BMW R nineT key quick facts
- BMW's 2020 US manual says the R nineT comes with two ignition keys and one key for removing the passenger seat.
- The ignition key fits the ignition and steering lock and the fuel filler cap.
- The passenger seat is released by removing a screw with the separate motorcycle seat key.
- The rider's seat comes off with a pull-up locking mechanism after the passenger seat is removed, not with a keyed seat lock.
- When the immobilizer is active the dash shows the general warning light and a key symbol.
BMW R nineT key types by year
| Years | Models | Key type | Chip | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| From 2014 | R nineT family | transponder key (EWS), keyed ignition | yes | Two ignition keys. A third, smaller key is a tool for the passenger seat screw. |
Three keys in the box, two that start the bike
The R nineT causes more key confusion than most BMWs because of what comes with it. The 2020 US rider's manual says you are provided with two ignition keys and one key for removing the passenger seat. The seat key undoes a screw that holds the passenger seat, and once that is off the rider's seat lifts away with a locking mechanism you pull up. Used bikes often change hands with one ignition key and the little seat key, and the buyer assumes they have a spare. They do not.
The ignition key itself fits the ignition and steering lock and the fuel filler cap. There is no factory luggage on the same key system to worry about.
Need a key for your R nineT?
Call or text with the year and where the bike is parked.
Or read first: all services · common questions · about us · contact details
EWS on the R nineT
The immobilizer is the same EWS used across BMW's range: a ring antenna reads the key, and the engine control unit only allows a start for a key it recognizes. If the general warning light comes on with a key symbol, the manual gives the cause as a key that is not authorized or disrupted communication between the key and the engine electronics. Its advice is to remove other ignition keys from the ring and to have a defective key replaced.
If you lose one key, BMW's manual says a dealer can disable it and that you should bring the remaining keys. New ignition keys come only through an authorized retailer, who has to check that the request is legitimate.
Custom builds and relocated ignitions
The R nineT is a popular base for customs, and relocating the ignition switch is a common change. Moving the switch does not remove the immobilizer. The key still has to be read by the ring antenna, so the antenna has to travel with the lock and stay connected. When a relocated bike shows the key symbol and will not start, the antenna and its wiring are worth checking before anyone blames the key. If you are buying a built bike, ask for both ignition keys and ask what was done with the ignition.
No working key
A dealer orders an R nineT key against the VIN after checking ownership, and the bike has to reach them. We work at the bike: a key is cut to your locks and programmed, then checked in the ignition, steering lock and fuel cap. What can be programmed on site varies by year, so tell us the exact model when you call. Have photo ID and the registration or title ready, and tell us about any ignition relocation or other electrical changes before we come out.
What to have ready
Have this ready when you call or text
- Year, make and model of the bike
- Where the bike is parked
- Whether you have any working key, a broken key or a key code
- Photo ID and registration or title (we verify ownership before making a key)
BMW R nineT key FAQ
What is the small extra key that came with my R nineT?
It is the key for removing the passenger seat. BMW's manual lists it separately from the two ignition keys, and it will not start the bike.
Does the R nineT have a chip in the key?
Yes. It uses BMW's EWS immobilizer, so a key that is only cut will turn the lock but the engine will not start.
Does the R nineT have Keyless Ride?
The 2020 US manual describes only a keyed ignition with two ignition keys. If yours is a newer model with a different name, check whether it has a key slot or a button.
Will relocating the ignition get rid of the immobilizer?
No. The engine control unit still needs to recognize a key through the ring antenna, wherever the lock is mounted.
The immobilizer system on this bike
- BMW Motorcycle EWS Immobilizer: Keys and the EWS WarningEWS is BMW Motorrad's electronic immobilizer.
More BMW models
- airheads and K 75, K 100, K 1100
- C 400 GT and C 650 GT scooters
- C 400 X and C 600 Sport scooters
- CE 04, CE 02 and C evolution
- F 650 CS
- F 650 GS single and G 650 GS
- F 650 GS twin and F 700 GS
- F 750 GS, F 850 GS and F 800 GS
- F 800 S, F 800 ST, F 800 GT, F 800 R
- F 900 R, F 900 XR and F 900 GS
- G 310 R and G 310 GS
- G 650 Xcountry, Xchallenge, Xmoto
- HP2 Enduro, Megamoto and Sport
- K 1200 LT and early K 1200 GT
- K 1200 RS
- K 1200 S, R, GT and K 1300 S, R, GT
- K 1600 GT, K 1600 GTL and K 1600 B
- M 1000 RR and M 1000 R
- R 1100 and R 1150 oilhead boxers
- R 12 nineT, R 12 and R 12 G/S
- R 1200 C and R 1200 CL cruisers
- R 1200 GS, R 1250 GS and R 1300 GS
- R 1200 R, R 1200 RS, R 1250 R and RS
- R 1200 RT and R 1250 RT
- R 1200 S and R 1200 ST
- R 18
- S 1000 RR, S 1000 R and S 1000 XR
- All BMW keys
Services for this bike
- Lost Motorcycle Key, No SpareNo key at all? We make a working key at the bike.Details →
- Motorcycle Key ReplacementNew keys cut by code or from the lock, for all major makes.Details →
- Transponder and Immobilizer Key ProgrammingChip keys and fobs programmed to your immobilizer.Details →
- Motorcycle Key Duplication and Spare KeysA spare now costs far less than a lost only-key later.Details →
- Motorcycle Ignition Repair and ReplacementSticking, worn or damaged ignitions repaired or replaced.Details →
- Broken Motorcycle Key ExtractionSnapped key removed and a new one cut from the pieces.Details →
- Gas Cap, Seat, Steering and Saddlebag LocksGas cap, seat, steering, helmet and saddlebag locks.Details →
Related guides
- Bought a Used Motorcycle With No Key? Here's What to DoA used or auction motorcycle without keys can usually get new ones, but plan on the full all-keys-lost process and bring the signed title or other transfer paperwork plus photo ID, since a locksmith or dealer has to tie you to the VIN.
- Motorcycle Immobilizers Explained: HISS, KIPASS and MoreA motorcycle immobilizer is an anti-theft system that only lets the engine start when it recognizes a coded chip in the key or a paired fob.
- When to Get a Spare Motorcycle Key, and Why NowGet a spare motorcycle key as soon as you are down to one working key.
- Scooter Key Replacement: Shutters, Seat Locks and ChipsYes, a key can be made for almost any scooter, and on most 50cc to 150cc models it is a plain metal key with no chip.
Where we come to you
Sources
Page last updated .