New BMW's and Keys

As most of you know I picked up a new BMW R1200GS Adventure last week. Since
2005 it has been BMW policy to only supply one original steel ignition key
and an emergency plastic back-up with new motorcycles.



BMW cars get two original keys and the plastic back-up.



These keys have an integral electronic chip in them as a security feature
and would be quite expensive to replace. I objected when I picked up the
bike and was told by the salesman that it was BMW's policy only to supply
one standard steel key. I have confirmed this with BMW Australia head office
(I am the President of a BMW Motorcycle Club had have good access to head
office).



It is my view that two original steel keys should be supplied with all new
vehicles (this has certainly been my experience to date with all other
vehicles).



What do you think?



Do other manufactures only supply one "Real" key?



John Olive (Boxer)

 

I think considering what you pay one key is a bloody joke.

Fraser

 

Hey Boxer,

When I picked up my BMW F800s in April they gave me a steel key and a
plastic back-up. At the time I was a little unimpressed, but didn't say
anything as all I could think about was riding away!

Alex

 

In aus.motorcycles on Tue, 10 Jul 2007 08:19:00 GMT

Another reason for 1200RS buyers to go Norge.

Yes, 2 keys.

Zebee

 

Sounds like they are on the case of selling high priced spare parts, which
seems to be the major source of income for vehicle manufacturers.

 

Thanks Alex, I know the feeling but if we let them know we want 2 keys, we
may get some action.

Boxer

 

I agree with you there - Fritz is a 2005 Hyosung but I got 2 keys with
'im, second hand and all. I would expect no less with any key-operated
thingy (ask my real estate .. they didn't like giving 2 keys for
everything - it is however a subtle way to suggest the owner reduces the
current key count of 11 (seriously) for this particular domicile .. and
all external doors share the same 2 keys ..)

 

Well the previous R1150R had two keys but the K1200R has the same key
combination as you mentioned. I thought when you paid close to 30,000 that
you deserved the two keys....... so give BMW a message from me....FU

 

let me see Zeebee....

2 keys and a Norge or 1 key and my K1200R


hmmmmmmm, not a hard choice

 

hmmmm 3 keys for the duc , 1 red and 2 black

 

In aus.motorcycles on Tue, 10 Jul 2007 19:22:47 +1000

Nope. Don't get the black Norge, they look almost as porky as a BMW!

Zebee

 

It was cheaper for me to wire in a jap key assy than buy a new k series
key.. now thats not right . ( $10.00 for a used assy)

 

Suzuki gave me two keys for my GS500F, and a little black plastic tag
attached to the keyring they both came on. The sales guy told me the tag was
the important thing to keep safe, coz it had something or other encoded on
it - in case I needed to get another key cut?

betty

 

Yes the number's some kind of key ID - given that, they can replicate
whatever technical wizardry is required to get the key to work with that
particular vehicle.. providing you cough up a lump (sum).

 

Sheesh! This motorcycling biz is fraught, isn't it?

betty, off to write numbers in manuals
and hide keys in safe places that I'll
remember (not the underwear drawer -
apparently that's the first place burglars
look. But how do they know WHICH
drawer is the underwear drawer?)

 

I think it's just the code of the cut of the key, so they can cut you a
new key without an existing key. If it's anything like the Honda keys,
it'll be a string of numbers between 1 and 4 and each number represents
the depth of the cut required at each pin position on the key. So for
the same reason that it's important to keep it, it's also important to
keep it secure, as anyone with access to that tag can get a key cut to
fit the lock.

Nev..
'04 CBR1100XX

 

As G-S said, it's good idea to take a spare key when you go out for a
long ride. If you're going with other people, a good idea is to swap
spare keys with another rider and carry their key in your toolkit or
luggage somewhere and vice versa.

Nev..
'04 CBR1100XX

 

I think it's a dead bloody liberty...

It will certainly make it even more unlikely that my next bike will be a
new BMW.

OK we have established that Guzzi's get two real keys, what about new
Triumphs?

regards,
CrazyCam

 

In aus.motorcycles on Tue, 10 Jul 2007 22:18:10 +1000

The Norge has an immobiliser so the key has electronicry in it. Once
I set a code, the key I use each day has that programmed in, the other
can only be used if you know the code and punch it in when you turn
the bike on. Otherwise the bike will sit there sneering at you.

No key identifier though, so no idea how hard it would be to get
another key. Have to ask a dealer I guess.

Zebee

 

what worries me is that a President of a BMW Motorcycle Club didn't
know that in the first place

yes, it sucks, I would expect more from a $28K bike, the strom came
with 2 and its $14 to get another cut.

mh