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Lost Key! Ignition Replacement?

  • Thread starter Thread starter ilyena
  • Start date Start date
I

ilyena

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Hi all, I seem to have lost my key for my 1978 Suzuki GS550. Sad face, I know.

I've browsed the other threads here, and most of them seem to agree that just getting a locksmith to re-key is pretty simple. However, I don't have the key codes because I've removed the seat lock and the gas cap didn't come with the bike when I bought it, and I can't find it on the ignition switch. The only locksmith in the area that will cut bike keys says it'll cost between 90-200$ to cut a new key depending on how difficult it is for him to get the code from Suzuki based on my VIN.

However, I found an EMGO replacement switch for 20$ on Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/Emgo-40-71010-Ignition-Switch/dp/B000GU20J8).
Does anyone know anything about these switches? Is this a decent replacement for the OEM switch?
 
Code based on VIN?
Hmm

I say your best option is to remove the ignition lock and look on the underside.
I think the key code is stamped on there.

Barring that a whole new ignition lock should be less than a hundred and for that you have a fresh lock mechanism and two keys to lose.
 
You should be able to find the key code on the ignition switch...
It is right on the front of the 1100E ignition:

key_number_loc.jpg


The EMGO replacement is junk and will fall apart on you...
Ask this guy who lost his keys when his EMGO ignition fell apart...

motivator_keys.jpg
 
Ill try looking for that tomorrow once I'm back home. A brand new oem ignition is 200$ from what I've found online.
 
My hesitation comes from the fact that both the locksmith and a new part claim ~200$ to get a key, while the Emgo is 1/10th of that. I understand you get what you pay for, but if not the emgo do I have any other options? 200$ is a bit hefty for me right now.
 
The OEM part has sat on a shelf for 35 yrs and there is a hel of an overhead for that.

The OEM parts I have seen are no stellar piece of engineering. I say go for the emgo as its the cheapest route and its a mere 20 bucks
 
Take the tumblers out of your ignition, then any key or screwdriver will fit.
Or just replace the whole works with a toggle switch.
 
I bought a used OEM set off ebay for my bike.
Ignition, gas cap and helmet lock with keys.
Cost me $12.99 + S&H

I will second that EMGO is going to be more headache than it's worth.

Tank
 
locksmith

locksmith

$90 to $200 for a KEY??? You are talking to the wrong locksmith. This guy is a thief. More to the point, he just doesn't want your business.

Key codes are not essential to the process.

I have taken a gas tank to a descent locksmith that knew old school methods. He put a key blank in a vice-grip and filed a bit of the edge down. Putting the key into the lock and twisting slightly, he was able to mark the key blank with tiny scratches that showed him where to cut. Using a file and repeating the process in a few minutes I had a hand-cut, brand new key that worked! That only cost me about $25.00.

Seriously, ask around, find another locksmith. Someone can do a heck of a lot better than $90-$200.

ilyena said:
Hi all, I seem to have lost my key for my 1978 Suzuki GS550. Sad face, I know.

I've browsed the other threads here, and most of them seem to agree that just getting a locksmith to re-key is pretty simple. However, I don't have the key codes because I've removed the seat lock and the gas cap didn't come with the bike when I bought it, and I can't find it on the ignition switch. The only locksmith in the area that will cut bike keys says it'll cost between 90-200$ to cut a new key depending on how difficult it is for him to get the code from Suzuki based on my VIN.

However, I found an EMGO replacement switch for 20$ on Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/Emgo-40-71010-Ignition-Switch/dp/B000GU20J8).
Does anyone know anything about these switches? Is this a decent replacement for the OEM switch?
Click to expand...
 
LarryA_Texas said:
$90 to $200 for a KEY??? You are talking to the wrong locksmith. This guy is a thief. More to the point, he just doesn't want your business.

Key codes are not essential to the process.

I have taken a gas tank to a descent locksmith that knew old school methods. He put a key blank in a vice-grip and filed a bit of the edge down. Putting the key into the lock and twisting slightly, he was able to mark the key blank with tiny scratches that showed him where to cut. Using a file and repeating the process in a few minutes I had a hand-cut, brand new key that worked! That only cost me about $25.00.

Seriously, ask around, find another locksmith. Someone can do a heck of a lot better than $90-$200.
Click to expand...
I second this, we have a locksmith that is local and been doing locksmithing for years and I have had him do keys for me . The most I ever paid was like $25.
 
I've literally called about 12 in the area, told them I had the code, and they've all told me 75-125 with the code, and more if no code or the code is "invalid" or that they don't cut bike keys. Not sure if its because of the city I'm in?
Pretty sure I found the code though, does a 6 digit number sound right?
 
ilyena said:
Not sure if its because of the city I'm in?
Click to expand...

Without knowing which region of the world you are in it's hard to say. You can impress a key yourself, but it might take quite a few key blanks to get it right. Key blanks are cheap at Ace hardware, so Google how to do it and for it.

The code will be three digits.
 
Let me check my parts bin.. I used to have a full lock set from a 78 GS750.
I looked up the part numbers and the locks match between the 550 and 750 for the ignition and gas cap cover set.
 
is this your one ? @ ebay Ellington, Connecticut, United States. i got mine from eBay USA, shipped it to Australia, good as new only thing to look at is the length of the switch, mine was shorter than original in the body that the key goes into, but works OK, as my thread for it http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum/showthread.php?t=190556
and link to one on ebay.
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/NEW-SUZU...rcycles_Parts_Accessories&hash=item4abe09b72f
and add this , no more lost keys :) http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/EMBR-Suz...47?pt=Apparel_Merchandise&hash=item1c2a4e211f
 
Last edited:
no number stamped on the face of the seat latch? Did the key work all the locks or just the ignition? And on my 78 1000E, the number was simply a white silk screened looking 3 digits
 
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