Ignition key... not that exclusive it seems!

**maria41** · #1 9 Apr 2007

I bought my F650GS 18 months ago, 2d hand.
My husband bought a Dakar 2 months ago, 2d hand as well.
What are the odds that our ignition keys would match?
Well my key can start his bike and vice versa!!!
I can't believe this!

Do they use the same key for all bikes? I cannot believe the key would be the same on our 2 bikes!
I have not spoken to BMW yet. We just found out about this a week ago. Security wise, I'm not impressed! How many people walking around with a key that can start our bikes?!!!!
Obviously our bikes are chained at all times. I will go down to BMW soon and have a word with those guys! Not impressed!!!!

**hook** · #2 9 Apr 2007

Maria, I'll PM my present adress to you. Please send a copy of your key so I can see if it works on my bike. Please include your physical adress so I can return your key. Just for fun, send the key to your bike locks- just wondering if it will work on mine. Also, if you have a home alarm, send that along as well- just wondering if we share the same code! Ride safe ya'll. H.

**maria41** · #3 9 Apr 2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by hook

Maria, I'll PM my present adress to you. Please send a copy of your key so I can see if it works on my bike. Please include your physical adress so I can return your key. Just for fun, send the key to your bike locks- just wondering if it will work on mine. As well, if you have a home alarm, send that along as well- just wondering if we share the same code! Ride safe ya'll. H.

Hook!
don't take the p*ss out of me!

Really! this is quite poor from BMW don't you think?!
And I keep our bikes chained with a big lock!

**hook** · #4 9 Apr 2007

Hi Maria, I don't know much about bike ignition keys. I'm actually surprised though. There must be a few mechanics here that know about this. Let us know what BMW says, I'm curious. Ride safe, Dave. (I sent you and Al a PM).

**Solo Lobo** · #5 10 Apr 2007

While the odds should bew against something happening like you have experienced, I do know that there are a limited number of possible ignition keys..... I was told years ago the the mid-80's airheads only had something like 13 different ignition keys.

Also, if you lock tumblers are worn (or the keys), you may find that the keys are worn in just the right way to work.

I have a friend who locked herself out of her 1975 Volvo, I loaned her the key to my 1975 Volvo and she was able to get in her car...

**Iskaa** · #6 10 Apr 2007

I think this is quite common. I know Peterbilt trucks use only about a dozen differnt keys. I've got 8 older model GMC pickups for my landscape biz, I haven't tried each one on the other as the trucks are all numbered, but I know 1 of them does unlock the other, and of course the older trucks had 2 key system (door/ign) for more combinations. New stuff uses chips in the key itself for security. So I wouldn't get to fired up. Just think you only have to hide 1 key on your bikes now.

**beddhist** · #7 10 Apr 2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by maria41

What are the odds that our ignition keys would match?

I don't know about the current crop of BMWs, but when I was a bike mechanic in the early eighties in Germany Honda was selling bikes with keys with 4-digit numbers. That makes 10000 combinations max. At that time Neiman had a monopoly in Germany on ignitions switches: all Hondas sold in Germany had Neiman locks fitted. In the beginning this was the infamous and useless steering lock, later they replaced the combo ignition/steering lock with a Neiman lock that had longer key numbers and more complicated looking keys with six-digit numbers. All other locks on Hondas were standard issue, i.e. you had two keys for each bike where the rest of the world had one.

One day I had two VF750s to service and found to my consternation that the Honda keys to open the seat, etc. were unique, but the Neiman keys were identical and could be used on either bike. So much for the added security in Germany.

I have read other stories of people accidentally getting into somebody else's car that looked the same, but their key would open it.

Seems strange with key codes that long, but I get the impression that not all 100000 or million numbers are actually used.

**princec** · #8 10 Apr 2007

I'm informed that my 1200GSAdv has some clever electronic wizardy in the key which means that even if the patterns are somehow the same as someone else's the engine won't run.

I hope.

Cas

**oldbmw** · #9 10 Apr 2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by princec

I'm informed that my 1200GSAdv has some clever electronic wizardy in the key which means that even if the patterns are somehow the same as someone else's the engine won't run.

I hope.

Cas

one more thing to stop your engine. In the old days I just used to remove the rotor arm on my triumph, or just leave a bit of cardboard beteeen the points...or swap the leads

**loxsmith** · #10 11 Apr 2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by princec

I'm informed that my 1200GSAdv has some clever electronic wizardy in the key which means that even if the patterns are somehow the same as someone else's the engine won't run.

In recent years with so many bikes (and cars) being stolen, it has been deemed necessary by insurance companies to request the manufacturers to fit additional security devices to bikes on the assembly line. Transponders are fitted within the plastic key heads that must be individually programmed to match the bikes ECU. Even if the mechanical cuts on a duplicate key are the same, the bike will turn over but not fire. I suspect that manufacturers also wanted to tie owners back to authorised dealerships.

This has back fired somewhat as Locksmiths have access to programming equipment capable of encrypting keys for most makes. This gear is very expensive (upwards from $10K) so don't be suprised if the next key you get cut and programmed is as dear as a house payment.

As for the older model bikes with worn ignitions, the discs or slides wear out allowing more keys with similar cuts to work through them. Lubricate them occasionally with a dry lube such as graphite to prevent premature wear.

So my advice is to look after your keys more and don't allow them to be, crushed by a Rhino or submerged in water for very long as this can also cause them to fail.

Glen

**petefromberkeley** · #11 11 Apr 2007

At least they are getting better. On BMW /2 models every key would fit every bike. Not only that, but any ten penny nail will fit any /2 ignition.

**hook** · #12 11 Apr 2007

TOTALLY off topic, but are you the guy who was tied up and severely beaten in Iran? Strictly curious. Hook.

**Iskaa** · #13 11 Apr 2007

Hook -

When asking a question, who should put in the name of whom you are addressing - just helps a bit, cause you see...............that didn't happen to me.

**hook** · #14 11 Apr 2007

Apologies, it was meant for Pete. I just remembered someone telling that story- I thought it might be Pete. By the way- I'm glad it wasn't you! Later, H.

**maria41** · #15 11 Apr 2007

I dropped my bike to Alex last night. Now this guy is an ex teacher at Merton college, a VERY talented motorcycle mechanics. He is studying full time at uni now, but has been doing part time work. As I dropped my bike to get him prepare it for my trip, I told him about the keys.

He did not seem surprised at all. Seems to be common practice.
He is a big fan of an italian make (I cannot remember the name!) . Classic bikes.

He's got loads of them. For the hole of that brand, there are only 10 different keys. That's all.
So he's got the 10 keys and does not even bother to label them...

So... ride safe you all and keep your bike(s) chained at any time when not riding!!

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