Lost Keys

[LordRyan]

If the gas cap,is also opened with the ignition key, it may be easier to remove it.
Just not sure if it has a key code on it.

It is, I was thinking about that but so far haven't found anything that suggest they key code is on that.

 

[berth]

Any dealer that sells the brand of bike should be able to look up and produce a key based on the VIN.

Except in situations like my old bike where the sub frame got mangled and they re-keyed the bike, so, essentially, "nobody" has the key code now.

 

[revnort]

2015 Kawasaki ZX6R

This is a new bike, seems like the dealers don't want to do the work?

Here is what a brief search on google says for Kawasaki:

Kawasaki:
Where to look:
*On Ignition housing
*Stamped on the back side of the Helmet lock-- Hint: Removal is generally very easy
*Seat lock
*Fork lock housing
*Call dealer with VIN to obtain code.

 

[LordRyan]

This is a new bike, seems like the dealers are blowing smoke up your ass IMHO.

Here is what a brief search on google says for Kawasaki:

Kawasaki:
Where to look:
*On Ignition housing
*Stamped on the back side of the Helmet lock-- Hint: Removal is generally very easy
*Seat lock
*Fork lock housing
*Call dealer with VIN to obtain code.

If only calling was that easy called almost every kawasaki dealer on the peninsula last one I called earlier today SF Moto has just instructed me to call a locksmith since they do not know how to find the key code. You would think that authorized Kawi dealers would have access by just looking up the VIN

 

[LordRyan]

I wonder if anyone has actually called the dealer with just there VIN to obtain the Key Code or is this just a myth.

 

[revnort]

I wonder if anyone has actually called the dealer with just there VIN to obtain the Key Code or is this just a myth.

I did it with my 94 toyota corolla. Not a bike, but they made with the goods right away. Did you try looking at the rest of the places I listed? The code may be there.

 

[revnort]

You can always try contacting corporate directly.
https://www.kawasaki.com/Contact/Corporate

 

[423yjl]

had a 2007 ninja 250, keys were copies of copies and barely worked, so went to dealership to try to get an original. HAD the key code off the bike. dealer said they couldn't do it, needed original paperwork

 

[justanotherg20]

[Begin preaching mode]
We get a lost key post here every month or two.

Hey everybody! When you buy a bike and only have one key, go immediately to a good locksmith and get some duplicates made. I recommend having at least four total keys. Put one of them somewhere that it can't get lost. You'll then have spares for when you manage to lose one. Once you lose a key, have another one made to replace that one so you're back to four again.

I keep all of my spare keys in an envelope in my safe along with other important stuff.
[End preaching mode]


Any chance that it would be easier to find the lost key than to get a new one made?

Potential tip: I leave one spare with someone other than me (my parents live in the same city as me so they have it, if not then I'd ask my best friend to hang on to it) so if I lose the key while I'm on the road or something, I might be able to call them and have them run the key out to me, instead of driving me back to my place, find the spare, and then head all the way back out to wherever I left it. I see it as a potential time saver.

 

[bpw]

Duct tape the spare up inside your fairings somewhere. Always there when you need it.

Sticking a couple $20 bills in with it might not be a bad idea as well.

 

[ocoas]

Last time I had a car dealer make a key for me they needed proof I owned the car. Driver license, registration.

 

[ScottRNelson]

If the gas cap,is also opened with the ignition key, it may be easier to remove it.
Just not sure if it has a key code on it.

Often the gas cap key as well as the helmet lock key does not use as many pins in the lock as the ignition key. You would be able to unlock those with a given key that still wouldn't work the ignition.

 

[Abacinator]

Such BS. You can go into any Mercedes dealer with your vehicle registration and driver's license and get brand new, replacement keys for a 30 year old car. Why do moto manufacturers have to make shit difficult?

 

[LordRyan]

Alright everyone time to revive a dead thread to actually post what I ended up doing. For some reason I never found the answer or one that worked and couldn't even find what anyone ended up doing in the end, so this is for anyone in the BAY AREA who asks how to get a replacement key if they lose theirs.

First thing, don't bother wasting your time with a dealer. I called every dealer on the peninsula some went above and beyond (Fremont Kawasaki actually helped me track the bikes origin to see if the dealer had the key code thanks guys!) and some didn't even know what to do and simply said "call a locksmith"! One dealer even referred me to their "guy" who quoted me $300 to get the keys. DON'T WASTE YOUR TIME.

Second I watched every youtube video in the entire world to try and figure out where my "keycode" was even tryed pulling off the ignition cylinder and everything. Here's a tip that I wish someone told me sooner. Newer bikes, (mine being a 2015) do not have the key code stamped on there anymore due to theft. If you have a older bike you are in luck, if not DON'T WASTE YOUR TIME.

Solution after spending more time then I needed to, three months exact and reading through countless threads about what someone did back in the day and calling their sources which told me the same old thing "no key code no solution" or "send us your lock cylinder if you can remove it" . I stumbled across a man by the name of Andy! PLEASE CALL HIM BEFORE WASTING TIME AND MONEY. This guy not only knows his shit and way around motorcycles but is the best damn mobile locksmith I have met. His customer service is by far the best. I called him today 1/11 in the late afternoon explained my situation and he told me he could be at my house in a couple hours after asking a few questions!! Same day service? GREAT! He not only arrived on time, and worked in the dark with one flashlight but was able to do what other locksmiths I called in the Bay Area couldn't. It only took him about an hour. Let me just emphasize again dude literally worked in the dark! I was amazed! Probably even do it quicker if he had light. Here's the best part after finishing he tells me about what he did etc. and not only gives me one but TWO FREE keys. His price was more than reasonable and the BEST I could find in the Bay Area for someone who stood in the dark and cold to accomplish this task in the time he did. So if you ever lose your keys I highly recommend not wasting your time and call Andy. His number is (408) 460-7079, tell him Ryan Chappell with the 2015 Kawasaki sent you and he'll take care of you.

Moral of the story make at least 3 spares.

If you don't believe me check out his Yelp.

Hope this helps anyone stuck like I was!

 

[bruceflinch]

[Begin preaching mode]
We get a lost key post here every month or two.

Hey everybody! When you buy a bike and only have one key, go immediately to a good locksmith and get some duplicates made. I recommend having at least four total keys. Put one of them somewhere that it can't get lost. You'll then have spares for when you manage to lose one. Once you lose a key, have another one made to replace that one so you're back to four again.

I keep all of my spare keys in an envelope in my safe along with other important stuff.
[End preaching mode]


Any chance that it would be easier to find the lost key than to get a new one made?

So true! I recently bought a used bike. Came with two keys & the code tag. One key had been bent. I bought two blanks from Contra Costa Powersports, in Concord, for $10.50 each & took them to County Locksmith, in Concord & paid $6.00 for two new keys. I have a Givi box with a separate key. On the Honda, you can't leave the boxes unlocked. And while warming up the bike, I happen to need to get into box & crap, gotta turn the bike off... So I got a carbineer to hold two Honda Keys & the Givi key, to solve that problem..

Alright everyone time to revive a dead thread to actually post what I ended up doing. For some reason I never found the answer or one that worked and couldn't even find what anyone ended up doing in the end, so this is for anyone in the BAY AREA who asks how to get a replacement key if they lose theirs.

First thing, don't bother wasting your time with a dealer. I called every dealer on the peninsula some went above and beyond (Fremont Kawasaki actually helped me track the bikes origin to see if the dealer had the key code thanks guys!) and some didn't even know what to do and simply said "call a locksmith"! Even the place I bought the bike from! One dealer even referred me to their "guy" who quoted me $300 to get the keys. DON'T WASTE YOUR TIME.

Second I watched every youtube video in the entire world to try and figure out where my "keycode" was even tryed pulling off the ignition cylinder and everything. Here's a tip that I wish someone told me sooner. Newer bikes, (mine being a 2015) do not have the key code stamped on there anymore due to theft. If you have a older bike you are in luck, if not DON'T WASTE YOUR TIME.

Solution after spending more time then I needed to, three months exact and reading through countless threads about what someone did back in the day and calling their sources which told me the same old thing "no key code no solution" or "send us your lock cylinder if you can remove it" . I stumbled across a man by the name of Andy! PLEASE CALL HIM BEFORE WASTING TIME AND MONEY. This guy not only knows his shit and way around motorcycles but is the best damn mobile locksmith I have met. His customer service is by far the best. I called him today 1/11 in the late afternoon explained my situation and he told me he could be at my house in a couple hours after asking a few questions!! Same day service? GREAT! He not only arrived on time, and worked in the dark with one flashlight but was able to do what other locksmiths I called in the Bay Area couldn't. It only took him about an hour. Let me just emphasize again dude literally worked in the dark! I was amazed! Probably even do it quicker if he had light. Here's the best part after finishing he tells me about what he did etc. and not only gives me one but TWO FREE keys. His price was more than reasonable and the BEST I could find in the Bay Area for someone who stood in the dark and cold to accomplish this task in the time he did. So if you ever lose your keys I highly recommend not wasting your time and call Andy. His number is (408) 460-7079, tell him Ryan Chappell with the 2015 Kawasaki sent you and he'll take care of you.

Moral of the story make at least 3 spares.

If you don't believe me check out his Yelp.

Hope this helps anyone stuck like I was!

Didn't realize this was an old thread till I read your post.

 

[tgrrdr]

2015 Kawasaki ZX6R

glad you got this resolved. apparently this post from a thread last fall isn't entirely accurate (or you were mis-informed by multiple dealers).

Kawasaki records the key codes now when every new vehicle is sold. Call your local dealer or any dealer for that matter and they can chech and then you can get a key cut at any locksmith assuming they have the correct key blanks also available from your local dealer. Good luck.

and for anyone reading this thread in the east bay with a similar issue...

Talk to Tom (KeyMan), his shop is Longs Locksmiths in Berkeley.
(510) 841-4806

Got it resolved gave Tom a call he helped me look for the key code over the phone and got a key made saved a few bucks that can now go to a new tirearty

 

[ScottRNelson]

Moral of the story make at least 3 spares.

Glad you finally got it resolved. Too bad it took so long.

Keep your spares in a safe place. And maybe someone else will read your story and get their extra keys now instead of having to go through all of this like you did.

 

[Mr Pepsi]

I think what it really came down to is having a whole lot of lazy ass dealers that refused to step up or know what to do.

I'm curious where the locksmith ended up looking to find the key code, who he called, etc.

Oh and... What's a key?

 

[auntiebling]

After losing my one and only fancy flip out audi key (used purchase) 10 years ago at great America i.am now paranoid about havinh spares. I usually send at least one set along with the vehicle when I sell it, having automotive ADD this is inevitable, and then fine the backup backup spares in my garage for years afterwards.

anyone know where I can find c2001 husqvarna keys? I havent looked yet

 

[LordRyan]

I think what it really came down to is having a whole lot of lazy ass dealers that refused to step up or know what to do.

I'm curious where the locksmith ended up looking to find the key code, who he called, etc.

Oh and... What's a key?

Now I am no locksmith nor have really any knowledge on the subject but I asked him the same question so here's what I understood. He also didn't call anyone. Feel free to correct me on any of this: " Most bikes have multiple key references that help in making the key and sometimes they are the actually referred as "Key Codes" unfortunatly there we no key references for my bike so he ended up doing everything manually. He had to pick the gas tank lock. Reason for gas tank is that not only is it easier but the ignition was pretty "deep" don't know what that means. Each lock has different depths apparently the gas tank lock has 5 depth and the ignition has 7. So after making the impression of the gas tank lock all he had to do was essentially a educated guess to get the other 2 missing depths for the ignition. Once he did that BINGO. Again I know I am probably wrong with the wording but that's the best I remembered from what he told me. If someone knows more on this process please share. Would love to know.