Yamaha VMAX and V-Max Key Replacement

Quick answerBoth generations of Yamaha's muscle bike use a plain cut key in the US. The 2005 and 2006 V-Max and 2009 VMAX owner's manuals have no immobilizer section. The lock layouts are nothing alike, though. The original V-Max has a main switch, a separate steering lock under a cover, a keyed helmet holder and a keyed cowling. The 1700 cc VMAX folds the steering lock into the main switch and hides its fuel cap behind the rider backrest.

Yamaha VMAX and V-Max key quick facts

The 2005 and 2006 V-Max (VMX12) and 2009 VMAX (VMX17) US manuals have no immobilizer section.
Original V-Max: the steering lock is a separate cylinder behind a steering lock cover, used with the bars turned to the right.
Original V-Max: the fuel filler is under the seat area. A lever lets the rider backrest slide, and the cap then opens with a quarter turn of the key.
Original V-Max: the 2005 and 2006 manuals say the key identification number is stamped into the key itself.
2009 VMAX: the rider seat is bolted, and the fuel cap is reached by pulling the backrest release lever on the left side.

Yamaha VMAX and V-Max key types by year

Years	Models	Key type	Chip	Notes
2005-2006	V-Max (VMX12, US market)	mechanical cut key	no	Keyed points: main switch, separate steering lock, fuel cap, helmet holder, cowling lock.
2009	VMAX (VMX17, US market)	mechanical cut key	no	Combined main switch and steering lock. Fuel cap under the sliding rider backrest. No helmet holder listed in the manual.

1985 to 2007: the original V-Max

The first V-Max stayed in production for more than two decades with very few changes, and its locks reflect 1980s practice. The main switch only handles the electrics, including a parking position that is reached by pushing the key in from OFF. Steering is locked separately. The 2005 manual has you turn the bars fully right, flip open the steering lock cover, insert the key, and work it through an eighth of a turn while easing the bars back to the left.

The tank you see is a cover. Fuel goes in under the seat, so filling up means pulling the opening lever, sliding the rider backrest out of the way, and turning the key a quarter turn in the cap. The manual also shows a keyed helmet holder and a cowling that is released by inserting the key in its lock and turning it clockwise.

Main switch
Steering lock under its cover
Fuel tank cap beneath the rider backrest
Helmet holder
Cowling lock

Need a key for your VMAX?

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

2009 to 2020: the 1700 cc VMAX

The second-generation VMAX is a completely different motorcycle with ride-by-wire throttle and ABS, but Yamaha did not give US bikes an electronic key. The 2009 manual from Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. lists a combined main switch and steering lock and has no immobilizer chapter.

The fuel cap is still hidden. On this bike you pull a backrest release lever on the left side, the rider backrest slides forward, and the filler is underneath. The rider seat itself comes off with bolts. The manual lists luggage strap holders and no helmet holder, so there are fewer keyed points than on the old bike.

What to watch on each generation

On the original V-Max there are five separate locks, and on a bike that has been stored some of them may not have turned in years. The steering lock, cowling lock and helmet holder are the ones that get used least. Because the manual says the key number is stamped on the key, a lost original key takes the number with it, and a copy of a copy may not carry it at all.

On the 1700 the fuel cap sits under the rider backrest. If the release lever or the cap sticks, you cannot fill the tank. Do not lever against the backrest. Have the latch and lock looked at.

When every key is lost

Either generation is handled where the bike is parked. We check your photo ID and the registration or title, cut a key to the locks, and test it. On an older V-Max that means five separate places, and on a bike this age one of them may have been replaced in the past and take a different key. We tell you what we find and can bring the odd lock back into line. On the 1700 we test the main switch through to the steering lock position and the fuel cap. Neither needs programming.

Where to find the key code

The 2005 V-Max manual says the key identification number is stamped into the key and should be written in the space provided. The 2009 VMAX manual has a key identification number line in its consumer information chapter. If you still have an original key, copy the number down now.

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)

Yamaha VMAX and V-Max key FAQ

Does the 2009 and later VMAX have an immobilizer in the US?

The 2009 US owner's manual has no immobilizer section. US bikes use a plain cut key. Bikes built for other markets may differ, so check for a red key if yours is an import.

Where is the gas cap on a V-Max?

Under the seat area on both generations. On the original bike a lever lets the rider backrest slide and the cap opens with the key. On the 1700 you pull the backrest release lever on the left side.

Why does my old V-Max have a second keyhole under a little cover?

That is the steering lock. On the original V-Max it is separate from the ignition. Turn the bars to the right, open the cover and use the same key.

My V-Max has three different keys. Can you get it down to one?

Usually. On a bike this age locks may have been swapped. We can rekey or replace the odd cylinders so a single key works the switch, steering lock, fuel cap, helmet holder and cowling.

More Yamaha models

Services for this bike

Vintage and Classic Motorcycle Keys: Codes, Blanks, WearA key can usually be made for a vintage motorcycle even when no original survives, because these are plain mechanical locks with no chip.
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.
Rekey Motorcycle Locks or Just Cut a New Key?Cutting a new key replaces the key you lost, while rekeying changes the locks so the old key no longer works.
BMW Motorcycle Case and Top Case Keys: One-Key CodingBMW's rider's manuals say the cases and top case can be fitted with locks that open with the same key as the ignition, and on some tourers the panniers and top case already share the vehicle key from the factory.

Where we come to you

Sources

Page last updated November 14, 2026.