Ducati Monster 821, 1200 and 937 Key Replacement

Quick answerThe liquid-cooled Monsters come with two chipped keys and no red key or Code Card. The dash stores the key codes, and the only backup is a four-digit PIN that you have to set up yourself. If you have one key left, get the second made now: Ducati's own fix for losing both on an 821 or 1200 includes a new instrument panel.

Ducati Monster 821, 1200 and 937 key quick facts

Ducati's bulletin lists the Monster 1200 for 2014 to 2020 and the Monster 821 for 2015 to 2020 under the I2K-2 immobilizer.
I2K-2 stores exactly two keys. Ducati's bulletin says it is not possible to program one key or more than two.
Monster 821 and 1200 keys have a removable transponder, which Ducati's repair route for a damaged ignition switch relies on.
The 2021 Monster owner's manual also describes two immobilizer keys and a four-digit PIN set by the owner.
On the 2021 Monster the seat lock opens a compartment with a USB socket and the tool kit.

Ducati Monster 821, 1200 and 937 key types by year

Years	Models	Key type	Chip	Notes
2014-2020	Monster 1200, 1200 S, 1200 R	two transponder keys	yes	I2K-2, removable transponder. The 1200 R is listed for 2016 to 2018.
2015-2020	Monster 821, 821 Dark, 821 Stripe	two transponder keys	yes	I2K-2, removable transponder.
2021-present	Monster, Monster Plus (937)	two transponder keys	yes	Described in the 2021 owner's manual. Newer than Ducati's 2020 bulletin, so confirm the details by VIN.

The keys on these Monsters

The Monster 821 manual says the bike comes with two keys that contain the immobilizer system code. An antenna built into the ignition switch reads the key each time you switch on, and the signal changes at every start. The same key starts the engine, opens the fuel tank plug and opens the seat lock. The 2021 Monster manual uses the same wording.

Ducati tells owners to separate the two keys and ride on only one. When a spare is needed, the manual says to bring every key you still have, because all keys are programmed in the same session and the code of any missing key is erased.

Need a key for your Monster 821?

Call or text with the year and where the bike is parked.

Call (619) 775-1858 Text your year, make and model

Or read first: all services · common questions · about us · contact details

Set the PIN while the bike still starts

There is no Code Card on these bikes. In its place the dash has a PIN function. The manual is clear that no PIN exists from the factory: the owner has to enter a four-digit code through the setting menu. Once that is done, a key or key reader fault brings up a PIN entry screen, and the right code temporarily restores operation so you can get home.

Ducati's bulletin adds a limit. The PIN is no help with a snapped or bent key, because the switch still has to be turned. And if a previous owner stored a PIN you do not know, only a dealer can reset it.

Ignition switch in front of the fuel tank, which also locks the steering. The key is pressed down before turning to the lock position.
Fuel tank plug
Seat lock. On the 821 the helmet cable from the tool box hooks onto a pin under the seat. On the 2021 Monster the rider seat lifts off to reach a compartment with the USB socket and tools.
On the 2021 Monster the passenger seat or seat cover comes off with a central screw, not the key, and gives access to the fuses and battery.

One key lost, both keys lost, or a damaged switch

With one working key, Ducati's route on the 821 and 1200 is a new key cut to match, a reset of the stored keys with the dealer diagnostic tool, and both keys memorized again. With both keys gone, the bulletin calls for a complete switch kit: keys, lock unit and instrument panel.

The removable transponder matters if the ignition switch is mechanically damaged, for example after a theft attempt. Ducati's fix is a new switch kit with locks, with the transponders from your original keys moved into the new ones, so the dash stays. Keep the old keys even if they no longer turn.

For a visit, have your photo ID and registration or title ready and tell us how many keys you have and whether a PIN was stored. If every key is lost, we tell you up front whether keys can be registered to your existing dash for that year or whether the dealer parts route is the realistic one.

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)

Ducati Monster 821, 1200 and 937 key FAQ

Does a Monster 821 or 1200 have a red key or Code Card?

No. Ducati supplies two keys and nothing else. The backup is a four-digit PIN that the owner stores in the dash.

Can I have three keys for my Monster 1200?

Not according to Ducati's bulletin, which says the I2K-2 system memorizes two keys, no more and no fewer.

My Monster ignition was damaged in a break-in attempt. Are my keys useless?

Keep them. On the 821 and 1200 the chip inside each key can be transferred to a new key, which is how Ducati's repair keeps the original dash.

Is the 2021 and later Monster the same system as the 821?

The owner's manual describes the same owner experience: two chipped keys, one key for the ignition, fuel plug and seat, and an owner-set PIN. It is newer than Ducati's published bulletin, so we confirm the specifics by VIN.

The immobilizer system on this bike

Ducati Immobilizer: Red Key, Code Card, PIN and Lost KeysEvery keyed Ducati immobilizer reads a transponder in the key and only lets the engine start when the code matches one stored on the bike.

More Ducati models

Services for this bike

When to Get a Spare Motorcycle Key, and Why NowGet a spare motorcycle key as soon as you are down to one working key.
Lost Your Only Motorcycle Key? What to Do NextIf you lost the only key to your motorcycle, a new one can almost always be made, but the route depends on whether your bike uses a plain metal key, a chipped transponder key, or a keyless fob.
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.
Dirt Bike and Dual Sport Keys: Which Bikes Have ThemMany dirt bikes have no key at all, so the first step is knowing which kind you ride.

Where we come to you

Sources

Page last updated November 14, 2026.