Motorcycle Key Guides

Lost, broken and stuck keys

Broken Motorcycle Key in the Ignition: What to DoIf your key snaps in the motorcycle ignition, stop, keep both pieces, and do not try to turn the cylinder with the stub or dig the fragment out with a knife or screwdriver.
Can a Locksmith Make a Motorcycle Key From the VIN?Sometimes, but not directly.
Corroded Motorcycle Locks From Salt Air: Signs and CareSalt air corrodes the small parts inside ignition, seat and fuel cap locks, and the first signs are a gritty key, a lock that needs a second try, or a little-used lock that stops working.
How to Find Your Motorcycle Key CodeA motorcycle key code is a short number or letter-number code that tells a locksmith or dealer how to cut a key for your locks.
Locked Your Keys Under the Motorcycle or Scooter Seat?Keys get locked under the seat because most seats latch shut with a push and need no key to close.
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.
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.
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.
Signs Your Motorcycle Ignition Switch Is FailingA motorcycle ignition switch is two parts in one housing: a lock cylinder that reads the key and an electrical switch that powers the bike.
Motorcycle Key Stuck in the Ignition: Causes and What to DoA motorcycle key that will not come out is most often sitting in a position where the switch is designed to hold it, usually ON or partway between two positions.
Motorcycle Key Won't Turn in the Ignition? Causes and FixesWhen a motorcycle key will not turn, the usual causes are a steering lock under tension, a worn or bent key, worn wafers inside the ignition, dirt or corrosion in the cylinder, or simply the wrong key.
Worn or Bent Motorcycle Key: Signs, Risks and the Right FixA worn motorcycle key shows up as a key that needs wiggling, works in one lock but not another, or works worse than the spare.

Chip keys, fobs and immobilizers

Adding a Spare Motorcycle Chip Key: Who Can Program It?First check that your bike has a chip at all: many Japanese motorcycles sold in the US use a plain key, and a spare for those is simply cut.
Ducati Asking for a PIN Code or Showing an E-LOCK ErrorA Ducati that opens a PIN screen at switch-on is telling you the key was not acknowledged and that a PIN was stored on the bike at some point.
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.
Honda Smart Key Indicator Flashing: Gold Wing Owner GuideOn the Gold Wing described in Honda's 2018 US owner's manual, the Honda Smart Key indicator should come on briefly when the ignition switch is turned on and then go out.
Kawasaki KIPASS Warnings: NO TRANSPONDER and OthersOn a Kawasaki Concours 14, NO TRANSPONDER means the bike cannot find its KIPASS fob nearby, and you have about 10 seconds, while the warning symbol is showing, to bring a registered fob back and switch on again.
Keyless Motorcycle Not Detecting the Key: Causes and BackupsOwner's manuals give a short list of reasons a keyless bike fails to detect its fob: a weak fob battery, the fob carried against a phone, laptop or metal object, strong radio interference nearby, the fob switched off or out of range, and a low battery on the bike itself.
KTM RACE-ON Light Flashing: Blink Codes and Key Not FoundOn a keyless KTM, the RACE-ON indicator lamp reports faults by flashing a set number of times after you press the RACE-ON button.
Lost Motorcycle Master Key, Code Card or Key Tag: What ChangesA master key, code card or master PIN is the item the maker uses to authorize new keys for your bike.
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.
Motorcycle Immobilizer Light Flashing: What It Means by MakeA slow flash with the ignition off is normal on a bike with an immobilizer: Honda HISS, Yamaha and Triumph manuals all describe the light blinking for 24 hours after you switch off to show the system is armed.
Motorcycle Key Fob and Keyless Ignition ProblemsMost keyless motorcycle problems come down to a weak fob battery, a fob the bike is not reading, a damaged fob or a lost one.
Motorcycle Key Fob Battery Replacement by MakeMost motorcycle key fobs run on a single 3 volt coin cell.
Motorcycle Key Turns but the Bike Won't Start: Key or Not?Watch the immobilizer or key light in the first seconds after you switch on.
Water Damaged or Broken Motorcycle Key Fob: Repair or ReplaceA damaged fob is often less dead than it looks.
Yamaha Smart Key Light Flashing or Key Not RecognizedIn the Yamaha XMAX owner's manual this page follows, the smart key system indicator light should come on for about 4 seconds after you push the main switch knob, which is your window to turn the switch.

Cost, insurance and who to call

Buying Motorcycle Keys Online by VIN, Code or BlankOrdering online can work well for a plain metal key when you have the key code, because the code tells the seller exactly how to cut it.
Dealer vs Locksmith for a Motorcycle Key: Which to CallFor plain metal keys, broken keys, worn ignitions and many transponder keys, a mobile motorcycle locksmith can usually do the work where the bike sits, often for less.
Does Insurance Cover Lost Motorcycle Keys?Usually not the key itself.
How to Choose a Motorcycle Locksmith in CaliforniaIn California, a business that makes keys from scratch, opens locks or programs transponder keys must hold a locksmith company license from the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services, and its employees must be registered.
How Much Does Motorcycle Key Replacement Cost?Typical market ranges for motorcycle key replacement run from $50-$165 for a mobile duplicate of a plain metal key to $250-$600 for a transponder key when every key is lost, and a job that needs a new control unit or dealer-only parts falls outside those ranges.
OEM vs Aftermarket Motorcycle Keys and FobsFor a plain metal key, a good aftermarket blank cut to the factory code does the same job as a factory key.
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.
What Affects How Long a Motorcycle Key Takes?The time a motorcycle key takes depends mostly on four things: whether the key has a chip, whether you still have a working key, whether your make allows keys to be registered outside the dealer, and whether any part has to be ordered.
When to Get a Spare Motorcycle Key, and Why NowGet a spare motorcycle key as soon as you are down to one working key.

Buying, owning and paperwork

Auction or Salvage Motorcycle With No Keys: What to ExpectA motorcycle from Copart, IAA or a lien sale can get new keys once you hold paperwork that ties you to the VIN: a title or Salvage Certificate endorsed to you, or the lien sale certification packet, plus a bill of sale and your photo ID.
Bought a Used Motorcycle With No Key? Here's What to DoA used or auction motorcycle without keys can usually get new ones, but plan on the full all-keys-lost process and bring the signed title or other transfer paperwork plus photo ID, since a locksmith or dealer has to tie you to the VIN.
Lost Keys and Lost Title or Registration in CaliforniaIf the registration and title are gone along with the keys, replace the paperwork first.
Motorcycle Key and Lock Care: What Makers RecommendKeep water and grit out of the locks, use a small amount of a dry or lock-specific lubricant instead of oil, and replace a worn key before it fails.
Motorcycle Keys Stolen but the Bike Is Still There?If your motorcycle keys were stolen and the bike is still there, assume the thief may come back for it.
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.
Recovered Stolen Motorcycle: Ignition and Lock DamageA recovered stolen motorcycle usually comes back with a damaged ignition switch and steering lock, and often with cut wiring and forced seat or fuel cap locks.
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.
How Many Keys Should Come With a Used Motorcycle?Most motorcycles are delivered with two keys or fobs, and many also come with a third item that matters more than either: a master or programming key, a code card, a key number tag or a security PIN.

By type of 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.
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.
Electric Motorcycle Keys: Zero, LiveWire and EnergicaElectric motorcycles still have keys, and they are tied to the bike's electronics more closely than on most gas bikes.
Mini Motorcycle and Moped Keys: Grom, Monkey, RuckusA lost key on a mini motorcycle is usually one of the simpler key jobs.
Scooter Key Replacement: Shutters, Seat Locks and ChipsYes, a key can be made for almost any scooter, and on most 50cc to 150cc models it is a plain metal key with no chip.
Trike and Three-Wheeler Keys: Harley, Can-Am, TrunksKeys and locks on trikes can be replaced, but who does which part depends on the machine.
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.

Luggage, helmet and accessory locks

Adventure Pannier Lock Keys: SW-Motech, Touratech and GiviAluminum panniers from SW-Motech, Touratech and Givi use small removable lock cores sold in matched sets, so one key can run every lid latch and every rack mount.
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.
Lost Givi, SHAD or Kappa Top Case Key: Your Real OptionsNeither Givi nor SHAD will cut you a key once every key is lost.
Harley Saddlebag and Tour-Pak Lock Keys: What Matches WhatOn Harley-Davidson Touring models, the factory hard saddlebags and the Tour-Pak are opened with the same barrel key as the ignition, according to Harley's owner's manuals.
Lost the Key to Your Motorcycle Disc Lock or Chain?Start with the lock maker: most quality disc locks and chains come with a key number or code, and makers such as Kryptonite and Xena supply replacement keys against it.
Motorcycle Helmet Lock Keys: Factory Holders and Add-OnsMost factory helmet holders use the ignition key, either directly in a small lock on the side of the bike or indirectly, because the helmet hangs on a hook that the locked seat or trunk traps.
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.

For shops, dealers and fleets

Motorcycle Keys for Dealers and Used Bike LotsA trade-in or auction bike that arrives with one key or none can have keys made at your lot, and on many immobilizer models the new keys can be programmed there too.
Motorcycle Keys for Rental and Fleet BikesA rental or fleet bike should never be down to its last key.
Motorcycle Key and Lock Work for Repair ShopsA general motorcycle shop can sublet key, ignition and lock work to a mobile motorcycle locksmith who does it at your shop while the bike is on your lift.
Motorcycle Keys for Tow Yards and Lien Sale BikesA motorcycle held on a towing or storage lien still belongs to its registered owner until a valid lien sale is completed, so the paperwork decides who can ask for a key and when.

Need help with your bike now?

Guides are useful, but if the bike is stuck, the fastest route is to call or text with your year, make and model.

More reference

Motorcycle key finderKey type by make, model and year.
Immobilizer and keyless systems by make
Glossary of key and lock terms

Services

Page last updated November 14, 2026.