Getting keys.

[spyug]

Learned an intersting thing today. I was told by a locksmith that replacement keys for new bikes are hard to come by as the manufacturers don't produce them unless called for(?). European bikes and scoots are apparently the worst.

Locally, few locksmiths carry blanks for bikes because there are so many different types. I spent a fruitless morning going to half a dozen shops. None of them had anything bike related and made no effort to try and match something.

I finally lucked out and for the local guys try About Town Lock and Key at 393 Cannon St. E. Hamilton 905 525 5564. They are super bike friendly and have a large selection of blanks. They will do house calls too.

A few other things I learned. a) Older bikes are easier to get keys for b) GS keys are the same blanks for ignition, seatlock and gas cap (oddly enough as it seems smaller) c)If you have the key code from the original keys you can get them cut without the original key to copy.

Debbie at about town also said it is a good Idea to have 3 sets especially if you travel distances. One to keep at home (original), one set for the bike and a second set to carry with you in case you lose the bike set. Makes sense.

She also mentioned that if you ever need to change the ignition module or seat lock or gas cap or whatever, a good locksmith can rekey to match your existing keys. Handy to know.

Get your spares made up before you lose one

Cheers all,
Spyug

 

[Macmatic]

One of my spares is made on an Axxess #50 automotive blank. Its too long but the shape is right and with works great. I keep it as my "in the jacket" spare. It took forever to find a place where the random hardware dude would take a minute to try and match up the blank but finally the cute girl in Lowes took pity on me and found this one.

So if you go to HD/Lowes etc for a spare start with blank #50, this works for the '83-85 GS750 GS700 at least and I'd imagine most of the GS series.

/\/\ac

 

[kerrfunk]

After reading this thread back in November or so, I purchased an extra key from the no-longer functioning ebay list.

There is at least one ebay listing for GS blanks.

 

[SqDancerLynn1]

My locksmith carries them in stock. They once even made a key to fit for a 67 Honda ign

 

[Guest]

I hope theres a good locksmith around here where i live. My key is about shot.

 

[Griffin]

I've ordered several keys from these guys, and they've worked every time:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/SUZU...2745775QQptZMotorcyclesQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories

 

[uudfourty]

1981 GS550
I can go to my local ACE hardware store and have them order blank SZ11 keys from Ilco, then cut them when they come in.

It doesn't cost any more than if they had them in stock.
If it does, they didn't tell me about it.

 

[mighty13d]

Burts Security in Augusta, ME. I have to leave it overnight so he can do it when he gets a spare min, but I've had 3 different keys made from locks there. He does them perfectly.

If it's a reputable locksmith, they will be able to make a key from a lock for $15-20. Mine always made 2 for $15, but that's me taking my helmet lock in to make a key and then taking a seat lock etc. They're about $2 for just a copy to be made.

 

[Bribird]

Thanks Griffin, for the heads up.......I just ordered a spare from him. I will have to wait and check it out when I get it.

 

[bwringer]

You can still get new key blanks from Suzuki for about $10 each.

Otherwise, you're probably stuck with whatever six inch long monstrosity the locksmith pulls off his wall first. :evil:

Wait, did that sound bitter...?

 

[bwringer]

If it's a reputable locksmith, they will be able to make a key from a lock for $15-20. Mine always made 2 for $15, but that's me taking my helmet lock in to make a key and then taking a seat lock etc. They're about $2 for just a copy to be made.

A locksmith here in Indy charged me $55 to make a key from my VX800's lock.

Naturally, I found the original key the next day.

 

[willie]

I had posted in the Wanted Section that I needed a key for the storage compartment on my '82GK. Today I dropped the panel off with a local locksmith. He made a key that fits like it should for $15. I mentioned to him that I'd post his contact info on the board if it was cool with him. He said that he can make keys for about any brand of bike and as old as the '60's. His price is $15 plus shipping. His name is Mark Fields and his addy is kingsportlock@aol.com
Good to know, if you ask me.
Willie in TN

 

[Zooks]

It's funny to hear stories about problems. I've had dozens of keys made for old bikes over the years and never had a problem. I've always found locksmiths to be nothing but helpful. Old locks re-keyed, 2nd hand locks changed to match existing keys, keys cut from worn old scrappy looking things etc. I even had a locksmith once make me a key with only 3/4 of the key (snapped) and he didn't even have the lock to go off (it was at my place).

Must be my charm and incredibly friendly nature.

LOL

 

[almarconi]

The spare keys for my bike were cut using ilco x87 or taylor x87 blanks. Both are stamped fits suzuki.

 

[BentRod]

I had a second key made for my gs400 from an unshaped, ungroved blank. It was just a strip of metal. Lock smith ground it down and cut the key for me. cost me about 8$.

a year later I bought the 550 Katana... wouldn't you know it? Same key!

The katana key starts the bike and opens the helmet lock, but not the gas, although my original and duplicate keys open all three, and the Katana.

I thought it was neat.

 

[Bribird]

Well guys, I am still waiting on a functional key from AJ...the link mentioned in Griifins post. The first one I got was labeled as my key but did not work...upon closer inspection it used to be a key for my bike but someone had ground off the bottom part of the key to try to make it fit something else I guess. He still has not sent the replacement key that will work...but has now told me 2 different times that he will.

I will let you guys know how it ends up working out for me.:|

 

[Bribird]

Hey all, finally got a working key from AJ. All in all it took awhile, but it was only a spare, so ..no harm, no foul.