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Photo by Marc Gibaud, Clouds on Tres Cerros and Mount Fitzroy, Argentinian Patagonia

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Photo by Marc Gibaud,
Clouds on Tres Cerros and
Mount Fitzroy, Argentinian Patagonia



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  #1  
Old 11 Apr 2007
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Transponders in keys

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Originally Posted by princec View Post
I'm informed that my 1200GSAdv has some clever electronic wizardy in the key which means that even if the patterns are somehow the same as someone else's the engine won't run.
In recent years with so many bikes (and cars) being stolen, it has been deemed necessary by insurance companies to request the manufacturers to fit additional security devices to bikes on the assembly line. Transponders are fitted within the plastic key heads that must be individually programmed to match the bikes ECU. Even if the mechanical cuts on a duplicate key are the same, the bike will turn over but not fire. I suspect that manufacturers also wanted to tie owners back to authorised dealerships.

This has back fired somewhat as Locksmiths have access to programming equipment capable of encrypting keys for most makes. This gear is very expensive (upwards from $10K) so don't be suprised if the next key you get cut and programmed is as dear as a house payment.

As for the older model bikes with worn ignitions, the discs or slides wear out allowing more keys with similar cuts to work through them. Lubricate them occasionally with a dry lube such as graphite to prevent premature wear.

So my advice is to look after your keys more and don't allow them to be, crushed by a Rhino or submerged in water for very long as this can also cause them to fail.

Glen
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Old 11 Apr 2007
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It could be worse

At least they are getting better. On BMW /2 models every key would fit every bike. Not only that, but any ten penny nail will fit any /2 ignition.
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Old 11 Apr 2007
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TOTALLY off topic, but are you the guy who was tied up and severely beaten in Iran? Strictly curious. Hook.
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Old 11 Apr 2007
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Hook -

When asking a question, who should put in the name of whom you are addressing - just helps a bit, cause you see...............that didn't happen to me.
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Old 11 Apr 2007
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Apologies, it was meant for Pete. I just remembered someone telling that story- I thought it might be Pete. By the way- I'm glad it wasn't you! Later, H.
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Old 11 Apr 2007
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Smile More on keys

I dropped my bike to Alex last night. Now this guy is an ex teacher at Merton college, a VERY talented motorcycle mechanics. He is studying full time at uni now, but has been doing part time work. As I dropped my bike to get him prepare it for my trip, I told him about the keys.

He did not seem surprised at all. Seems to be common practice.
He is a big fan of an italian make (I cannot remember the name!) . Classic bikes.

He's got loads of them. For the hole of that brand, there are only 10 different keys. That's all.
So he's got the 10 keys and does not even bother to label them...

So... ride safe you all and keep your bike(s) chained at any time when not riding!!
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Old 11 Apr 2007
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Wow, thanks for the info Maria. I REALLY hope to make the UK HU rally- perhaps I can upgrade my horse! I'm really surprised to hear this by the way. Maria, when in Colombia, try almuerzo for lunch, it's a set menu, cheap and tastey. Also the soup, ajiaco (sp), yumm. You lucky devils! H.
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Old 16 Apr 2007
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Never had problems with my F 650 GS / Dakar but know for fact that the Funduro keys & locks were cheap rubbish. Wear is the problem.

Or maybe someone tried to or did authorise himself for a spin on your bike at some time. This often happened with the 1970's style plastic cylinder ignition switches on XT500s et al. A stick, knife or screwdriver would switch them on.
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  #9  
Old 17 Apr 2007
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Quote:
Originally Posted by hook View Post
TOTALLY off topic, but are you the guy who was tied up and severely beaten in Iran? Strictly curious. Hook.
Yep, that was me. I went back though and had a much better time.
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