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Lost My Keys! Lost My Keys!
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Travellers' questions that don't fit anywhere else This is an opportunity to ask any question, and post any notice you wish that doesn't fit into one of the other sections.
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  #1  
Old 8 Mar 2009
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Lost My Keys!
Hello, I'm an idiot and I've lost both my keys in the space of a week. I am leaving england - australia in three weeks and need to get some new keys sorted quite quick. Does anyone know if it is best/possible/cheaper to get a new set through a bmw dealer, or to order a new ignition switch and key from motobins and replace the lot? any help appreciated.
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Old 8 Mar 2009
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What model is it ?
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Old 8 Mar 2009
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BMW keys are numbered and can be reordered/cut to that number. The number is supplied on a small black plastic tag accompanying the keys on delivery.

Life being life, this usually gets lost!

The original supplying BMW dealer should also have a copy of the number in their documentation and records. If they are sympathetic and cooperative (rare for BMW dealers who are usually so far up themselves that any customer for just a part is a total inconvenience) they should be able to look it up.

The next problem is, if you bought a used bike from other than a BMW dealer, a BMW dealer will probably say they are unable to provide the number/key to anyone other than the initial customer on the grounds of security - but I think it is just their usual arrogance and unwillingness to even consider there is anything or anyone non-BMW out there beyond the white marble, stainless steel and smoked windows.

Good luck.
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Old 8 Mar 2009
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Just remembered something!
(And maybe the thinking behind Pete's question)

There was a thread here a year or so ago in which Maria discovered many F650s all work on the same key.
If your bike is an F650, maybe worth trying some others' keys. Mine, for example if you are in London in the next 2 weeks.
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Old 8 Mar 2009
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Sorry should have mentioned, it is a 1988 r100gs. I don't have the black plastic with the code on and it was a used bike when it came to me. I have had a look around and on the back of the ignition switch there is a sticker, it says 0635. Thought this could be a part number but apparently not, do you think there is any chance this is useful?

I was hoping bmw may be able to act from a VIN number or something similar. Do you think not?
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Old 8 Mar 2009
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If BMW are no help and a new ignition is very expensive you may be able to get a good lock smith to cut a key for your lock.
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Old 8 Mar 2009
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Quincy View Post
I was hoping bmw may be able to act from a VIN number or something similar. Do you think not?
Yes, a friend of mine had the same problem. He got new keys in less then a week.
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Old 9 Mar 2009
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As its an 88, its just a plane old ignition. Right ????



Hack the old one off and get a new one wired in.
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Old 9 Mar 2009
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Hello all, thanks for all your replies. I tried BMW dealership, apparently they don't make keys for r100's anymore so the only thing they could suggest is to change all locks - costly! I called a couple of localish locksmiths but they were not interested. I'm not doubting that it can be done this way but as I live in the middle of nowhere, many many miles from civilisation, and I'm working 7 days a week for the next month to save my pennies for the big bike trip I've decided to go with the moto guzzi service. I called them and they were very helpful, for £35 I think it a good deal. I've sent the barrel off, I'll post back here to say how I get on. Tedmagum, it is a simple ignition but the moto guzzi service works out cheaper than replacing the barrel with a new one. New barrel is £67 from motorworks, no doubt I could pick up second hand but don't have the time. Also, this way I get my original shape key back, so I'll still have use of steering lock and be able to get under my seat otherwise I would need to change these too.

Thanks again
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Old 2 Apr 2009
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All is now well
Just to let anyone who finds themselves in my situation in the future know, Twiggers motorcycles were fantastic. The got a replacement key cut for me and sent back within a week. Very good service. If you have lost or broken your motorcycle keys, they are a nice cheap option to get you going again.
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Old 2 Apr 2009
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Hope you had two keys cut while you were at it. Will save loads of time.
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Old 8 Apr 2009
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As a follow up to a follow up it pains me to have to report that in the end I had to buy a new ignition switch from motorworks anyway. My old switch and new key that I got back from Twiggers was great for turning the bike on but after a short while I noticed that my lights were all screwed up. I couldn't have tail light and headlight on at the same time. The switch had been put back together wrong. Problem fixed with new switch.

At least I still have a key for under seat and steering lock. If you do use Twiggers just ask them to take care when reassembling.
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