I lost my key already, Replacement Key question

[samhkang]

Dang it. I just bought 05' GS500F this year and already lost one of the two keys that came with.  Based on my manual, I have to use some identifying number (which I have) to get a replacement key. Is that mean that the key is specialized and therefor I need to go through the dealer to get one or can I just get a copy from Wal-mart since I still have the other key? If I have to go through the dealer, how much would they charge? I really don't want to pay them anymore after paying close to $5000 for the bike two months ago. Help anyone?

[ducati_nolan]

I went to two hardware stores and neither of them had the correct blank. I don't know if it's super hard to find or if I was just unlucky. I'm sure that you can get a blank from a suzuki dealer for like $1 or so and then if they don't have the machine to make copies, any hardware store with the machine will be able to make the copy for you and they shouldn't charge you more than $1. This is probally cheaper and faster than ordering one through Suzuki.

[TheGoodGuy]

i got 2 keys, and a black tag on the keyring, that tag has the 4 digit number on it or so.

I believe volvo keys work on it.. search for it. or look up pablos site.

[xtalman]

Go to a locksmith, and duplicate your key with this key blank:

Ilco X241 SUZ18 - That's what my two non-OEM keys say.

Make sure you can start the bike with it, as well as open the fuel tank and seat lock.  One key I had made wouldn't open the fuel tank, so I would've been stranded if I didn't live so close.

[Cal Price]

I have a mate who works in one of those shoe-repair, engraving and key cutting places he says "usually" a Volvo blank does it.

[Wrecent_Wryder]

@

[fettcols]

I was picking up a part at the honda dealer once and asked about getting an extra key made... I gave him my insurance card with the VIN and he cut me a key and gave me the four digit code all for under three bucks...

I asked the ford dealer about getting a replacement for my van... $108 Damn PATS system!

[samhkang]

Thanks guys, I will check with the volvo dealer.

[Budrick320]

Yeah I just had a replacement made yesterday. I lost my second one also. I went to Home Depot but after it was made, it wouldn't fit the ignition, Returned it. So I went to a locksmith and after about 30 seconds, wam bam, got one for 3 bucks, works perfectly.
AND like the other's said : Make sure it fits the seat lock and the tank.

[aplitz]

No, don't check with the Volvo dealer.  Older Volvo's typically use a VL8 key, the new ones are all sidewinder high security, while GS's use a SUZ18.  As a former GS owner, current Volvo owner, and a LOCKSMITH, just go to a local lock shop and have them duplicate your current working key.  Save the tag with the code.  In a situation where you have lost all your keys, we can use that # to make a key from scratch.  It might even be good to write it down somewhere unless you lose a key while out of town away from your spare.

On the average it will cost you about $200 to get keys made from scratch for a bike, making a key from that code?  About $20.

[snowey]

I had a similar problem i posted about a couple of weeks ago. i ended up going to a locksmith and they definitely had a blank for me.  It cost ~$5

[xtalman]

I agree with aplitz, don't check with the Volvo dealer.  Even if it worked, it'd probably be more expensive anyway.  Like I said earlier, go to your local locksmith, and it won't cost you but $3 a key.

Don't go to a chain store, they usually don't have the right blanks.  My first key that didn't work was made at a Home Depot.

[Roadstergal]

Don't go to a chain store, they usually don't have the right blanks.

If you want blank looks, go to Home Despot or Lowe's.  'Round here, go to McLendon's.  I haven't tried them for a GS key yet, but they made a BMW key in minutes that had all of the chain stores going 'duh.'  They also have an actual selection of metric nuts and bolts.

[phire]

Two things... One, how are you using such a huge avatar pic when the site only allows 100x100 pixels? Second, the replacement key doesn't have to be the exact blank as the original as many are quite interchangable. Some require slight modification like cutting the shoulder back a tad or trimming off the end a mm or two but usually just as long as the key goes into the lock, chances are if it's cut it'll work. In fact, I used a Yamaha key blank for my 05 GS500F and it worked. I used a YU-1 and just cut the shoulders back a hair and it works like a charm. It's an old key blank, too that's been around for a while so these places that don't know how to cut keys except by matching the number should have that blank and be able to cut you a key. Any good place will be able to eyeball the key and find you something else other than a Suzuki blank to fit.

Oh, btw the black ID tag that's on your keyring is a code # and generally (for the sake of ease) requires a special key machine. It's quite simple really, just insert the keyblank and input the code and the machine automatically cuts the key based on the code. I believe the code is just the position of the pins in the lock and not just some code that gets translated to YOUR bike specifically.

BTW, do _NOT_ go to the dealer at any cost. They rape you completely. MOST keyblanks cost less than 50 cents at wholesale. 50 cents is even pretty high for a key by most standards. Keys with chips and stuff do cost anywhere from $1-2 to 15$ just for the blank itself so paying $25-30 for a key with a chip wouldn't be a bad price. Anyways, moral of the story is... Any good locksmith will be able to fabricate a key to fit for you if the "correct" blank is unavailable. I usually have to fabricate at least a few keys per day and our prices don't change. $1 for all single sided keys and $1.50-$2 for all double sided keys. We even cut keys that are brought to us in 2-3 peices!

btw, a key takes only a few seconds to cut. if anyone tries to tell you it'll be any longer... they don't know wtf they're doing.

[bargovic]

I lost my spare too.  Went to lowes and they didnt have the correct blanks.  Went to the dealer and he made me a new one for free in about 2 mins.  If you just bought your bike and you go back there for a key they shouldnt be charging you much or at all.

[Alphamazing]

My key is bent (came that way) and it's the only one I've got. It works alright, but sometimes it gets hung up in the ignition. I don't want a plain bare-metal key, though. Where can I get a blank that has the plastic protector on it?

[DMac]

I just read a thread on this a few weeks ago, has anyone searched?
I think it came down to new keys w/ the black plastic on the end were 10$ from dealer not too sure, but if you search it should come up

[phire]

To answer both of you guys, you can have your key duplicated if it's bent. It's no problem because when the key is put into the jaws of the keymachine it won't be bent anymore. Next, keys with the rubber head don't cost very much more; Only a few cents over a regular key. The only difference between the two is the rubber head. It isn't a special key or any more durable or anything at all... Just personal preferance.

[samhkang]

Thanks guys, I finally made my decision to goto a local locksmith instead of the dealer.  I will let you guys know the outcome.
About the pic on my left.... I don't now how I was able to post such a huge pic but it worked. Maybe b/c she is so hot and they let me?  

[Roadstergal]

Resize it, dude.