Replacement Key

[DocFJ1200]

I have lost the only key to my 1990 FJ1200. I do have the key code though. What is the best way to get a replacement? Thank you in advance for any advice.

[Dan Filetti]

A locksmith with knowledge of bikes might be able to help.  The dealer is the most likely source for help in this case.  (Did I just say that?)

Dan

[movenon]

I have lost the only key to my 1990 FJ1200. I do have the key code though. What is the best way to get a replacement? Thank you in advance for any advice.

If you can find someone that can work with the key code then make sure you take the title or registration in with you. Some locksmiths and dealers want to see your ID and proof of ownership before they will cut a key by a code. 
George

[ribbert]

Like George said, a locksmith, although I've never been asked for ID (Aus). The public (including locksmiths) don't have access to info to verify it anyway. I guess having a code isn't any different to having a key, unless it's a security key.
The last one I had done took 4 days and cost $44, about 4 times the going rate for a normal duplicate key.

Below is an old post on the subject:

New Honda's used to come with 5 keys, which were handed to the owner on a key ring when they took delivery of their new bike. I could not tell you how many times those owners have come back within  days, weeks or months asking if we kept a spare key for their bike.

How do you lose 5 keys? You leave them all on the same ring!

I have attended literally hundreds of vehicles over the decades to deal with lost keys. I have seen them towed and impounded, stripped, stolen and cause all sorts of drama to do with not being able to get where you are meant to be at the time you are meant to be there.

Having seen so much of this first hand, the first thing I do when I buy a vehicle is get keys cut if it doesn't come with enough.

All my vehicles have a spare key on them somewhere and a least one more at home.

If we go on a trip my wife and I generally have one each (transponder keys)

Think all this sounds like overkill? Then you've never lost your keys at REALLY inconvenient time or place.

As well as a key I leave a $50 note in the bike. Try getting petrol out some part timer at a garage 300 km's from home when you've lost or forgotten your wallet.

If you've got the original FJ key they can cut one from the number but it's about 4 times the price of cutting from a key.

[squidley63]

If you have trouble getting a key from the code you can go "old school" if you can find a blank for the key. You need to find a locksmith with an old style key cutter or you can whittle on the blank with dremel or similar tool.

What you do to find the shape of the key is light a candle(women usually have these laying around for various reasons). Hold the key blank above the flame so that it gets a good covering of black soot on the key. Next put the key blank into the lock and turn it back and forth as far as you can so that the tumblers in the lock wear off the soot where material needs to be removed. Next remove the shiny parts of the key blank and if you are careful and have a good eye you may get it on the first or second try. I've used this trick on all kinds of locks liver the years with pretty good luck.

Couple of things to keep in mind when trying this method. You are always better off taking off less material and trying it then if it doesn't work soot up the key again to see where its still contacting the tumblers. Also remember you aren't trying to heat up the key just blacken it up. I find about 2 inches above the visible flame is the sweet spot.

[ribbert]

Squidley, you haven't done time for anything have you?

[Arnie]

All this talk of keys has reminded me of a true story about keys.

A large(ish) Melbourne motorcycle dealer used to leave the keys in the ignition of the bikes on his showroom floor.  One day a customer who was upset at something the dealer had done (or not done) to/for him turned the keys to the LOCK position, and then took them.  Took a bunch of hours to get the lock cylinders out and new keys cut for about 10 new bikes.  The dealer was not amused, but I was. :-)

Arnie 

[movenon]

I am not a Locksmith by profession. In the passing of things in life I was sent to a locksmith school for a particular type of lock but the school trains you on all the basics. And graduates you as a "Locksmith".

Because of the high theft rate of bikes and autos here most professional locksmiths will not pick a house or auto lock system without ID and in addition if it is a car or motorcycle and you want a code key cut they want to see proof of ownership. They will record the information and if there is any problem with law in enforcement they can prove due diligence. The last thing a locksmith wants is to implicated in a theft or break in.  Can they be "tricked" by false information, yes. But as long as you have the proper ID, registration papers or title in your name then that's about the best they can do to insure you are the right full owner.

There are gypsy locksmiths out there working out of a truck that will pick or unlock anything for a few bucks. But if there is a problem they could be accused of participating in a crime. Some states have laws that apply specifically to the industry. In at least in one state if you have "picks" in your possesion it is a crime unless you are a registered locksmith. Even then you will be asked a lot of questions...

It should not cost more than 10 to 15 dollars for a key code cut unless the key is a "VATS" or other security chipped key. Then they rip you....
George