BMW K 1200 S, R, GT and K 1300 S, R, GT Key Replacement

Quick answerThe transverse four-cylinder K bikes, from the K 1200 S of 2005 to the last K 1300 S, all have a keyed ignition with BMW's EWS immobilizer. A replacement key must be cut and matched to the bike. One key works the ignition and steering lock, the tank lock and the seat lock, and on the K 1200 GT the case locks as well.

BMW K 1200 S, R, GT and K 1300 S, R, GT key quick facts

BMW's rider's manual for the K 1200 S lists one master key and one spare key.
The 2006-on K 1200 GT US manual also lists one master key and one spare key, and says the ignition and steering lock, tank filler cap lock, seat lock and case locks are all operated with the same key.
The K 1300 R manual lists two master keys and one spare key; the 2014 US manual for the K 1300 S lists two ignition keys.
On the K 1200 GT and K 1300 S the seat lock is below the tail light.
An unrecognized key shows a yellow warning and EWS in the multifunction display.

BMW K 1200 S, R, GT and K 1300 S, R, GT key types by year

Years	Models	Key type	Chip	Notes
2005-2008	K 1200 S, K 1200 R	transponder key (EWS), keyed ignition	yes	One master key and one spare key in the US K 1200 S and K 1200 R manuals, both of which have an EWS section.
2006-2008	K 1200 GT (second generation)	transponder key (EWS), keyed ignition	yes	One master key and one spare key. Case locks on the same key; a topcase with a matching lock can be ordered.
2009-2016	K 1300 S, K 1300 R, K 1300 GT	transponder key (EWS), keyed ignition	yes	Two master keys and one spare on the K 1300 R; two ignition keys in the 2014 K 1300 S US manual. The US K 1300 GT manual also has an EWS section.
2003-2005	Earlier K 1200 GT (derived from the K 1200 RS)	mechanical cut key	no	A different, older motorcycle. See our K 1200 LT page.

Which K 1200 do you have?

The K 1200 name covers two unrelated families, and the key is one of the differences. The older bikes have the engine lying flat along the frame and plain mechanical keys. The K 1200 S launched for 2005 with a new transverse engine and with EWS as standard, and the K 1200 R, the second-generation K 1200 GT and all the K 1300 models are built on it.

The GT is where people get caught, because BMW sold a K 1200 GT of each type. If the bike is a 2006 or later GT, with a rider's manual that has an EWS section and a display that can show an EWS warning, it is the transponder-key bike covered here.

Need a key for your K 1200 S?

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

Call (805) 429-8452 Text your year, make and model

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Key sets and what they open

BMW was sparing with keys on the K 1200: one master and one spare. The K 1300 generation was more generous. On every model the manual gives the same core list of locks.

Steering and ignition lock
Tank lock, also called the tank filler cap lock in the earlier manuals
Seat lock below the tail light on the K 1200 GT and K 1300 S; the helmet holder is under the seat, so it depends on this lock
K 1200 GT cases, which BMW lists on the bike key
Topcase on the GT and cases on the S and R: accessories that BMW says can be ordered with a lock for the same key

EWS behavior on the K bikes

The K 1200 GT manual explains that the bike exchanges signals with electronics in the key through a ring antenna in the ignition lock, and that a spare key on the same ring can upset this so that EWS is shown in the multifunction display. BMW issued a US service bulletin in January 2007 about EWS error messages on the K 1200 GT. It explains that badly routed wiring can chafe at the ring antenna plug as the handlebars turn and eventually break, leaving a bike that will not start. So on that model in particular a warning is not automatically the key's fault.

A dealer can bar a lost key. BMW asks you to bring every other key for the motorcycle when that is done, and notes that replacement and spare keys are only available through an authorized retailer who must check the request.

Getting a K 1200 or K 1300 running again with no key

These are heavy bikes, and getting one onto a trailer with the steering locked is a job in itself. A mobile visit avoids it. We need the model and year, photo ID and the registration or title, and it helps to know whether the cases are fitted and locked.

The work is a key cut to the existing locks, then the EWS side at the bike where the model allows, then a check that the bike starts and that the seat, tank and cases all open. Given that the K 1200 models only ever had two keys, leave with a spare.

Where to find the key code

The manuals for these EWS bikes do not mention a key number tag. BMW supplies keys against the VIN after an ownership check, so have the registration or title to hand.

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)

BMW K 1200 S, R, GT and K 1300 S, R, GT key FAQ

Does the BMW K 1200 S have an immobilizer?

Yes. BMW fitted the EWS electronic immobilizer to the K 1200 S from launch, and its rider's manual directs owners who lose a key to the EWS section. The key has a transponder and must be recognized before the engine will start.

How many keys came with a K 1300 S?

BMW's 2014 US rider's manual says you are provided with two ignition keys. The K 1300 R manual lists two master keys and one spare key.

My K 1200 GT shows EWS now and then but usually starts. What should I check?

Take other keys off the ring first. If it continues, have the ring antenna and its wiring looked at as well as the key, since BMW published a bulletin about EWS messages on this model related to the antenna plug cable.

Do the K 1200 GT saddlebags use the ignition key?

Yes on the 2006 and later GT. BMW's manual lists the case locks with the ignition, tank filler cap and seat lock as operated by the same key.

The immobilizer system on this bike

BMW Motorcycle EWS Immobilizer: Keys and the EWS WarningEWS is BMW Motorrad's electronic immobilizer.

More BMW models

Services for this 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.
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.
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.
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.

Where we come to you

Sources

Page last updated November 14, 2026.