys cut at Morton's BMW in Fredericksburg VA.

I called and asked about a K75; it currently costs $22 for a flat Neiman and $32 for the folding which includes cutting.