Lost keys

[patriot]

Need info about making ignition keys. Can keys be made via a 2012 Goldwing VIN? I know I had a key made for a 2003. I bought the key from a Honda dealer and then had another dealer cut the key. This was in Phoenix.

 

[JaysGone]

As a locksmith.
Some bikes keys can be made from the VIN.
Depends on the code retrieval service used and the bikes age.
The key code used to be on the cylinder that held the seat on in the older Honda bikes.
Unfortunately Im not aware of it being on the glove box lock on the right side. It might be there and its easy enough to remove.

Best bet is a Honda dealer through the VIN on newer bikes.
The dealer may not be equipped to cut the key though,
The codes should also be on the dealer invoice if the bike was bought new.

 

[shadow]

http://www.motorcyclekeys.com/blanks2.html

This might help

 

[Bullet]

Most locksmiths should be able to make a key by impression. They take a key and sharpen the edges, then they use a file to make the cuts. I've done it many times.

 

[Lucky]

Need info about making ignition keys. Can keys be made via a 2012 Goldwing VIN? I know I had a key made for a 2003. I bought the key from a Honda dealer and then had another dealer cut the key. This was in Phoenix.

I had one made for my 1500.Best I can remember finding the blank was yhe problem.GOOD LUCK

 

[patriot]

The locksmith was able to make the keys from a number found attached on the ignition wiring, then used the Internet for other info. Still can't find original keys.

 

[JaysGone]

Most locksmiths should be able to make a key by impression. They take a key and sharpen the edges, then they use a file to make the cuts. I've done it many times.

Impressioning is a valid method for sure.
Unfortunately most people aren't willing to pay for it.
Its both a time consuming and you tend to use on average 2-4 key blanks unless one gets lucky.
Mostly Ill get it using 2 blanks but its again, the time.
65$ an hour,,,,,,,,
I used to remove the ignition switch disassemble it make an exact key and get $175 for that.
Most bikes today are a ton of work to take the ignition switch out of.
Plus here in Florida when its in the 80s - 90s like it has been for the past few weeks.
No amount of money can make me do it.

 

[Bullet]

Damn on your prices man. I use to do a service call and make that key for $42.50. Course that was over 20 years ago. But then it didn't take more than 10 minutes to impression a key.

 

[JaysGone]

Damn on your prices man. I use to do a service call and make that key for $42.50. Course that was over 20 years ago. But then it didn't take more than 10 minutes to impression a key.

A single sided wafer lock is simple.
Newer double sided keys you have to do both sides one side at a time.
They aren't the same cuts. Different on each side.
Then to make a complete key you dup one side then flip it and cut the other side.
Then you hope you didn't file any of the cuts too wide.
If they overlap the key wont work.
Been at it over 40 years in say 1986.
A service call was 37.50. To impression a simple key $15.
Rent then $500.
Today $5500 a month.
The shop doesn't make the rent not even close.
You have to make it up on the road.....labor charges and materials.
There's hardly any store front Lock shops left.
Getting a whopping $59 for a service call.......doesn't pay for gas or insurance.
Its nowhere near the business it was back in the day.
1972 a regular house key say an SC1 or KW1 was a buck, blanks then 3.5 cents a thousand.
Today 18.8 cents and only getting $2.49

You still want to be a locksmith?????

Only 6 or 7 real shops left in Palm Beach County.
100s of single guys working from a cell phone out of their house...............
Plus all the scammers.......................

Still want to do this job??
I know I don't for much longer.

 

[Bullet]

I already been a locksmith back before you started, I got out while the getting was good. This was just before they decided all locksmiths should have to be licensed so the city and state could take them for a ride for whatever bucks they screw them out of.

 

[JaysGone]

I started part time while still in high school back in 1970.
NYC does require you be licensed and it has to be displayed in the shop.
Back then it was I think $125 every 3 years. Or you could get a keymakers for $25.
I had an push cart one summer and you needed a license for that also in NYC.

I hung the push cart license on the wall for the first 5 years or so in the shop.
It was the same form for all NYC licenses.
No one looked not even my boss no inspector nothing.
Eventually my boss did look.
He made me get a real license.

Here in Florida the only place requiring a license is the City of Miami.

 

[Konrad]

As to the subject of key blanks: A Honda Accord blank fits my 2006 1800.

I had an extra one made and using industrial Velcro mounted it under one of the snap-on side covers of the bike.

Now I don't worry about losing the key while on a trip - I just worry about remembering under which cover I hid it! Ain't old age wonderful?