lost key...

[007brendan]

With my old Honda, I was able to pull a number of my ignition and get the Dealer to cut me a new key for pretty cheap (like $20 for two).  Anyone ever done this for the GS?

[The Buddha]

Yes and no ... I've had varying levels of luck with VIN vs numbers on the lock vs this and that.
Cool.
Buddha.

[adidasguy]

My 2009 came with a little plastic tag with a key cutting number.
Try removing the seat lock and take that to a locksmith. Should be able to make a key for it. (Providing ignition, fuel and seat still used the same key then you'd be OK)

[average]

My 2009 came with a little plastic tag with a key cutting number.
Try removing the seat lock and take that to a locksmith. Should be able to make a key for it. (Providing ignition, fuel and seat still used the same key then you'd be OK)

Trust me. That's the best way or your tank...Seat lock is 10x easier.

[the mole]

I lost my only key, luckily opposite a locksmith. Gave him the bike while I was at work and he cut a new key from the seat lock. He wasn't sure that it would work as the ignition lock has more tumblers, but it was fine. Cost about $80 for two keys+ two for the top box as well!

[Jared]

Most manufacturers stopped putting the codes on the lock cylinders awhile back (or at least made them impossible to see while on the bike).....I understand it made stealing bikes easy...get a dental mirror and a flash light---take the code to a dealer and get a key cut ( was the last three characters of the code but in reverse or something...been quite some time...).Honda may still do it- I'm not sure...

VIN #s... only tried it once but either they couldn't do it or the guy punching the key couldn't do it right.My ZX11 had a little tag...long gone...

I've made cylinders fit keys (seat latch to match the gas tank/ignition)- With the lock cylinder out of the latch mechanism- insert the existing key into the cylinder...use a file or a dremel to file/grind the pins down flush with the cylinder...make sure the pins move in and out cleanly (dress them as needed)...install your cylinder and try it....as long as all the tumblers (before sanding) would stick out with the key inserted  it will usually work...(you can rearrange the tumblers).

As I said...I've only done it to the seat cylinder.

You may just take the gas tank to a locksmith to have a key made ( easier than taking the ignition out...). or haul the bike to a locksmith...
Good luck.

[MysterYvil]

Not sure about the GS, but my Kawi's key has three different sections:  one ignition, one gas tank, one seat.  Therefore, I can't get a complete key made unless all three lock cylinders are disassembled.

Because of this, I have made a habit of recording ALL my key codes, keeping the factory-codes in a safe place, and having at least three copies of each moto's keys.  We keep one set (moto key and disc-lock key) at home, one set for the moto, and one set in our jackets (in case we misplace them while out on the road).

[DoD#i]

The simple/cheap way around this problem is to make (and check) copies before you lose "the only key for the bike"...

So all y'all with only one key that fits the bike (or only one key that fits a particular lock on the bike, if they don't all match) - go out and get copies made now, and check that they actually work, before you need them.

Pricewise, if you have a garage with the bike in it, you may find it cheaper to buy a new set of locks/keys and engage in creative destruction to replace all three locks, unless you have locksmiths that work cheap (rare to the point of vanishing.) Your best bet lacking that is to grab your papers (title and ID, particularly - you don't really WANT to patronize a locksmith who doesn't check that you actually own the bike before making you a new key, y'know?) and haul the bike to a locksmith (they are generally much cheaper if they can work at their shop.)

[XealotX]

This thread compelled me to get a replacement key made today. All of two minutes at the local Ace Hardware store. Key blank has "CURTIS SU14" printed on it and works just fine.

Best $2.00 I've ever spent.

[the mole]

+1! I could have got 40 spare keys for what I spent at the locksmiths at that price!!!