SuzukiSavage.com /cgi-bin/YaBB.pl General Category >> Rubber Side Down! >> replacement keys? /cgi-bin/YaBB.pl?num=1252092334 Message started by Bryan on 09/04/09 at 12:25:34

Title: replacement keys? Post by Bryan on 09/04/09 at 12:25:34 Okay, once again, I'm completely clueless about motorcycles.  Here's my problem:  I just bought my bike.  It didn't come with the key for the steering lock, and I'd really like to be able to lock the steering.  The ignition key (I call it that, but I guess it's really for a bunch of other stuff too, like the gas cap and maybe the helmet lock?) is pretty worn, and doesn't even open the chrome toolbox cover on the right side of the battery (thankfully it's already off, but I've never been able to unlock it to get it back on).  And I figure if it doesn't fit the toolbox cover, it's only a matter of time before it's so worn down it won't fit my ignition.  So I'd like a new ignition key and a steering lock key. I know for cars, a lot of the time you can go to the dealer, give them your VIN, and as long as you can prove you own the vehicle (registration is normally sufficient), they'll cut a brand new key for you, and they only charge a couple bucks (from what I remember, been a while since I've had to do it). I talked to the Suzuki dealer the other day, and they said they couldn't do anything like that, but that I'd have to call a locksmith.  Do I have any other alternatives?  It seems to me like it'd cost quite a bit for me to go to a locksmith and have them make a key for my ignition and steering lock.

Title: Re: replacement keys? Post by Duane on 09/04/09 at 12:41:58 IMHO the steering lock key is a waste of money and time. My bike did not come with the key for it either but it looks like a pretty useless lock.

Title: Re: replacement keys? Post by vhfkid on 09/04/09 at 13:32:01 The steering lock is definitely useless. Don't bother. A simple $10 rotor lock would be a better choice to spend $$ on if you want security of some kind. Remember our bikes are some of the least stolen too. I'm assuming you don't have the little aluminum plate that came with the original keys, it has the key code stamped on it. With that a locksmith can make you a like new key. If you can't get that code either from the PO or the dealer, then you have a couple of choices that are easy: 1.Take out the pins for the gascap, toolbox cover, and helmet lock. Esentially then you can turn them with a screwdriver. (You could also file them down to the existing key dimensions too) 2. Get a used lockset from ebay or the marketplace, or a bone yard. Exchange out your worn set for a slightly less worn set that hopefully has more than one key.

Title: Re: replacement keys? Post by verslagen1 on 09/04/09 at 14:13:46 +2 on the useless steering lock, it can be broken too easily. And anyone who's going to steal your bike, most likely isn't going to ride away.  unless you left the keys in the steering lock. To see how to rekey the tool box, see the tech section.  All the locks (except the steering lock) use the same system.  But getting in to them is a little different. If not all then at least the early model bikes all have the key number stamped on the key and ig. cyl.  Look at the bottom of the ig cyl for the key number.  That number can be used to cut a new key. Most often the tool box cover falls off durring a big grin event. Yours was probably replaced and the PO didn't give you the key. No one here has reported a key wear problem, not that everything that happens is reported. The key is a special blank, can't walk into wally world and pick one up. (darn) They can be order thou.  Take notice of the 1st letter of the key code.  That is the keyway, you must buy an identical keyway or it won't go in.

Title: Re: replacement keys? Post by FreeSpirit on 09/04/09 at 14:44:50 There is a place online to order keys. If you had the key# to start the bike,would they automatically know what key fits the steering lock? I mean is it a designated key for the steering lock that matches/goes with the key to start the bike? :-/ Maybe my wishful thinking ;D

Title: Re: replacement keys? Post by Phelonius on 09/04/09 at 16:30:29 It sounds to me like the ignition lock has been replaced, thus the key that fits it does not fit any other parts either. A good locksmith can set up your locks so that one key will work for all the devices. Not that you will be able to get the steering lock to work anyway. Phelonius

Title: Re: replacement keys? Post by thumperclone on 09/04/09 at 17:16:40 take the bike to your local locksmith they can do whatever you decide... tool box and ing are the same,helemt lock i dont know dont use the lock...or a helmet either...stem lock is different for what its worth locks are for honest people anywho...talk to your insurance provider this is one of least likely bikes to be stolden..in most parts of the world... if you have never stole anything your bike is safe...karma law

Title: Re: replacement keys? Post by Stimpy on 09/04/09 at 17:32:23 I too went to a key shop to make copies (I just got one set w/bike) and the guy managed to make me in like 3 min a working set made from different keys that where not meant for the savage. The ignition key came from a blank that was for a Suzuki samurai or a suzuki swift or one of those toy cars that suzuki makes, the key IS larger and longer that the original but it works fine and was only like $2.   *This blank key reads:  X241 - SUZ18 (ilco usa) The lock key was originally meant for a padlock or something but was ground down to shape and ugly as it is it works fine too and this one was about $1.50  :D   *This blank key reads: M10 http://img98.imageshack.us/img98/6937/pict0001rr.jpg Hope this helps, good luck RP

Title: Re: replacement keys? Post by FreeSpirit on 09/04/09 at 17:53:11 Thanks Stimpy! (If that guy did it surely any place that cuts keys can do it!) I needed a extra set.  8-) Online is much more expensive!

Title: Re: replacement keys? Post by PTRider on 09/04/09 at 18:09:03 Telephone American Suzuki's customer service, 714-572-1490, and ask them how to get keys if you can show the bike's vehicle identification number (VIN) to the dealership.  If they tell you that it can be done, go to the bonehead dealer and TELL them how to do it. If you have one key in good condition, any real locksmith can duplicate it.  Any key cutter may be able to...confirm that they offer a money back guarantee if it doesn't work.

Title: Re: replacement keys? Post by ALfromN.H. on 09/04/09 at 18:10:49 I work at a lumber/hardware store and i know we have the "M10". I'll check to see if I have "X241" but i don't think so. I'm sure I can order them though. AL

Title: Re: replacement keys? Post by boofer on 09/04/09 at 19:33:50 Bryan, Just my opinion. Notice the guys with all the stars by their names pretty much recommended a locksmith? I only have one star, but I can explain what they mean, I think. My wife works at WalMart and is excellent at helping customers. Sometimes she calls me at home to ask questions to help her cust. But WalMart and other chain stores cannot keep every little thing. Here's how to find a good locksmith. He may be in the Yellow Pages, but his add will be very small. He will be in the old part of town. There may be an old Ford van out front with what is left of a key painted on the side. His door will drag and stick slightly as you enter, unless it's just propped open. There will be a cat on a pile of magazines on the counter. But just in case, watch out for an old dog on the floor. He won't notice you, so don't trip over him. No cash register. He will be busy , but he will acknowledge you and hold your key to the light as he questions you. He will not judge you for wanting a key for something he would never ride, or he may tell you of his rides in the late 50s. He will take time with you , and if he cannot help you after all, he will be very sorry. Its a matter of pride. Don't belive me? Such a shop is 30 miles from here. Or it was 8 years ago. Sorry guys, I tend to be wordy.   Boofer

Title: Re: replacement keys? Post by clueless on 09/04/09 at 19:51:50 Boofer is correct. I went to a dealer closer to me than the one I frequent. Gave me some story about Yamaha keys. Bought 3 blanks. Went to the guy boofer detailed. In 5 minutes I had 3 perfect keys. $7.00 WOW!

Title: Re: replacement keys? Post by justin_o_guy2 on 09/05/09 at 00:32:27 If the ignition works okay, then take the guts out of the tool box cover & mess with them till you can make the key open it or, this is risky,, make it so the key isnt even needed, gut the lock cylinder, use the key to rotate the lock into position & pull the key. But if you do that, it may fall off, IDK. If its hard enough to close the latch, maybe it will stay..? You culd piddle with it..Maybe its not worth the effort. If a locksmith is reasonable enough. You Do need a spare key tho.

Title: Re: replacement keys? Post by kimchris1 on 09/06/09 at 09:50:40 I got 2 sets of keys with the new purchase of my S-40. I have written the codes down in my owner's manual should I ever need to have new keys made. I use my lock and have no problems with it. I don't think of anyone riding it away as much as being able to place it in neutral and push it away. At least with the handle bars turned to the left and the forks locked it should make it harder for a person to simply walk up to it and place in neutral and push it away. That is why I use and will continue to lock my bike. I was warned by the salesman to be careful with the key for the lock as some have been known to break it off in the lock . It may not be the greatest yet again some prevention is better than none.

Title: Re: replacement keys? Post by tcreeley on 09/06/09 at 18:12:24 Re keys- when I bought my 1987 LS600 it came with a , broken key that was ready to go. But it had a number on it. I did a web search and tracked down a guy in CA I think who could use the number to make up a couple of keys. To get the right one I had to match the style key online with the blank. Then when I ordered it, I had to call him on the phone. He was straightforward. He could also make a key for the steering lock. The number is on the cylinder face under the pivoting cover plate. It cost me 30 dollars for two ignition keys, but at least I have them and didn't have to juryrig another switch. My computer died this summer so I lost all of my book marks- the key one too. I used google to search with. Good uck TC

Title: Re: replacement keys? Post by BurnPgh on 09/06/09 at 18:31:20 for the ignition/gascap key Id go with the majority and suggest a locksmith. And Boofer described the entire transaction pretty much to a tee. Scary actually. The cats name was Ralph. If that isnt an option blank suzuki sets can be had on ebay for a pair and that set may come with a blank for the fork lock to. On a side note, though this is a rarely stolen vehicle Im willing to bet when it IS stolen its by a kid taking a joyride. That being the case I feel this forklock would give enough deterence to a bored kid as opposed to someone who steals vehicles for an income. If you cant swing a new fork lock key get a disc lock or something. Having been a teenager recently I assure you they're ballsy but not usually super determined.

Title: Re: replacement keys? Post by verslagen1 on 09/06/09 at 19:15:21 balsy enough to cut all the wires hanging freely out of the ig switch and splice them all together?

Title: Re: replacement keys? Post by BurnPgh on 09/06/09 at 19:53:22 AND give the bars a hefty kick it would take to bust the lock? For a joyride? I doubt it. Around here they'd just wait for someone at the gas station to leave the car running outside.

Title: Re: replacement keys? Post by justin_o_guy2 on 09/06/09 at 22:34:51 More than one has come to a halt & crashed because of a lock on the front wheel. You gotta have s system, some way thjat youll always remember,

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