Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Key Replacement

Quick answerEvery Vulcan 1700 uses a plain cut key with no chip, and the US owner's manuals for the 2014 Voyager and 2016 Vaquero have no immobilizer section. The key does a lot of work on these bikes: besides the ignition it locks the saddlebags, and on the faired models the fairing pockets and trunk. One oddity matters when a key goes missing: it can be pulled out with the ignition on.

Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 key quick facts

Kawasaki's US catalog lists key blank 27008-1211 for the 2009 Classic, 2012 and 2016 Vaquero, 2014 and 2025 Voyager and 2014 Nomad.
The ignition is a four-position switch, and the manual says the key can be removed in three of them: LOCK, OFF and ON.
The Vaquero manual names the key's locks as ignition switch, steering lock, seat lock, fairing pocket lock, saddlebag lock and fuel tank cap.
The Voyager's catalog pages list a center trunk lock, two lid locks and two saddlebag locks.
The same blank number appears on the earlier Vulcan 1600 and Vulcan 2000.

Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 key types by year

Years	Models	Key type	Chip	Notes
2009 onward	Vulcan 1700 Voyager, Voyager ABS	mechanical cut key	no	Blank 27008-1211 in the 2014 and 2025 catalogs. Locks listed: ignition, seat, two lid locks, a center trunk lock, two saddlebag locks and fuel cap.
2011 onward	Vulcan 1700 Vaquero, Vaquero ABS	mechanical cut key	no	Same blank in the 2011, 2012 and 2016 catalogs. Two side bag locks, two lid locks and a seat lock in the catalog; the manual names the fairing pocket lock as well.
2009 to mid-2010s	Vulcan 1700 Nomad, Vulcan 1700 Classic	mechanical cut key	no	Same blank in the 2009 and 2014 Nomad catalogs and the 2009 to 2012 Classic catalogs. The Nomad lists two helmet locks, a seat lock and saddlebag locks; the Classic lists a seat lock only.

The key that comes out while the engine runs

Kawasaki's manual for the Vulcan 1700 describes a four-position ignition switch and states that the key can be removed in three of those positions, including ON. It even suggests taking the key out before riding if you want to stop the key chain scratching the finish.

That is convenient, and it is also an easy way to lose a key. Start the bike, pocket the key, and you may not notice it is gone until the next stop. Without it there is no way to open the fuel cap or the bags. If you ride with the key out, carry a second one somewhere on your person.

Need a key for your Vulcan 1700?

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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Every lock the key operates

A touring Vulcan has more lock cylinders than almost any other Kawasaki. The exact list depends on the version.

All versions: ignition switch, steering lock and fuel tank cap. To open the cap, turn the key to the right while pushing the cap down.
Seat: on the Voyager the key in the seat lock, turned counterclockwise, lifts the passenger seat.
Saddlebag lids (Voyager): insert the key in the lid lock, turn counterclockwise, then pull the knob outward.
Fairing pockets: the Vaquero manual lists a fairing pocket lock among those the ignition key operates, and on the Voyager each pocket lid opens with the key turned clockwise.
Travel trunk (Voyager): its own center lock, opened with the ignition key turned counterclockwise before the two latches are lifted.
Nomad: two keyed helmet locks in addition to the bags.

Luggage locks and wear

Saddlebag and trunk locks sit out in the weather and get used at every stop. A key that works the ignition smoothly but binds in one bag is telling you that cylinder is worn or dirty.

Individual luggage locks can be serviced or replaced and set to your existing key, so there is no need to live with a bag that only opens on the third try, or to carry two keys after a repair.

All keys lost on a Voyager, Vaquero or Nomad

We start with ownership: your photo ID plus the registration or title. If those documents are locked inside a saddlebag or the trunk, tell us on the phone and we will open the luggage first.

Then we cut a key to the ignition and work through the rest of the bike, lock by lock, so you leave with one key that operates everything. On a full-dress Voyager that is a longer checklist than on a Classic, and we allow time for it. There is no programming, and Kawasaki's parts-counter remedy of replacing the ignition switch and every matching lock is not needed.

Where to find the key code

Vulcan 1700 manuals say the key number is stamped on a separate tag that comes with the keys, and provide a space to record it. Kawasaki adds that spare keys can be made by a dealer from your original key or from the key code.

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)

Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 key FAQ

Does the Vulcan 1700 Voyager have a chip key or fob?

No. It uses a plain cut key. The 2014 US owner's manual has no immobilizer or fob content, and the catalog lists an ordinary key blank through 2025.

Can I really take the key out while the Vulcan 1700 is running?

Yes. Kawasaki's manual says the key can be removed in the LOCK, OFF and ON positions. Keep a spare on you if you ride that way.

Does one key fit the saddlebags, trunk and ignition?

From the factory, yes. The Vaquero manual lists the saddlebag and fairing pocket locks among those the ignition key operates, and the Voyager adds the trunk.

My paperwork is locked in the trunk and the key is lost. What now?

Call us and say so. We open the luggage first so you can show the registration or title with your photo ID, then cut the key.

Is the Vulcan 1700 key the same as my old Vulcan 1600 key?

Kawasaki lists the same blank number for both families. The cuts differ from bike to bike, so your old key will not turn the new locks.

The immobilizer system on this bike

Kawasaki Immobilizer and KIPASS: Keys, Fobs and Lost KeysKawasaki has two electronic key systems: a transponder immobilizer with coded keys, and KIPASS, a fob system used on the Concours 14 and a few newer models.

More Kawasaki models

Services for this bike

Cruiser and Touring Motorcycle Keys: Bags, Forks, FobsYes, keys for cruisers and touring bikes can be replaced, and on most of them it is a mechanical job because the key is a plain cut or barrel key.
One Key for All Your Motorcycle Locks: Keying AlikeA motorcycle that needs different keys for the ignition, fuel cap and seat has almost always had a lock replaced.
Proof of Ownership for a Motorcycle Key in CaliforniaA legitimate California locksmith will ask for photo ID plus the motorcycle's registration or title before making a key, because state law requires locksmiths to record your ID, the bike's VIN and registration details, and your signature for every vehicle key they originate.
Harley-Davidson NO FOB or ENTER PIN Message: What to DoNO FOB in the odometer window means the motorcycle was ridden away without its hands-free fob in range.

Where we come to you

Sources

Page last updated November 14, 2026.