Ducati Monster 620, 695, S2R and S4R Key Replacement

Quick answerThese Monsters use Ducati's IRC immobilizer: one red master key, two black keys and a Code Card. If you still have the red key, a lost black key is a routine job. If the red key is gone, the bike still runs on a black key, but Ducati's own route to adding a key gets expensive, so call before the last key goes missing.

Ducati Monster 620, 695, S2R and S4R key quick facts

Ducati's bulletin lists the Monster 620, 695, S2R 800, S2R 1000, S4R and S4R S under the IRC system for 2006 to 2008 model years.
The 2008 Monster 696 is also listed under IRC, so a first-year 696 can have a red key.
The set is three keys: one red and two black. The Monster 620 manual says each key carries a small plate with its identification number.
The system holds up to eight keys and needs at least three memorized, red key included.
The Code Card code is for emergency starts when the immobilizer has a fault. Ducati does not sell the card on its own.

Ducati Monster 620, 695, S2R and S4R key types by year

Years	Models	Key type	Chip	Notes
2006	Monster 620, 620 Dark, S2R Dark, S4R S	red master key plus two black transponder keys	yes	IRC with Code Card. The Monster 620 owner's manual, which also covers earlier bikes, describes the same set.
2006-2007	Monster S2R 800, S2R 1000	red master key plus two black transponder keys	yes	IRC with Code Card.
2007-2008	Monster 695, S4R Testastretta, S4R S Testastretta	red master key plus two black transponder keys	yes	IRC with Code Card.
2008	Monster 696	red master key plus two black transponder keys	yes	First model year only. From 2009 Ducati lists the 696 under I2K with two black keys and a Code Card.

What came with the bike, and what each piece does

Ducati's bulletin describes the red key as the master key. It starts the engine like any other key, and it is the only key that can program, delete or reprogram black keys. The black keys are for riding. The Code Card carries the electronic code for an emergency override: entered correctly, it lets the engine start until the next time you switch off, even with an immobilizer fault.

The Monster 620 manual tells owners to bring every remaining key and the Code Card when asking for a duplicate, and says the dealer may ask you to prove you own the bike. All keys are programmed together, up to eight in total, and any key not present is wiped from memory.

Need a key for your Monster 620?

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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A new black key cut to the ignition should work all three. We try it in the cap and the seat lock before we finish.

Ignition switch, which also locks the steering. The manual's parking advice is to turn the bars fully left and take the key out in the LOCK position.
Fuel tank cap, unlocked with a quarter turn clockwise
Seat lock, which the manual covers together with the helmet hook

If the red key or the Code Card is missing

Plenty of these bikes change hands with one black key and nothing else. The bike runs fine like that. The catch is in Ducati's bulletin: without the red key, no new key can be paired and no key can be deleted. The factory fix is a new ignition switch with its own red and black keys, plus an engine control unit and an instrument panel.

Two details can save you money. If the red key's blade is broken but its chip still works, Ducati allows the transponder to be moved into a new key, so do not throw a damaged red key away. And if the ignition switch itself fails while you still have the red key, the bulletin's repair keeps the original dash and engine control unit.

A lost-key visit on one of these Monsters

We check your photo ID against the registration or title, then look at what you still have: red key, black key, Code Card, key number plate. With the red key present, we cut a new black key and it is memorized alongside your existing keys. With no red key, or no keys at all, we tell you before the visit whether a key can be registered to the existing dash and engine control unit on your year, or whether the parts route through a dealer is the realistic one.

Where to find the key code

The Monster 620 manual says the three keys come with a small plate showing their identification number, and tells you to store the plate and the red key in a safe place. That number covers the cut of the blade. It is separate from the electronic code on the Code Card.

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)

Ducati Monster 620, 695, S2R and S4R key FAQ

My Monster S4R only came with a black key. Can I get a spare?

The bike will keep running on that key. Ducati's factory route needs the red key to add another, so ask us about your exact year before you rely on a single key.

Should I ride with the red key?

No. Ducati's manuals for these systems say to store the red key safely and use one black key day to day. The red key is what makes future key work simple.

Does a 2008 Monster 696 have a red key?

Ducati's bulletin lists the 2008 Monster 696 under the IRC red-key system and the 2009 and later 696 under I2K, which has two black keys and a Code Card. Check what came with your bike.

What is the Code Card for on these bikes?

It carries the electronic code for an emergency start if the immobilizer has a fault. The dealer will also ask for it when you order duplicate keys, and Ducati does not supply a replacement card by itself.

The immobilizer system on this bike

Ducati Immobilizer: Red Key, Code Card, PIN and Lost KeysEvery keyed Ducati immobilizer reads a transponder in the key and only lets the engine start when the code matches one stored on the bike.

More Ducati models

Services for this bike

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.
When to Get a Spare Motorcycle Key, and Why NowGet a spare motorcycle key as soon as you are down to one working key.
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.
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.

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Sources

Page last updated November 14, 2026.