Spare keys. We all take them but where do you hide them?
 

Ok, i'm not looking for exact details of where you hide you spare bike keys (unless your bike is better, newer, worth more than mine). My thought is, do you?
A) 'Hide' them on the bike, stash them behind a panel
or
B) 'Hide' them on you, stitch into liner of jacket.

Any pro's or con's would be great.
H

[This message has been edited by White Rabbit (edited 27 July 2005).]

As Chris Scott said when talking about this subject in the previous edition of AMH;
"I'll leave that up to your imagination"

you would feel silly if you lost your jacket with your bike keys in the pocket AND your spare which was sewn into the lining. Hide them on the bike. I cut the plastic off and and stash the small metal part of the key.
Bill

[This message has been edited by Bill Holland (edited 28 July 2005).]

Mine are on a lanyard around my neck, i wear them whilst i sleep and shower etc i never take em off.

Hi key bikers

1) When i ride with others we keep the spare key with each other.
2) When alone, The spare key is hidden on the bike separated from hidden money and copies of documents.
3)i've got a mate that hide things inside his bikes rear light reflector box.

Yoni

Hi, always on a string around your neck, as a previous reply has stated never take them off.

Have a nice one.

PK

under the footpeg rubber

Pete, Pete, Pete: the hard men of the overlander world would scoff at the thought of rubber on the footpeg. http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/ubb/smile.gif

How about, inside the swing arm. They are usually hollow aren't they?

Of course, if you have an XR400, I believe the problem of keys doesn't arise.

Simon

(You alright then Pete - back making California purer for all? When are the pix and stories going to appear?

Inside the housing for one of the turn signals - depending upon the bike, there's plenty of room! Best case - find a screw driver. Worst case - bust a turn signal.

http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/ubb/smile.gif

Hi Simon, Yeah I'm home at last. House is in good shape, Melissa is fine, got my job back. Had a nasty case of malaria in Africa but got over it. So it's back to work.

Pete

Good to hear you made it home Pete, I met you briefly in the Hadra hotel in Tashkent ('the darkest hole in all of Central Asia'). I made it to the UK myself, the R65 is still going strong and has been taking me on a few jaunts around Europe.
Sean

I have a copy of all the spare keys (disk brake lock, TT fuel tanks, ignition, padlocks for TT cases) in a ziplock plastic baggy thats suffercated in duct tape. I wedge the whole unit up above the rear wheel and zip-tied 3x to a piece of the motos frame. Its usually covered in mud so to look inconspicuous, of course.

Another places:
1) underneath the battery,
2) Underneath seat foam (between the foam and the seat pan.)
3) Taped / tied to the inside of the rear stop light housing.
4) Taped / tied between the License plate and its backing.

Also, remember to leave master copies at home with a friend or family member who in a worst case scenario can courier them to you.

If I were a thief, now i would know where to look.

This is the best answer.

In my front indicator lights, right next to the lamp, but so that you can't see it through the plastic. Lasted more than a year on my bike.

So what happened after a year? Stolen?

Parts like indicator lights can themselves get stolen... In the pursuit of easy to steal parts, your key might get discovered, and your whole ride lost... If you are the paranoid type, I'd concider some other hiding place.

My two cents: on my KLR I wrapped the spare keys & emergency money in plastic, then duct-tape and zip-tied them to the frame, under the fuel-tank. Therefore the seat, side-panels and tank had to come off to get to them, which seemed an unlikely thing for a thief to do unless he had the whole bike in his garage, anyway ...

For any bike-nappers reading this: nope, I don't have a KLR any more http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/ubb/wink.gif
James

The ideas with rear light box or indicators doesn't appeal to me at all. Happens at times that they get bashed - not only by you. Neither do I consider it a good idea to stuff it under the rubber of the footrest. Too moch danger of loosing it. Driving on dirt roads will probably give it a good battering when fastened under the fender.
I think a pretty good solution is under the tank. Not too much hassle for you, but enough for a thief.

For various items, I've used: -
Rear light housing - usually space behind the reflector (indicator housings can break open in even minor spills)
Inside the handlebars - attach to a strong fishing line and secure that under the left end bar rubber.
Inside the petrol tank - well sealed fuel-proof container, connected with a light chain to the fuel cap.
If you're daft enough to hide things you really shouldn't in any of these, be warned that the Indian Police (Goa)checked tank and rear light hidey-holes during what I think was a drugs search.

------------------
BobnLes

Grind down the wide part of the key, then stick it inside a length of rubber vacuum hose or fuel line, zip-tie it to some of those hoses running around your bike.

Under the seat worked for me.

I also gave a set to my travel buddy (although that is only an option as long as you are travelling together!). And left the unique honda key number with a mate back home in case I needed another one cut and sent to me.

I didn't opt for having a spare on a neclace in case I was ever in a situation when someone demanded it from me (hey, I grew up in Jo'burg, I can't help it!) - instinctively I would want to tell them to get stuffed... so, not the smartest option for a 5'7 girl http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/ubb/smile.gif



[This message has been edited by Shells (edited 18 January 2006).]

Depending on the bike you have here are my suggestions:
-Taped to the bottom inside of the headlight casing, or turn signals.
-May fit into the handle bar with a string tied to the key and taped to the inside of the bar end.
-riderwarehouse.com has a backing plate for the license plate, which is a small comparment to stash, well, stashable things.

[This message has been edited by ct_miller13 (edited 24 February 2006).]

Have any of you seen Pulp Fiction?

where to hide spare key ??
on the bike. cover your spare key with black electrical tape, remove one license plate bolt and attach key behind the plate.

Here's an idea almost no one will twig to. Go get some silicon sealant. Find a nice place to hide your key. Put the silicon sealant on it and wait till it dries. Spray paint it black or an appropriate colour.

The key remains safe, and looks like a bodgied up repair. Or if you hide it under / behind something it may just look like it is supposed to be glued there anyway. Or with a little talent the silicone can be moulded like it is part of the bike - food pad, grip area etc. Silicone comes in clear and non clear so if you get the non clear that's usually a better start.

In the event of lost keys it is so much easier to peel off the silicone and use the key than most other methods.

I can see this will also be of use with other methods like hiding it under pedal rubber. The silicone can be used to seal he foot pedal on. Oh, don't put it in your cas tank.

It can sit there for years until you need it.

Now that is a good idea.....if only I can find a way to keep the batteries in the remote control for the alarm and immobiliser fresh for years too I'll be set :)

From a Locksmiths point of view it pays to keep or write down the code number from the metal tag supplied with the keys for a new bike. Some brands may have the key code number stamped on the blade of the key. Others have the code stamped on the face of the lock around where you insert the key. Either way this code will enable a Locksmith to cut a key when all others are lost.
As for some later models, they have a transponder chip embedded in the head of the key which must be programmed to match the bikes ECU, can get very expensive and time consuming.

Glen

I 'hide' it on my girlfriend who's with me on almost every big trip. In case she's not, I never keep my set of keys and set of spare keys in the same jacket yet I would never hide my keys somewhere on my bike. It's usually in my rear Givi case (for which I have a couple of extra spare keys)

'Real' bike thieves don't bother with keys.

In the lining of your helmet

get a "money belt" not a real one or a full sized one but the kind that looks like a normal belt that has a zipper on the inside, not much room, its meant to store some emergency cash or a spare key

inside a thick pen that you keep with your tools, or inside the handle of tool

Spare keys
 

Ground off the plastic, drilled hole through meatiest part of head and then screwed it into my boot right in front of the heel where it meets the sole. Very easy to get at and if you're paranoid enough do each boot so if one does come off for some reason you still have a back up. Chris

One in my money belt, one in my Mrs' money belt and one at home. Question now is. What do you do with your money belt? :D

The best safegaurd is to have a bike no one wants to steal... A RH gearshift perhaps ( and no electric start )

Last year I decide to get a spare key as my bike came with only one. I tried to test it in teh car park where it was cut, I fumbled and it feel down into teh bike somewhere behind the fairing. I could not find it at all. So had another one cut.
This week when I did teh oil change I had to loosen teh lower fairing panel to get at the oil filter cover. As I pulled away the cover the key dropped out from between the cover and teh fairing.

It has been there a year nearly and been thousands of miles.

Why am I thinking of a gold wrist watch, Bruce Willis and Christopher Walken!:eek3:

Oh, I notice someone else mentioned Pulp Fiction. Great film.

I keep mine on a lanyard attached to a belt loop on my jeans and have them in my pocket. I used to keep them around my neck but the bunch has got too big for that now. It works well as you see them every day so know you haven't lost your emergency back-up.

I actually have 3 sets of keys on me while traveling. My everyday riding set, which is on a neck lanyard that is ALWAYS around my neck unless I"m riding. My spare set that is tucked away well in my bag. And a third 'emergency' set that I have locked onto the bike. I use a real estate agents lock box, the kind that is hooked around a doorknob when your house is for sale. It has a combination lock on it and it locks itself nicely onto the frame. Never needed it and assume I never will. But love that it's there.

On my F650 I just kept the screwdriver some thieving ****wit left in the ignition for me. Now that bloke could shift, so I never got to ask him why he'd left his screwdriver when he scarpered and why he'd turned on the ignition before thinking about the disc lock. :confused1:

Still, BMW's ****est security device worked regardless of if you used key or screw driver and I thought the driver might have other uses (like giving it's original owner something to think about everytime he sat down!).

I keep the spare key under the battery on the Triumph. Thing is, the battery isn't where Triumph left it :thumbup1:

Andy

Where do you hide your keys?
 

Hmmm, I had often wondered why off-road riders rode standing up.... Now I know!



On a more helpful note:
You could disguise it as something else... If your CDI is not visible, for example, you could fashion a fake one, under the seat or a panel and keeep them in there?

Get a couple of copies cut and enlarge the holes to take a bolt / screw. The key then gets used as a washer somewhere out of sight.

Great ideas.
 

Dam, i feel like a fool. There was i keeping it in my pocket. What would have happened if i had lost my bike-pants.
Mental note: Buy zip-ties, gaffer tape, plastic bottles, welding torch, string, other tapes.

spare key
 

There are many things to hide the spare key.
1) Underneath seat foam of your bike.
2) Taped to the under the license plate.
3) Under the battery.
4) Leave one copy of the key at home.
5) If you ride with others keep the key with each other. :scooter:

Nice tips in here. Just wanted to mention (because I'm the sort of person to do it)...do not hide your spare key where a key is required to acess it, i.e. under the seat on some bikes, etc.

Cheers,
Sean

On a lanyard round my neck never take it off.

...thus no matter where you put it
 

you just have to learn how to steal your bike. then no keys, extra keys, extra-extra keys, extra spear keys , etc etc etc, are required

:eek3:

i m a locksmith

:smartass:

Too true, although you will still have a problem with fuel tank/seat release if they are locked. I carry my spare keys for my van in the tool kit, along with the other screwdrivers!

Anyone who has had to break an ignition steering lock on a bike will know how easy they are to overcome

Keep them where you poke your suppository:confused1:

To paraphrase a previous Hubber: Imagination's the 'key'

Zip tye one to the frame in a discreet location of your choosing. Oh and have a knife handy if you ever need to get it off.

Have you seen the size and shape of batery isolator keys as used when the battery is in the sidecar :eek3:

Andy

On the inside of the rear cowl, stuck with RTV silicone. Can't be seen, but can be felt and removed by running a finger in that area. Nothing to be unlocked.

Consider using this item I found the other day - Its a key safe

I've ordered 1 so will let you know if it works.

http://www.presentsformen.co.uk/prod...Key-Safe-6584/

taped in the airbox

oddly thats exactly what i was thinking reading this thread.

Not a problem, you just have to hide that key where no one will find it ...

hey that'd be a good idea for a thread....:thumbup1:

Gongrdn - New key security
 

Just having a browse through this thread and thought some people may be interested in a product for key security, still doesn't hide the key itself but makes it more difficult to get to or steal, check out the attached link, especially if your down in Oz or Nz, seems the surfies are one up on us with this idea,
It's basically a combination paddlock with box section for locking in your spare key.

hope it's of use.

Surf Lock – Car Key Security Padlock

A lot of ideas....
 

Wow, some good ideas!! However I really don't think I would want to leave a key on the bike??!!

I always keep a spare key and spare cash under the insoles of my boots.
If you get your robbed they are unlikely to take your shoes (well in most countries).

Although this depends on your boots.......for some the insole may be too thin and uncomfy.......

True, however, like with modern cars these days - it is far easier to overcome the ecu immobiliser with the proper key - hence these stories of thieves stealing keys through your letterbox etc and taking the car by driving away...

Vehicles with built-in ecu immobilsers are almost impossible to override without the correct key - rendering the machine useless unless you break it for parts, or can find a new ecu/key combo from somewhere?

Another thing to consider about leaving your key on your bike (even if it is well hidden) is the insurance implications - many (all?) insurance companies won't pay out on a loss if the key was with the bike...

Personally I leave a key with someone who could post it to me if the worst happens - it might be inconvenient for a few days, but at least that way there is no danger of losing your spare as well!

As for this thread - I have to agree with Geoff van de Merwe and ArschaufGrundeis on the first page - use you imagination for goodness sake, don't tell the World Wide Web where to look!!!

xxx

the washer idea is a great one... and one which i will i'll be using, I've never lost a key before, so it doesnt need to be convenient to get to, if someone is gonna steal my air filter they arent likely to do it in situ

Hiding compartment
 

G'Day

I had a BMW gsa 1200 and purchased a plastic slim box. licence plate size and fitted in behind number plate that was locked by a key,

perfect location that no one would know, ideal for passport emergency cash and keys

think from memory i purchased it at twisted throttle

cheerz Maca

Now where to hide the key for the stash box :innocent: doh

The spare keys travel in the lockable hard luggage and a spare key for the luggage is fixed behind the licence plate screw inside the rear mudguard.

Those plastic 'hidden' license plate boxes.....

When we were riding through Turkmenistan a couple of riders we had been keeping in touch with had that box rattle open on a bad dirt road and lost 4 or 5,000 USD in cash. They asked us to keep our eyes peeled for it on a particular section of road. We never saw it.....gone forever.:(

...........shu

Ouch! :eek3: