Make extra key copies while you still can...

[tcobar]

During my relocation to Norther Cali I lost my mean streak key. Don't know what happend, just got lost in the shuffle I guess. Well, months later, I started using my spare key. I kept thinking to myself to go make another copy... Well you guessed it... I lost the spear too. Somehow during my last long trip it must have fallen off my key chain where I keep all my other keys.. Well, I come home a few weeks later, expecting to take a nice ride and Where's the Key? Called the dealership and thought, they'll have the code and I'll get a copy made. NOPE. No code. They said I would have to replace the ignition, steering lock, gas cap, etc.. All totaled more than $500, and that's just for the parts. Well, I ended up calling a bunch of locksmiths till I found one that picked the lock and made me a key. $178. Took him about 2.5 hours, but he got it. Now I'm going to make 10 copies... I'm still bummed because the spare does not look like the originals did. The blanks are the new style, not like the ones from 04'. Oh well, live and learn.

[Tbone800b]

Sorry about that. Now you're gonna be pi**ed if the original shows up.

[ervins]

I always have 3 copies of keys...1 for me, 1 for the wife, and one that stays at home...Loosing keys is the worst. Sorry to hear that.

[bamavulcandave]

Never thought this could happen to me also. Think I will get that 3rd key made ASAP.
I slim jim students vehicles at an university saving folk $50 a vehicle and I tell them all the time after I get it open, "Go spend a few bucks and get you a key made because you may be somewhere else and lock them up".
Good post tcobar, thanks for sharing.











06' 900 Classic LT Blue/Silver "Woodrow"

[MikeE]

Good call on getting spare keys made. I carried a spare in my wallet for my old truck after I locked myself out one time and had to have my dad drive the spare out to me.

Reminds me I need to get a spare to carry in my wallet for my new car. The spare's locked in my appartment, and there's nobody to drive the spare out to me now...

[zedx11]

sometimes if you get the setup sheet with a new bike the key code is on the upper right. not all shops do this because they don't want you to think that the code can be given out for a key to be made without you knowing. if it was a used bike and you didn't get all the original paperwork you are pretty much out of luck and have to get a locksmith.

[SixFiveOh]

Good thread. I have the two originals for all the bikes we own. I keep the second set here at the house in case the first key is lost, but I never thought about a replacement key not matching the originals. I also take the second set with me when we go on overnight trips and it would be a real bummer to lose BOTH sets. I think I'll have a third set made today and use that set as the emergency set for touring.

[ccnorton]

I keep one in my wallet, one at the office, one at home plus the one I'm using, been down this road toooooo many times.

[Tattoomarc]

I always keep copy's as I have mastered locking my keys in the car sometimes while it is running...

[kingofwings]

Sorry it happened, but a really good lesson for all of us.

[Thmastr]

hm I only have one copy, and it is bent... I have been wanting to get a key done but a the price of $27 I was thinking really hard about it! but now that you put things into perspective...

$27 v.s. 500... Ill spend the 27 thank you!

[ervins]

Originally Posted by Thmastr

hm I only have one copy, and it is bent... I have been wanting to get a key done but a the price of $27 I was thinking really hard about it! but now that you put things into perspective...

$27 v.s. 500... Ill spend the 27 thank you!

One of my biggest fears is losing keys...Imagine being locked out of anywhere. Yeah the math is correct LOL!

[tcobar]

You know, you always think, "it can't happen to me", or "It won't happen to me, I know better and I'm real careful..." That's what I thought, untill it happend. And yes, the math is right... spending a few bucks now will save you lots later, not to mention the headaches and lost time not riding. (Luckily for me, I was able to drive the truck in to work untill the locksmith came out to make the spare) But to me its not just that I lost the key. Sure I got another made, it works, I can still ride ... even though it cost me the $178... However, I lost the original set... the ones that came with the bike when I rode it off the lot... they ment a lot to me ... it may sound cheesy, but they were special ... now I have a cheep looking replacement.

[Bilby]

I have to say that I learned my lesson after locking my keys in my car...

... while it was running...


... twice, within 2 weeks.


What can I say, it can be cold here in the winter time, and I habitually lock the car door when I get out. Sufficed to say that after the second time AAA let me in, I drove straight to the hardware store and had 3 copies made. One is in my wallet, one is on the keychain of one of my best friends, and the last my father has, just in case.

I've got a full set of my friend's keys, and he has a full set of mine. It's conveniant to have it that way, as both of us live in the same city, and sometimes it's nice to not have to call a smith


oh, and yay for my 100th post! .55 posts/day avarage, and i've only been regularly posting here for about a month

[Red-Leg]

Okay, is there an easy answer for where to source a spare key for my '89 EX500? Bought the bike used. I've got one original and am looking to have spares made. My local locksmith tried using a different length blank and none of them worked.

Any idea where to just get a blank for my bike? If I had the blanks, I can have spares made.

Thoughts?

[Bilby]

Make a new thread when you have a new issue

And- change locksmiths. whatever k-mart specialist you're using obviously can't handle a nonstandard key

Check with a local kawi dealershop, they should be able to copy your key for very little money.

... and welcome ...

[bross]

Originally Posted by zedx11

sometimes if you get the setup sheet with a new bike the key code is on the upper right. not all shops do this because they don't want you to think that the code can be given out for a key to be made without you knowing. if it was a used bike and you didn't get all the original paperwork you are pretty much out of luck and have to get a locksmith.

Our dealer does this, and makes a point of mentioning it when doing all your paperwork, they write the number down on the Pre-delivery checklist which we get a copy of and they keep one as well, so they always have your key number on file. Haven't had to use that service yet, thankfully. Sorry about your keys tc, that really stinks.

[bross]

Originally Posted by Bilby

I have to say that I learned my lesson after locking my keys in my car...

... while it was running...


... twice, within 2 weeks.


What can I say, it can be cold here in the winter time, and I habitually lock the car door when I get out. Sufficed to say that after the second time AAA let me in, I drove straight to the hardware store and had 3 copies made. One is in my wallet, one is on the keychain of one of my best friends, and the last my father has, just in case.

I've got a full set of my friend's keys, and he has a full set of mine. It's conveniant to have it that way, as both of us live in the same city, and sometimes it's nice to not have to call a smith


oh, and yay for my 100th post! .55 posts/day avarage, and i've only been regularly posting here for about a month

I do the same thing here in the winter, start the truck to let it warm up but make sure it's locked. I keep the "valet" key clipped to the little strap I have in my pocket, never take it off, I can reach the lock with it still clipped to that strap so I know I always have a key with me. Man twice in 2 weeks! And you sure don't want to lose one of the new keys for pretty much any new car, the ones with the little microchip, those suckers are around $100 to replace!

[OmahaRider]

Always get a pair and a spare with any new to you vehicle.

[CTRider]

Originally Posted by Red-Leg

Okay, is there an easy answer for where to source a spare key for my '89 EX500? Bought the bike used. I've got one original and am looking to have spares made. My local locksmith tried using a different length blank and none of them worked.

Any idea where to just get a blank for my bike? If I had the blanks, I can have spares made.

Thoughts?

You may have to go through a Kawi dealer for it. Maybe ask in the sport bike section where more people might know.