MV Agusta F4 and Brutale 1000/1090 Key Replacement

Quick answerMV Agusta's US owner's manuals describe an immobilizer on the four-cylinder bikes: the 2012 Brutale 1090 R, the 2013 to 2015 F4, and the 2019 to 2023 Brutale 1000 RR. Each comes with two keys and an MV Code Card that carries the key identification number and a secret code. A lost key on one of these is a cutting and programming job, and the Code Card is the piece of paperwork to find first.

MV Agusta F4 and Brutale 1000/1090 key quick facts

The F4 manual says the immobilizer lets the engine start only if it recognises the original starter key.
The key identification number is located on the MV Code Card supplied with the ignition keys.
The Brutale 1090 R manual says it is essential to provide the key identification number when ordering a spare key.
The F4 and Brutale 1090 ignition switches have a P (parking) position beyond LOCK that leaves the parking lights on with the steering locked.
The Brutale 1000 RR has a red immobilizer light that turns on for a key identification error or an immobilizer module error.
An MV service bulletin from February 2013 made a key switch electrical part replacement mandatory on a range of 2013 F4, F4 R and F4 RR bikes before delivery.

MV Agusta F4 and Brutale 1000/1090 key types by year

Years	Models	Key type	Chip	Notes
2012	Brutale 1090 R	transponder key	yes	IMMOBILIZER dash mode and MV Code Card in the 2012 US manual. Other Brutale 990 and 1090 years vary; we confirm from your VIN when you call.
2013-2015	F4, F4 R	transponder key	yes	IMMOBILIZER dash mode and MV Code Card in the 2013-2014 and 2015 US manuals.
2019-2023	Brutale 1000 RR	transponder key	yes	PIN CODE function, red immobilizer warning light and MV Code Card in the 2019-2020 and 2021-2023 US manuals.

The immobilizer on the four-cylinder bikes

The 2013 F4 manual describes it in two sentences. The immobilizer lets the engine start only if it recognises the original starter key. This is an anti-theft device built into the electronic circuit of the vehicle, since only authorised people are allowed to drive it. The 2012 Brutale 1090 R manual uses the same words, and the Brutale 1000 RR manual says much the same under the newer name PIN CODE.

The same manuals say the dashboard's immobilizer mode should be used only in the event of a breakdown. If for any reason the original key is not recognised by the system, the manual says the engine can be allowed to start by manually entering the secret code from the MV Code Card. The dash reports whether the code was valid, and if the problem persists you are sent to an MV Agusta service centre. For owners, the message is that the code is a get-you-going measure for a key the bike has stopped recognising, not a replacement for a working key.

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Two keys and the MV Code Card

A key is supplied in duplicate for both the ignition and all the locks, and the manual tells you to keep the duplicate in a safe place. With the keys comes the MV Code Card. It has two things on it: the key identification number, and, under a cover on the back, the secret electronic code of the starter key.

MV is more insistent about the number on the older four-cylinder bikes. The 2012 Brutale 1090 R manual says it is essential to provide the key identification number if you place an order for a spare motorcycle key. The F4 and Brutale 1000 manuals say you may be required to provide it. Either way, a used F4 or Brutale without its Code Card is missing something real, and it is fair to ask the seller where it is.

Ignition switch positions, including P

On the F4, the switch has OFF, ON, LOCK and P. For LOCK you turn the handlebar to the left or right and press the key in gently while rotating it. P is one step past LOCK: the manual says all electrical circuits are deactivated except the parking lights, the steering is locked and the key can be removed. It also warns not to leave the key at P for a long time because the battery will discharge. The Brutale 1090 R manual has the same P position. The Brutale 1000 RR manual shows OFF, ON and LOCK, with the handlebar turned to the left for LOCK.

A flat battery after the key was left at P is not a key fault. But if the key will not come back from LOCK or P, do not force it. The same key also opens the fuel tank cap and releases the passenger seat.

The 2013 F4 key switch bulletin

In February 2013 MV Agusta issued a service bulletin for the F4, F4 R and F4 RR of model year 2013, covering a block of VINs. It made two updates mandatory on new motorcycles before they were handed to customers: an ECU remap, and replacement of the electrical part of the key switch, with the part supplied by MV. If you own a 2013 F4 with an intermittent ignition switch, it is worth asking an MV dealer whether that bulletin applied to your VIN and was completed.

Lost keys on an F4 or Brutale 1000

Because every manual in this group describes an immobilizer, a new key has to be cut to the locks and also recognised by the bike. The Brutale 1000 RR makes a recognition problem obvious: the red immobilizer light turns on and the display goes to the PIN CODE screen.

With one key left, get a second made now. With none, find the Code Card, the title or registration and your photo ID, and call with the exact model and year. The dealer route means ordering against the key identification number and usually a trailer to one of a small number of US dealers. We extract broken keys, repair the ignition, seat and fuel cap locks and cut keys at the bike, and we will tell you before we come out whether programming for your year can be done on site.

Where to find the key code

The owner's manuals say the key identification number is located on the MV Code Card supplied with the ignition keys. The 2012 Brutale 1090 R manual calls it essential when ordering a spare key, so keep the card with your title, not on the bike.

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)

MV Agusta F4 and Brutale 1000/1090 key FAQ

Does the MV Agusta F4 have an immobilizer?

Yes, per the 2013-2014 and 2015 US owner's manuals, which describe an immobilizer that lets the engine start only if it recognises the original key, plus an MV Code Card.

What is the P position on my F4 ignition?

It is a parking position past LOCK. The manual says the steering is locked and all circuits are off except the parking lights, and it warns that leaving the key there for a long time will discharge the battery.

The red immobilizer light is on and my Brutale 1000 RR shows PIN CODE. What does that mean?

The manual says this appears when the system cannot recognise the ignition key code. Try your second key, and have the MV Code Card to hand before calling a dealer or locksmith.

I bought an F4 with one key and no Code Card. What should I do first?

Have a second key made while the first still works, and ask the seller and the original dealer for the card, which carries the key identification number MV asks for when ordering spare keys.

The immobilizer system on this bike

MV Agusta Immobilizer and MV Code Card: Keys and Lost KeysOn the MV Agusta models that have one, the immobilizer lets the engine start only when it recognises the original key, and the bike is delivered with two keys and an MV Code Card.

More MV Agusta models

Services for this bike

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 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.
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 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.

Where we come to you

Sources

Page last updated November 14, 2026.