Why You Need a Motorcycle Key Cut
There are several reasons you might need to have your motorcycle key cut. First you should check if the key you have is damaged or is stuck in your ignition.
A locksmith is the ideal option in these instances. They will take away your old key, get the code off the cylinder, and then make you a new one.
Lost Keys
Your motorcycle is an integral element of your daily life and as a lot of people, it's among your most prized possessions. You want it to be in good condition and you've got a spare key in case you do lose it.
There are a variety of things you can do to protect your keys. You can also hand over your keys to someone you trust, like your spouse or friend. You might want to think about purchasing a Bluetooth keychain tracker for when you are moving. It will allow you to locate your keys quickly and easily.
Additionally, make sure you keep your keys clean at least once in a while. Dirty keys are more likely to become stuck in your ignition cylinder and require an expensive repair or replacement.
It is imperative to contact a locksmith as soon as possible if you have lost your keys. They will then be able to provide you with an emergency key for your motorcycle. This will save you money in the long run.
You can have a new key that is made from scratch by giving your local locksmith the ignition cylinder code or lock code, if present. You can find this information on the ignition cylinder or in the owner's manual.
Another option is to take your entire ignition key cylinder to your locksmith. He'll create an impression of your lock and make a copy. This can be costly and therefore it is recommended to get in touch with your locksmith to discuss an estimate.
If your bike has one, you could also think about using transponder keys. These keys are electronic and can sometimes be programmed to be compatible with a motorcycle's ignition system.
They can also be used as replacement keys for older or damaged keys. This kind of key is not as common than standard key blanks and may be more difficult to find.
You'll need to replace the transponder keys by contacting an hardware store or dealer. These stores are better equipped than locksmiths to perform this type of task. The cost of a transponder key is typically a bit higher than other kinds of keys for motorcycles, so it's best to make a call ahead and get an estimate prior to making a decision.
Broken Keys
There are many options to fix a damaged key. However, it's important to determine the reason your key got damaged before deciding on the right solution for you.
Keys for motorcycles are usually made of metal that is less hard and brittle than other keys. They can break in many ways because of this, such as breaking in half or not turning in the keyway.
This could happen to the ignition cylinder of your motorcycle or gas cap lock and that's the reason you should call a locksmith who is experienced to take the key off and replace it with a brand new one. This will speed up the process and decrease the chance of damaging the lock or ignition cylinder.
Certain motorcycles may have high-tech keys that need to be programmed with a particular key code. This makes it harder to get a replacement key or fob. It is a good idea to have an extra key in your pocket.
Another method to avoid having damaged keys is to clean your keys regularly. This will help prevent the metal from bending and warping. It will also make your key harder to break, which means it's less likely to end up stuck in the ignition lock or cylinder.
You can also purchase a blank motorcycle key online and then cut it to fit the profile of your motorcycle. This is a cheaper alternative to purchasing the key from a dealer and is a part of regular maintenance with an expert locksmith.
If you're ready to replace your keys, contact a professional locksmith in the Longwood area who is specialized in mobile key replacement for motorcycles. These companies have the tools and expertise to replace your ignition cylinder, or gas cap lock and then reprogramme the fob of your motorcycle without damaging it.
A professional locksmith can reprogram your vehicle's fob, and also replace the broken key in your ignition with a fresh one. A spare key can help to avoid the stress of losing your keys.
Keys stuck
A cut on a motorcycle key can cause your bike's ignition to stop working. It can be very frustrating especially if trying to get out for the day or you've received a new key that won't fit in your ignition.
This issue is generally not too serious and can usually be resolved with just a little effort. It usually involves cleaning and attempting to put the ignition key back in again.
A soft cloth and soapy water are the most effective ways to get rid of a stuck key. This will get rid of any dirt or grime that may be blocking the flow. Then, try to wiggle the key from side to side within the lock's the cylinder.
Spray graphite or lubricant can be applied to the key in order to make it move more easily. Make sure to use a non-wet, oil based fluid. Lubricants based on oil can draw dust and dirt that can make the block more difficult to remove.
You can also make use of needle-nose pliers to grab the key's end and take it out. Just be careful not to twist too often or you could damage it!
Another option is to make use of smaller, narrow hacksaw knives. This method is less efficient than the pliers and will only work only if you have the broken key on the lock's edge. It's not recommended however as it could damage the lock.
If the damaged portion of your key is sticking out from the keyhole, you may be able to make use of a mini hacksaw blade. While it's not as effective as pliers and tweezers, it can be done when the blade is able to clear the edge of the keyhole.
Stuck keys can also be caused by other problems, including the ignition cylinder in your motorcycle. This can be due to a variety of reasons, including a damaged cylinder or the fact that the key is not the right one for your motorcycle. If you're not able to resolve this problem, you should bring the bike to a dealership for a replacement.
Transponder Keys
You might have noticed that a key for your motorcycle is not able to be inserted into locks until it has been programmed. This kind of key, also known as a transponder, can be found on many automobiles nowadays.
Transponder keys include an electronic microchip that is able to receive signals from the vehicle's anti-theft system. After inserting the transponder keys into the ignition lock cylinder turn it ON to transmit an ID code to the car's antenna rings which in turn sends that signal back to the computer in the car.
The computer compares the ID code of the chip with the car's identification codes stored and if it finds an identical match, it shuts off the immobilizer, and then unlocks the ignition. This is the principal reason that the majority of modern vehicles are equipped with transponder keys and why you'll find them on a large number of cars.
Another benefit of transponder keys is that they are a lot more safe than conventional mechanical keys. Since transponder keys use an electronic ID that is unique to the vehicle it's used on and therefore less likely to be used by someone else.
Remote controls are available on certain transponder keys. This feature was designed to make it easier to carry and use the key in the event of an emergency. Contact a professional locksmith if you need a replacement transponder keys.
There are many ways locksmiths can program your key. The first is to use a laser cutting machine for key programming that only certified and licensed automotive locksmiths and dealers for cars have access to. The cost of this machine could be thousands of dollars, which is why it's important to hire an experienced and certified locksmith for the job.
You can also request that your key copied from an existing key. This is the best option for replacing existing keys.
It is important to note that repaired transponder key should never be used on vehicles with chip keys installed. If you do, you may be capable of getting it to work, but it's not a guarantee and could even result in the vehicle being locked because of the misuse of the key.