Lost my key

[Hyja1]

Lost my bike key today. Had to Uber home, pickup my OEM spare and return to get my bike. I checked online and found Amazon selling 5 blanks for $7.00. A great deal if they work. (It specifically identified a fit for my 1150). I checked past threads and some have said that Home Depot doesn’t cut them or doesn’t do a good job. Does anyone have experience with these non OEM blanks and who can cut them so they work?

[sykospain]

Maybe a specialist key-man rather than a general store like your USA Home Depot. In the UK I certainly wouldn't entrust a key-copy to Harrods or somebody like that - better a Mr. Key or other single-operation outlet. Their new-generation scanners are amazingly accurate - none of that "Scrubbed it with a file to take the burrs off, pal - just try it and come back if it's wrong" no thank you.
I've used Chinese blanks as perfectly usable copy keys in the past.
Obviously pay through the nose for a genuine Neimann blank, just for peace of mind, but the cheapo ones work fine.
Incidentally, have you tried one of the new-generation Chinese BIKES ? Gobsmacking...

[kirby]

One thing I have ALWAYS done on my machines is to hide a spare key somewhere on the moto. Usually tape it to a frame member or something like that.
I'd use a locksmith (common in the states) to cut the key.

Just say'n

[Sunbeemer]

OEM blanks are made of stainless steel, whereas most keys are brass, so a lot of locksmiths won't/can't cut them without damaging their grinding wheels. Some will use a special wheel they use just for that purpose, but charge more than cutting a regular brass blank.

BTW, stainless steel keys last a lot longer than brass keys, esp. vibrating in the ignition switch.

[Hyja1]

Good feedback. Especially taping a hidden spare. I’ll order the blanks and find a proper locksmith. But then, I’ll probably never lose another key again. Lol.

[kirby]

That's the idea!

[EasyBee]

I always keep a spare key in my motorcycle jacket. I never ride without my jacket. When you tape it in a hidden place and ride in the rain you run the risk that the tape (or whatever you use) looses grip because of the water.

[kirby]

Nonsense been doin that for many years. Use good tape.

[towerworker]

I'm working p/t for local h/w store. I cut keys and we have a blank that matches my oem. BUT I've yet to be able to cut one that will turn the ignition. It will open the cases (not real difficult). I've cut many hundreds of keys with good success. Once in a while a double sided automotive key will be challenging as you have to index both sides identical to one another. I've compared the newly cut with the original and can see no physical difference but to no avail. I don't think I would trust Home Depot or Lowes to cut the blank. I'd take it to a known good locksmith.

[Sunbeemer]

I think I remember that a blank for a BMW M3 car will work in our bike's ignition switch. It is made of brass, but would be fine for a hidden spare.

[Orygun]

Good advice from towerworker and kirby to recommend a 'real' locksmith. Tried to have a kiosk make a key for me (just an extra for my R1150RT) but it was always a "jiggle and hold your mouth just right" sort of operation even on the bags. Was at locksmith in town (Salem, OR) for other keys and asked them to cut one extra for my bike. She not only cut me a good, workable spare but cleaned the other 'kiosk' key up so that it worked properly in all positions. I am a proponent of the keep a key in an article of clothing that goes riding with you as well EasyBe even though I am sure there are good tapes to be had kirby. I would not want to be digging around in the rain and road gunk for a key when I was already kinda out of sorts.

[kirby]

Putting the key somewhere on the bike is the ONLY sure way in a pinch, it will ALWAYS be there no matter what your wearing.

I once dropped my key while fueling in the rain and it went down under the tank!!! That means I would have had to pull the tank to retrieve. Instead I cut my spare loose and was on my way in a couple of minuets.

I have several different jackets I ware depending on the mission...uh which has the key???

I carry a pocket knife and I can get to the key in seconds. If you think about it , you will fine a place and a way to hide a key ON THE MACHINE! I choose the tape method and its worked for me for many years.....Not adhesive tape but PRESSURE tape found at any auto parts store.(black)

BTW, if you choose to put the key somewhere there is "road gunk" all over it...ah..what are you thinking? My emergency? key has no plastic handle it is just the metal part 'cause its a temporary means to operate the moto. Its hidden in plain sight, I can see where while ridding.


FWIW

[Hyja1]

Lost key update: I ordered the blanks from Amazon and they came in. (5 blanks for $7.00 shipped free). They look identical to my OEM key. Even had the BMW logo on the handle and neiman stamped on the base of the blade. Only difference was the handle was hard plastic and the OEM is a hard rubber.

I had to go to Home Depot for a toilet flapper so I decided to take a blank and see what would happen. The HD guy said my key wasn’t in his laser cut program and refused to use my blank. So I looked up a real locksmith across town and on the way I drive by an Ace hardware and decide stop in. I ask If they could cut my blank and he says “sure”. Takes about 2-3 minutes and cuts a perfect key on his non laser jig. The key works perfect on all my locks. He charges me $2.93. Talk about a deal. I’m back in business.