Car & Keys stolen, now I need to replace my bike's key..

[Dave_A]

Is there any way to figure out the key-pattern from the VIN or some other number somewhere on the bike???

My keys were stolen, used to steal my car (which the thieves wrecked), and then taken who-knows-where by the thieves...

My one-and-only bike key was on the car key ring...

Short of replacing the ignition and busting the gas-cap lock (the gas cap is in the tank right now, I have no way to get it off w/o either busting the lock or getting a new key), how can I get the right key for my bike???

[focus frenzy]

some GS's have the key code right on the lock where you stick the key in, you may have to look at the seat lock or the gas cap to find it, once you get the number (if it has it, mine does) take the number as well as your title to prove the bike is yours, to a Suzuki dealer and tell them your story, they can look up the key code and make a new key. (If they are any good!)

[focus frenzy]

If, by chance, the number is 446, let me know, I have a key from a GS I once had and have no need for it, you (or someone who needs that number) can have it!

[Anonymous]

If your local locksmiths are any good the can make one for you.

My best friend is a locksmith and he amazes me how he can stick a blank key in a lock, wiggle it, then cut a key just from the scratch marks on the key

[Alan Schlosser]

Dave, I have an 82 1100. See if you can find the key code on the tumbler or something. I don't want to post my code here (Marty knows where I live ) but if it's the same, I'll be glad to have one cut and mail it to you.
Al

[Anonymous]

key code location

On older bikes its right on the face of the lock, on the 80s GSes it's stamped in little tiny numbers on the lock housing somewhere hidden. You have to remove the lock from the bike, then look closely all over the housing in bright sunlight. :-) Often the helmet lock is the easiest to remove.
Suzookkeeper Ger

[Anonymous]

A while back there was a guy selling GS keys on Ebay. He had them under each different code, two for $20 IIRC.

I bought two myself. The only thing to watch for: some of the replacement keys won't go in the ignition switch all the way, though they'll fit the seat and gas cap. The shoulder where the key goes on the key ring needed to be trimmed back a couple millimeters to fit in the ign switch fully.

[Anonymous]

Have yourself a few spares made.

I made myself a few spares. I keep them with the title. I had a hard time even finding a place with the blanks. Then I had to pay $6.00 per key. I figured I had better get more than one before they become more expensive and harder to find.

[Anonymous]

Question about keys, kinda. Sometimes when I turn on the ignition on my '80 GS1100L, I turn the key too far clockwise, and it gets stuck at a point that's basically one full click past "ON". What is this? Is this normal? I have to fight the thing to get the key back counter-clockwise to the "ON" position.

- Eric

[Anonymous]

That sounds normal.

That sounds normal. I don't have to fight mine to get it back. Just have to push down firm and turn back. Does the bike run in that position? It locks the steering, turns the lites off, and lets the key come out. Is it for leaving the bike running while you go in the store or something?

[argonsagas]

You may have to push the key down while turning.
On some bikes, that position locks the steering and leaves the taillight on,
and if you turn the key the opposite way (counter-clockwise, past the OFF position,) you lock the steering, and leave no lights on.


Given that your stolen keys were used to steal your car, and the bike key is with them, I would look into replacing the locks on the bike.

[Anonymous]

Question about keys, kinda. Sometimes when I turn on the ignition on my '80 GS1100L, I turn the key too far clockwise, and it gets stuck at a point that's basically one full click past "ON". What is this? Is this normal? I have to fight the thing to get the key back counter-clockwise to the "ON" position.

- Eric

If the key is beginning to get difficult like this you are wise to get a computer cut key from the original numbers. One day that key will jam in the lock and won't move without a hammer and chisel. It is worth having a new key instead of one with twenty years of wear.

Kim

[Anonymous]

Well, here's the thing (and I'm sorry to kinda hijack a thread).. I put the key in.. Turn it once to the right for "ACC" or whatever. Turn it once again to the right for "ON". The key will go one more time to the right, and then won't move back to the left! When it's in this full-right position, I can take the key out.. I just can not get it twisted back counter-clockwise. Was just wondering if anyone had any similar experiences, or if I'm misinterpretting some "feature".

Thanks, everyone! I'm enjoying the heck out of my GS, and you guys are making it even better with your quick help and advice!

- Eric

[Dexx]

Dave, I have an 82 1100. See if you can find the key code on the tumbler or something. I don't want to post my code here (Marty knows where I live ) but if it's the same, I'll be glad to have one cut and mail it to you.
Al

Sure, I dissappear for a little while, and you cast aspersions at my honor.....besides, I already have a Blue 82 GS. But I do have a new truck that I could fit a lot of your spare parts into.....and you've got all those other cool toys too.....I should probably think about adding a trailer hitch before I head up that way again:-D

[kalessin]

Well, here's the thing (and I'm sorry to kinda hijack a thread).. I put the key in.. Turn it once to the right for "ACC" or whatever. Turn it once again to the right for "ON". The key will go one more time to the right, and then won't move back to the left! When it's in this full-right position, I can take the key out.. I just can not get it twisted back counter-clockwise. Was just wondering if anyone had any similar experiences, or if I'm misinterpretting some "feature".

Thanks, everyone! I'm enjoying the heck out of my GS, and you guys are making it even better with your quick help and advice!

Looks like this lock needs to be removed and either replaced or disassembled and fixed. The key is going beyond where it should stop. In locks like this, there is something that prevents the cylinder from over-rotating. The good news is that the cylinders from GS bikes show up on fleaBay pretty often...