Triumph Bobber and Speedmaster (1200) key quick facts
- Triumph's handbook places the ignition switch below the rear edge of the fuel tank, on the right hand side.
- The ignition key operates the ignition switch and the steering lock, which is a separate two-position lock.
- The fuel tank cap has a key lock hidden under a cover that slides to one side.
- Neither seat uses the key: the Bobber's seat is held by fixings, and the Speedmaster rider's seat releases with a pull lever at its front left.
- Two ignition keys and a key number tag are supplied, and the handbook says replacement keys must be paired with the immobiliser.
Triumph Bobber and Speedmaster (1200) key types by year
| Years | Models | Key type | Chip | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017-present | Bonneville Bobber, Bobber Black | transponder key | yes | Three-position switch (OFF, ON, PARK) under the tank on the right. Separate steering lock on the same key. |
| 2018-present | Bonneville Speedmaster | transponder key | yes | Same handbook and key system as the Bobber. The passenger seat is held by a fixing, not a lock. |
An ignition switch under the tank
Triumph put the ignition on these bikes down on the right side, just below the back of the fuel tank. It is a three-position switch. Turn clockwise from OFF for ON; push the barrel in and turn further for PARK, which leaves the tail, licence and position lights on. The key comes out in OFF or PARK.
The housing around that switch is also the antenna for the engine immobiliser. With the key out, the immobiliser is on. It switches off only when a key it recognises is in the switch and turned to ON. The handbook asks riders to take every other key and fob off the ring, partly so nothing damages painted or polished parts and partly because a second Triumph key close to the switch can block the transponder signal.
Need a key for your Bobber?
Call or text with the year and where the bike is parked.
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Steering lock and fuel cap share the key
Because the ignition is not on the headstock, it cannot lock the steering. The Bobber and Speedmaster have a separate two-position steering lock for that, worked by the same ignition key: insert it, turn the bars fully left, turn the key clockwise and remove it. Unlocking is the reverse, with a slight turn of the bars to take load off the lock.
The fuel cap is the third keyed lock. Slide its little cover aside, turn the key anticlockwise, then unscrew the cap. All three locks follow one key pattern, so a single new key covers the lot.
The seats need no key
Neither bike has a keyed seat lock. The Bobber's single seat is held to its mount by fixings, which are loosened with tools to slide the seat forward or back. On the Speedmaster, a lock release at the front left of the rider's seat is pulled forward and the seat lifts at the back, still attached to the bike by a lanyard. Its passenger seat then comes off by undoing one fixing. The side panels pull off by hand, and the tool items are on the inside of the left side panel and on the fuse box beneath it.
That means a lost key does not block access to the fuse box, which helps when a flat battery is part of the story.
One key left, or none
If you have one working key, we cut a second blade and pair its transponder so the bike accepts both. With no keys, we check your photo ID against the registration or title, originate a blade from the key number tag or from one of the three locks, and then program the transponder to the immobiliser at the bike. Steady battery voltage matters during programming, so tell us if the bike has been sitting. The out-of-the-way switch location is also worth mentioning if the bike is parked tight against a wall on its right side.
Where to find the key code
A small key number tag is supplied with the two keys. The handbook says to note the number and keep the tag with the spare key somewhere away from the motorcycle. Without the tag, the cut can be read from the ignition, steering lock or fuel cap.
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)
Triumph Bobber and Speedmaster (1200) key FAQ
Where is the ignition on a Triumph Bobber?
Below the rear edge of the fuel tank on the right hand side of the bike. It is not on the handlebar clamp or headlight.
Will a hardware-store copy start my Bobber?
No. It may turn the switch and open the fuel cap, but the immobiliser has to recognise a transponder that has been paired to the motorcycle.
Does the Speedmaster seat lock with the key?
No. The rider's seat uses a pull release at its front left, and the passenger seat is held by a fixing. The keyed locks are the ignition, steering lock and fuel cap.
Is the 1200 Speedmaster key the same as the old 865 Speedmaster key?
No. The air-cooled Speedmaster used a plain ignition key and a separate steering lock key. The 1200 uses one transponder key for both.
The immobilizer system on this bike
- Triumph Immobilizer and Keyless Ignition: Keys and Lost KeysTriumph's engine immobiliser reads a transponder in the key and only lets the engine start for a key that has been paired to the bike.
More Triumph models
- Air-Cooled Bonneville and Scrambler
- America and Speedmaster (865)
- Bonneville and Street/Speed Twin
- Daytona 600 and Daytona 650
- Daytona 675, 660 and Moto2 765
- Daytona 955i and Speed Triple 955i
- Rocket 3 and Rocket III
- Scrambler 1200 XC and XE
- Speed 400 and Scrambler 400 X
- Speed Triple 1050 (2005-2017)
- Speed Triple RS and 1200 RS
- Sprint ST 1050 and Sprint GT
- Sprint ST 955i and Sprint RS
- Street Triple
- Thruxton 900, 1200, R and TFC
- Thunderbird
- Tiger 1050
- Tiger 1200 and Tiger Explorer
- Tiger 800, Tiger 850 Sport, Tiger 900
- Trident 660 and Tiger Sport 660
- Trophy and Trophy SE (1215)
- All Triumph 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
- 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.
- 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 Steering Lock Explained: How It Works and JamsA steering lock, called a fork lock by Harley-Davidson, is a bolt that holds the front end turned to one side so the bike cannot be wheeled away in a straight line.
- Scooter Seat and Storage Locks: How They Open and FailScooters open the seat in one of three basic ways: a separate seat lock that takes the ignition key, a seat position on the ignition switch, or an electric button or keyless fob.
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