Worn keys bring the suck.

[Grim]

My recently acquired bike came with 4 keys. 3 where copies and one I assumed was a factory original folding.

Good friend is a locksmith and he schooled me about worn keys damaging ignitions after I was having problems in the winter getting my very worn key to work in my old truck. He figured out the correct key code and cut me a key that would be identical to factory fresh. Worked perfect after that. Lesson learned. So now I always take a clean cut key and put it away in case I need a copy made. That way I'm not making a copy of a worn key.


Couple weeks ago I had the local dealer cut me a key since they had the factory style folding key blanks with the intent of putting up the one original key I thought I had.

 Well it didn't work the ignition. So dealer tried another. It sort of worked it but was difficult to get the steering locked. So the dealer ordered a key via the vin.

The key cut from the key code via the vin came in today so I rode down to pick it up and verify it worked. Worked much better then the key that I thought was an original did and low and behold I didn't realize I was unable to engage the parking lights till I tried it with the new key.  :eek:

So I had a second key cut from it and it works fine as well.

Just putting this up so people know about worn keys damaging ignitions and so folks know that a dealer can order a key made from the key code via the vin to get a known good factory fresh key.

[Scott_]

Just putting this up so people know about worn keys damaging ignitions and so folks know that a dealer can order a key made from the key code via the vin to get a known good factory fresh key.

This holds true ONLY if the ing key lock has not been replaced................. Just beware.

[cheetah]

Good info to know.  I only have one key - I need to get a second!!

[TimTyler]

Would not hurt to know how to h0tw1re it in an emergency too  :yes

[argent brick]

So, are you telling use that all you need is the vin # of your bike to get a new key?

If so, good to know for us brickheads, bad knowledge for a potential thief.

[Grim]

So, are you telling use that all you need is the vin # of your bike to get a new key?

If so, good to know for us brickheads, bad knowledge for a potential thief.

Most vehicles the manufacture can make a key from the vin. Its common knowledge for the most part. The dealer did require drivers license and proof of ownership. Iin this case I provided my insurance card.

Understand that a lock is only a speedbump to a thief who really wants it.

 My Locksmith buddy can be through your front door with his power rake (lock picking tool) almost as quick as you can with a key.  Quicker with without it if he uses is size 14.

[JamesInCA]

So, are you telling use that all you need is the vin # of your bike to get a new key?

If so, good to know for us brickheads, bad knowledge for a potential thief.

Most vehicles the manufacture can make a key from the vin. Its common knowledge for the most part. The dealer did require drivers license and proof of ownership. Iin this case I provided my insurance card.

Understand that a lock is only a speedbump to a thief who really wants it.

 My Locksmith buddy can be through your front door with his power rake (lock picking tool) almost as quick as you can with a key.  Quicker with without it if he uses is size 14.

I know for a fact that my Jeep Cherokee can be opened and started with a screwdriver.

If someone wanted to ride your brick away, it wouldn't take long at all to pull the ignition switch and bypass the key completely. And that's only if the screwdriver doesn't work first.

The lock really is more decorative than anything else.

[Pagman]

I bought my blanks from ebay. I got two for 12 bucks. I was off to my local key maker after that...

[Scott_]

I bought my blanks from ebay. I got two for 12 bucks. I was off to my local key maker after that...

Good Luck. My local keymakers won't cut "BMW" steel key blanks. They are too hard on his cutting wheel.

[argent brick]

"If someone wanted to ride your brick away, it wouldn't take long at all to pull the ignition switch and bypass the key completely. And that's only if the screwdriver doesn't work first."

It looks super simple to bypass the key on a brick. Personally, I have never known anyone who had their brick or boxer stolen, but I do worry about it.
It is my understanding that if your bike is over five years old, your chances of it being stolen are much less.
Who would want an old, underpowered, overweight motorcycle anyhow ?
No wait, that would be an old underpowered, overweight GERMAN motorcycle. Otherwise I just described a HD.

[mjydrafter]

I bought my blanks from ebay. I got two for 12 bucks. I was off to my local key maker after that...

Good Luck. My local keymakers won't cut "BMW" steel key blanks. They are too hard on his cutting wheel.

I just told my local "gal" up front what it was and she cut it right up.  Didn't even charge me, although IIRC I had to do some "adjusting" to make it work, but no fault of the locksmith.