I've reached a new level of dumbassedness

[Legion1440]

I somehow managed to lose my only key to my bike (I had just ordered a new key to make a copy too), and have the wheel locked. Haven't had any luck getting a copy made, as I bought the bike used and don't know what dealership the bike was purchased from. Any suggestion of how to track down the original dealer, or how to get a new key made? Any help would be appreciated and all wise ass comments are expected and deserved.

[butcher bergs]

Check for a key code on the ignition switch then be prepared to spend a few $$. Likely going to have to bring reg and license to dealer when you order the replacement key(s).

[schleppy]

I would call the manufacturer with the VIN, or one of the larger dealers. Surely you're not the first person to have done this...

[Legion1440]

Thanks Bergs, I'll give it a shot. Is the code visible, or will I need to pull the ignition out before I can see it?

Schleppy - I tried GBM and they said that the VIN was useless, unless I called the original dealer, as they would probably be able to pull the key code. One of my friends told me that I could just replace the ignition if i had to, but I would definitely prefer not to.

[butcher bergs]

Key code should be stamped into the bottom of the ign switch.

I believe, and don't quote me, some Yamahas and Hondas have it stamped on the top where the key is inserted...a 3 character code as far as I know.

[Legion1440]

Awesome, I have an F4, so I'll give it a shot when I get home. Thanks for the advice.

[Evadd]

yeah, the VIN will get you nowhere for a new key from either the dealer or the manufacturer.

i'd be surprised if the dealer had the original key code. the key code usually comes on a little tag attached to the original set of keys, and i'm unaware of dealers who keep that info. i'd love to be proven wrong, however. in any case, clever people write down that code in the little key code box in the owner's manual (and then don't lose the manual). since many owners often don't still have the owner's manual when they sell the bike (which i've never understood), this gets less useful.

there is another option: call a good locksmith. they can come out to you and create a key using the lock itself, still in the bike. won't be cheap, but will be the fastest way. the other way to do it is to bring the bike or just the ignition (or seat lock, since they are the same) to the locksmith; will be a bit cheaper as they won't have to make a house call.

as for being stamped on top of the ignition, i haven't seen it on any of my 3 Yammies. the key code is around 6 characters long, not 3. i was also unaware that the key code is stamped on the bottom the ignition. can anyone verify first hand that that's true?

[LaRNZ]

I am a locksmith. I'm in Wilmington. I'll be able to fit a key using
The ignition itself.if u can find a keycode I can use
My new code prof I just got to see if I
Get any hits. Gimme a buzz when u can and we can go from there. Seven 8 one 7 1 zero 4 zero 4 three

[butcher bergs]

as for being stamped on top of the ignition, i haven't seen it on any of my 3 Yammies. the key code is around 6 characters long, not 3. i was also unaware that the key code is stamped on the bottom the ignition. can anyone verify first hand that that's true?

Three Yamahas you've owned is all you need to figure that all key codes are 6 characters and not stamped at the top of the ign switch in some cases?

[Legion1440]

I am a locksmith. I'm in Wilmington. I'll be able to fit a key using
The ignition itself.if u can find a keycode I can use
My new code prof I just got to see if I
Get any hits. Gimme a buzz when u can and we can go from there. Seven 8 one 7 1 zero 4 zero 4 three

Perfect. I'll give you a call when I get home tonight to see if I can get the code. I can meet up at pretty much any time this week except for tonight.

[LaRNZ]

If u can get the code I can cut keys no prob, we r open til 5. But id meet you at the shop whenever, as I live close by. Worst case if you could pull the ignition and leave it with me for a day, i should be able to fit keys to it no prob

[Evadd]

Three Yamahas you've owned is all you need to figure that all key codes are 6 characters and not stamped at the top of the ign switch in some cases?

no, common sense is all i need to know that key codes aren't stamped on top of the ignition switch. if that were true, anyone could walk up to a bike, read the key code, call up a dealer, manufacturer, or locksmith, give that code, get keys mailed to them and a few days later go back and pick up that bike. it's the same reason you can't get a key made with just a VIN.

anywho, i'm really not trying to start a pissing match. in my first post i didn't say it absolutely doesn't happen in some cases; i only said that i haven't seen it in 3/3 Yamahas i've owned.

[butcher bergs]

I have news for you. There are bikes that have the key code stamped on the top of the ign switch. One would either have to prove ownership or be "in" on a theft ring in order to get keys cut without issue or question.....much like what happened some years ago at a large NH motorcycle dealer. Bikes would come in for service then get stolen weeks later. Turns out someone was reading key codes and using his employment at the dealer as cover right up until he was caught.

[R7]

The key code with Yamaha's is stamped on a little plate that comes with your keys when you buy the bike, not anywhere on the ignition or bike

[Evadd]

I have news for you. There are bikes that have the key code stamped on the top of the ign switch. One would either have to prove ownership or be "in" on a theft ring in order to get keys cut without issue or question.....much like what happened some years ago at a large NH motorcycle dealer. Bikes would come in for service then get stolen weeks later. Turns out someone was reading key codes and using his employment at the dealer as cover right up until he was caught.

if that is indeed true, then i'll hand it to you. but i do have a legit question if what you say is true: how is that a locksmith can cut a key using only the key code? everyone that i know of who has used one said the locksmiths don't verify ownership.

[butcher bergs]

if that is indeed true, then i'll hand it to you. but i do have a legit question if what you say is true: how is that a locksmith can cut a key using only the key code? everyone that i know of who has used one said the locksmiths don't verify ownership.

I am not completely clear on how that works other than the key code possibly referencing tumbler lengths and/ or how they are sorted within the lock.

If a key code is not available, I've heard of locksmiths who have software that helps with the final cut for, say, the ign switch.

A common thing I've heard of is to pick the gas cap lock, remove that and bring it to the locksmith. A gas cap will have most of the tumbler code. So let's say I have 7 tumblers in the IGN and 5 in the gas cap. A locksmith can get the 5 cuts based on the gas cap lock alone then use software to more or less eliminate certain combinations of the final key cut. Again, I'm unsure of the specifics.

Tumblers are also color-coded, as far as I know, and can be cross-referenced to an appropriate key-cut, from what I understand.

As far as verifying ownership, I cannot speak on behalf of the locksmith's that don't verify ownership. Maybe distance to the vehicle is cost prohibitive in a competitive market or maybe they just don't care. I really don't know.

[LaRNZ]

The way codes typically work: guy comes in. Lost keys to car. He gives me VIN. I can get code but I do need proof of ownership in cases involving the VIN. If someone comes in with a code saying they lost the keys here is the code, I cut the key based on the code. I don't know of any codes stamped directly on any vehicle visible to the naked eye. Makes no sense to me why that would be done. Would be just too damn easy to get a key cut for it. Now why do I cut keys based on codes even he said they "lost" the keys even if that may not be the case. I cannot sit there and prove ownership to every code that comes through the door. I'd be closed permanently. Whos to say someone hasn't come in with a regular house key to be copied that they are supposed to be making, to I need to verify ownership to said lock? Nope. Do I have any clue they are doing something they shouldn't be?Nope

Now if ur asking how it's physically done, I get a code. Punch it into a prog that spits out a list. This list is long with a lot of manufacturers models and years. So it's narrowed down by knowing all those things. Click on one I need. It gives me the following info. Blank, cuts, wheel (to cut blank on), jaw to hold blank, and card to gauge cuts on. Put in a code cutting machine and go to town.

[BluGixxer]

Thankyou for clairifying that.
I was starting to get bad thoughts about looking for codes on ignitions and getting some keys made.
Is list you mentioned a software program that a registered locksmith can buy or an updated website, or niether

[dhuze]

I bought a bike once with no key. I pulled the ignition, which took some creative meneuvering to get tools onto the bolts. There was a code on the bottom. I brought that to a locksmith and he made me a key. I figured that was the cheapest way to get it done.

[tbass]

Go through the garbage that's where i always find my keys when i lose them

[Legion1440]

If u can get the code I can cut keys no prob, we r open til 5. But id meet you at the shop whenever, as I live close by. Worst case if you could pull the ignition and leave it with me for a day, i should be able to fit keys to it no prob

I wasn't able to find the code anywhere on the ignition, and I'm having trouble getting the ignition out due to the wheel lock being on. Any other suggestions?

[Legion1440]

Yup, just as I suspected, I'm a total moron. Just moved a week and a half ago, and found my key in one of the boxe that I was unpacking last night. I have no clue how it got in there, as it was nowhere near the stuff that ended up in that box. Oh well, happy ending aside from missing a week or so of riding. Thanks for all the help guys, and Chris thanks for the call. I appreciate it.

[LaRNZ]

No prob, glad it worked out for ya. Was actually gonna give you a shout today to see how you made out, if you want, at some point come down to shop and make some spares.

[Evadd]

No prob, glad it worked out for ya. Was actually gonna give you a shout today to see how you made out, if you want, at some point come down to shop and make some spares.

i was going to suggest the same thing. make some spares ASAP so it doesn't happen again. btw, they don't need to be brand-specific keys, unless they have a chip in them (usually only in euro/japanese-specific keys). a generic key will work just fine.

[SVRACER01]

yeah, the VIN will get you nowhere for a new key from either the dealer or the manufacturer.

i'd be surprised if the dealer had the original key code. the key code usually comes on a little tag attached to the original set of keys, and i'm unaware of dealers who keep that info. i'd love to be proven wrong, however. in any case, clever people write down that code in the little key code box in the owner's manual (and then don't lose the manual). since many owners often don't still have the owner's manual when they sell the bike (which i've never understood), this gets less useful.

there is another option: call a good locksmith. they can come out to you and create a key using the lock itself, still in the bike. won't be cheap, but will be the fastest way. the other way to do it is to bring the bike or just the ignition (or seat lock, since they are the same) to the locksmith; will be a bit cheaper as they won't have to make a house call.

as for being stamped on top of the ignition, i haven't seen it on any of my 3 Yammies. the key code is around 6 characters long, not 3. i was also unaware that the key code is stamped on the bottom the ignition. can anyone verify first hand that that's true?

if it was a HD you could just log into HDs website and get the key code. Hell, i can tell you where it was originally sold from, how many owners and sometimes even how much it cost