The missing key

[SLIW]

Yesterday morning i rode to work as normal. All seemed fine until i put the side stand down and went to turn of the bike.......but there was no key.

For a second i panic and sit there thinking how am i going to stop this thing until i realise i can simply hit the kill switch.

But how am i going to start it! I have not gotten around to getting a spare key cut so i begin to panic.

Someone suggested as a joke i try a teaspoon in the ignition barrel and sure enough it allows me to turn the bike on and off.

a few people gave me strange looks when i got the teaspoon out of my pocket to turn the bike on when i stopped at the shops on the way home.

 

[SqDancerLynn1]

Your ign switch is worn out. Just use any key turn it on, and put it in your pocket

 

[SLIW]

Thanks i will, now the only problem is how do i put fuel into my Tank

 

[Redman]

SLIW,

Intersting story in that I can imagine your surprize, and being puzzled at what to do next.

Maybe pull the main fuse might have been another idea.

More than just the key missing ?

Good that the spoon works, because the kill switch only cutts off the power to the ignition coils and ignition module (and starter button). Does not cut off power to any other circuit such as lights or anything else. (on the 850G and 1100G anyway).

What is your bike?

 

[SLIW]

Hi

It is a 1980 gsx 750ET

I was wondering if i could take the egnition barrel to a lock smith and get them to cut another key?

 

[67fire]

Isn't there a number stamped into your seat lock?
Give that number to your Suzuki dealer and they will cut a new key.
Go to a locksmith for extra copies. (cheaper)

Eric

 

[LarryA_Texas]

key code

key code

There should be a key code stamped into the bottom of the ignition switch. It's harder to get to than the seat lock or gas cap, but you have to have the key to open both of those. So the ignition switch may be your best bet.

A good locksmith can pick the lock on the gas cap (it's the easiest) and use the code under the cap to make a new key. If that fails I've had locksmiths use a blank and file a new key by feeling for the tumblers inside the lock. That takes a bit of old-time skill many locksmiths no longer have.

Either way, you're not sunk. You can get new keys that will fit your old locks.

 

[SLIW]

Mmm not sure if the seat lock has anything stamped into it. I will have a look tonight.

Thanks for the tips.

 

[67fire]

They are kind of difficult to make out.
From a couple of parts bikes...

Eric

 

[SLIW]

I just called a local deal and he said i would need to change the the entire key barrel.

MMMmm will have to look into this more.

 

[sschering]

Get the code and call a locksmith..
I've done it.. cost $20..

 

[Larry D]

I just called a local deal and he said i would need to change the the entire key barrel.

MMMmm will have to look into this more.

Bv!!sh!t.

There's a guy on ebay that will send you the proper key. Just give him that 3 digit code.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/SUZU...rcycles_Parts_Accessories?hash=item23052816a1

 

[Skateguy50]

I got a spare from the ebay guy and it worked fine, if you have a helmet lock that has the code on it too.

However the point about changing the ignition is likely true if you want to keep the key in when riding as it seems any new key will fly out. It will get you gas in the tank and the seat off though.

 

[dpep]

If you can turn on your bike with a spoon, you need a new ignition lock. If you get an original code key, your problem with the tank and seat will be solved, but you will still have an ignition that can be turned on with a spoon and that will probably allow your key to vibrate out again. I personally would not feel comfortable traveling long distances from home with it. At the very least familiarize yourself with the method for hot-wiring your bike and carry the necessary tools and tape with you at all times.

 

[Larry D]

Okay....I'll take back my statement. Although a new key is easy to get, I guess it could rattle out as the previous one did.....

 

[tkent02]

What wears out the locks is riding with big heavy keyrings hanging on them. Keep the bike key alone, with a tether of some sort if the lock is loose enough to wiggle it out. If a tight slot is important to you keep an eye out for a complete set, ignition, tank, seat lock.

If you have a different ignition lock, you can change or remove a few tumblers to make them all work from the same key, or you can have a key made with one side cut for each lock.

 

[67fire]

Keep the bike key alone, with a tether of some sort if the lock is loose enough to wiggle it out.
If a tight slot is important to you...

I am pretty certain that most guys here,
enjoy a "tight slot." :-\\\

Eric

 

[Macguyver]

That is fantastic that there is someone with keys for these bikes!

Thank you for posting the link for the guy with the keys on ebay, that will be much cheaper than the route the stealership said I had to take.
They told me I needed to order in a new blank ($39), and have them cut it using the old one as a templete ($15). I think they are just looking to pad their pockets a bit.

Key #?
I can't recall my ignition/seat lock having a # stamped into them. Unfortunately I am not lucky enough to have a helmet lock on my bike. I am going to check tonight and if I can find a key #, then I will immediately order a new set of keys for my bike.

Once again, thank you for posting this, it will be a great help as I only have one key, which looks really worn, the plating is flaking off, but the locks look clean and work well.

 

[Skateguy50]

my factory key had it stamped on it, so i never looked at the other locations

I did buy from the ebay guy, on the notes be sure to let him know its the big plastic cap suzuki key, and the number.

 

[bradleymaynar]

I guess buying a new ignition is an option, however, if money is tight, I'd opt to getting the new key but just removing it once the bike is on. But on the security side your bike could easily be stolen. It's not like the old Escort I had where the ignition wore out like yours. In that situation I could at least still lock the doors.

Brad bk