GASGAS ES 350 and ES 500 Key Replacement

Quick answerThe ES 350 and ES 500 are street-legal GASGAS enduros, and unlike the MC and EX race bikes they have a keyed ignition. A 2024 GASGAS North America bulletin on these two models tells owners to turn the key off whenever the bike is not being ridden. If the key is lost, we confirm the exact key from your VIN and make one at the bike.

GASGAS ES 350 and ES 500 key quick facts

GASGAS technical bulletin GTB-2401-USA, dated January 16, 2024, covers the 2024 ES 350 and 2024 ES 500.
The bulletin says affected bikes may have problems with the motorcycle starting automatically, and that the key must be turned off when the bike is parked, stored or transported.
The fix in the bulletin is a replacement start/stop switch fitted by the dealer, with affected bikes identified by VIN.
The ES models are built on the same platform as KTM's 350 and 500 EXC-F; KTM's 2025 US 500 EXC-F manual shows an ignition lock beside the dash and a separate steering lock.

GASGAS ES 350 and ES 500 key types by year

Years	Models	Key type	Chip	Notes
2024-present	ES 350, ES 500	ignition key	varies	Keyed ignition confirmed by the 2024 factory bulletin. We confirm the exact key, and whether your bike also has a steering lock key, from the VIN when you call.

The bulletin every 2024 ES owner should know about

In January 2024 GASGAS North America sent its dealers a technical bulletin about the start/stop switch on the 2024 ES 350 and ES 500. With the switch originally installed, the bulletin says, there may be problems with the motorcycle starting automatically. Dealers were told to replace the switch on every affected bike in stock before delivery and to contact customers who already owned one.

The part of that bulletin that concerns keys is one sentence: affected motorcycles can continue to be used, but the key must be turned off when they are not being ridden, including when parked, stored or transported. That tells you two things. These bikes have a key that cuts power, and on a 2024 bike that has not had the switch replaced, the key is a safety device, not a convenience. If you are not sure whether yours was done, a GASGAS dealer can check the VIN.

Need a key for your ES 350?

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

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

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Where the ES sits in the GASGAS range

GASGAS motocross and cross-country bikes start from a button and have no lock anywhere. The ES 350 and ES 500 are different because they are sold with lights and a plate for the road. They are the red versions of KTM's EXC-F dual sports, and KTM's own 2025 US manual for the 500 EXC-F describes two locks on that chassis: an ignition lock to the right of the instrument, and a steering lock on the left of the steering head whose key number is stamped on the key connector. Expect a similar arrangement on an ES and tell us what you find on yours.

Why a lost key is more awkward on a dual sport

On a dual sport a key tends to go missing away from home: at a trailhead, at a fuel stop halfway round a loop, or in the back of a truck after the ride. The fuel cap and seat on this platform do not need a key, which helps, but a bike that cannot be switched on or has its steering locked still has to be recovered. Carrying the spare in your pack instead of leaving it in the truck helps.

Getting a new key made

Call with the VIN, the model and year, and a description of the locks on the bike. Bring photo ID and the registration or title to the visit. We make the key at the motorcycle and check it in each lock it belongs to. If your bike turns out to need a key that is matched to its electronics, we say so before travelling and tell you whether it can be done on site or needs a GASGAS dealer.

If a previous owner swapped the switchgear or fitted an aftermarket ignition, mention it. It changes which key we are making.

Where to find the key code

Start with the paperwork that came with the bike: look for a KEYCODECARD in the manual pouch and for a number stamped on the small tag or connector the keys were supplied on. If neither survives, the key is made from the lock on the bike.

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)

GASGAS ES 350 and ES 500 key FAQ

Do the GASGAS ES 350 and ES 500 have an ignition key?

Yes. A 2024 GASGAS North America bulletin for both models instructs owners to turn the key off when the bike is not being ridden, which the keyless MC and EX models have no way of doing.

What was the 2024 ES 350 and ES 500 bulletin about?

The start/stop switch. GASGAS said bikes with the original switch could have problems with the motorcycle starting automatically, and had dealers fit a different switch. Until that is done, the key should be off whenever the bike is parked, stored or transported.

Is the ES 500 key a chip key?

We confirm that from your VIN before cutting anything. Tell us the year and what the existing key or lock looks like.

I lost my key on a ride. Can you come to the trailhead?

We are a mobile service and come to where the bike is, as long as it is somewhere we can reach and you can show photo ID with the registration or title.

More GASGAS models

Services for this bike

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.
Lost Your Motorcycle Key on a Ride, Far From HomeIf the key goes missing at a stop far from home, secure the bike where it stands, retrace the stop, and then gather the details a locksmith or dealer will need: your photo ID, registration, VIN, year, make and model, and any key number.
Roadside Assistance and Lost Motorcycle Keys: What It CoversMost motorcycle roadside plans will send help or tow the bike when a key is lost, but few pay for the key.
Motorcycle Gas Cap, Seat or Steering Lock Stuck? What to DoStuck gas cap, seat and steering locks on motorcycles usually come down to grime or corrosion in an exposed cylinder, a worn key, a stretched seat cable, or parts under tension that hold the latch closed.

Where we come to you

Sources

Page last updated November 14, 2026.