Keys, where to get made

Where is the best place to get a new key (or two) made for my ST ?
I have the "key code". Can I order from one of the Honda dealers on line ?

I think my keys are worn a bit too much, because I have to giggle them a little to open my saddlebags.
One key works better than the other, doesn't look very worn.

Ken Valkyrie said:

Where is the best place to get a new key (or two) made for my ST ?
I have the "key code". Can I order from one of the Honda dealers on line ?

I think my keys are worn a bit too much, because I have to giggle them a little to open my saddlebags.
One key works better than the other, doesn't look very worn.

Click to expand...

I had a "wallet" key successfully made from a key code here. It was for an 1100, so can't direct you to the proper blank number. The web site should.

www.keys4urride.com

Any common hardware store will have the correct key blanks and can cut a key.

See https://www.st-owners.com/forums/content.php?202-ST1300-Key-Blanks for key blank numbers.

Thanks :bow1: for the quick replies.
I ordered 2 keys from Keys4urride.com (they take Paypal too.

FWIW, I did a short write-up on how to determine your key code if you don't know it: CLICKY

--Mark

Blrfl said:

FWIW, I did a short write-up on how to determine your key code if you don't know it

Click to expand...

Ken Valkyrie said:

One key works better than the other, doesn't look very worn.

Click to expand...

That's the one to use as a 'master' if you can't get copies made from the number. A worn original won't make a better copy. Nobody around me can cut a key from the number.

Excellent point - If the keys I just ordered by code don't work out I'll have a couple made from my least worn key.
Thanks

ST Gui said:

That's the one to use as a 'master' if you can't get copies made from the number. A worn original won't make a better copy. Nobody around me can cut a key from the number.

Click to expand...

Ken Valkyrie said:

I have the "key code". Can I order from one of the Honda dealers on line ?

Click to expand...

In theory, a Honda dealer should be able to cut the key using the code. However, they would have to have purchased a relatively expensive key cutter that takes a bite out of the blank - the code tells the operator what depth of cut to take for each pin position. Several guys have posted here that their dealership cannot cut keys unless you have the original - i.e. they use a key machine that traces your key and grinds a duplicate.

If your keys are worn, duping them will simply give you another 'worn' key. You might try a locksmith. He should be able to look up the code in one of his books (or online at a locksmith only website) and then cut it using his micrometer adjustable key machine. If he has the machines on a counter visible for you to watch him work, the better machines start around $500 or more for a simple hardware store types and go up to several thousand for the micrometer cutting machines. Ask for the price per key first - some Locksmith's prices may take your breath away.

Some years ago I priced a Schlage nibbler type at around $65 - these go for several hundred now. You have to cut a lot of keys to amortize that kind of machine - and the Schlage key cutter will only make Schlage keys....

Ken Valkyrie said:

Where is the best place to get a new key (or two) made for my ST ?
I have the "key code". Can I order from one of the Honda dealers on line ?

I think my keys are worn a bit too much, because I have to giggle them a little to open my saddlebags.
One key works better than the other, doesn't look very worn.

Click to expand...

Based on my experience I'd suggest taking your best key and 2-3 blanks to a proper locksmith. I tried a hardware store first with no luck -- copy wouldn't work. The locksmith took his time and really babied that machine. Both copies worked much better than the worn original which now lives in a drawer in case I ever need more copies made.

--Sebastian

Sent from my SM-G950U1 using Tapatalk

quinn said:

the worn original which now lives in a drawer in case I ever need more copies made.

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If the copies work better than the original I'd get another copy and leave it in the drawer as a 'master template' instead of an inferior original.

Also locksmiths vary in quality. My experience was that a locksmith shop under new management batted .500 with two keys. My local ACE Hardware was at 1.000 with two keys. I agree a locksmith should be able to better than most hardware key cutters. Mine was not. He used the exact same machine as at my ACE place.

Made a replacement key at Wal-Mart

My wife once had a car key duped at our local K-mart. Tried it in the truck - works, doors - OK, ignition - starts. We drove home, shut off the ignition, but the key wouldn't turn far enough to remove it.

Ended up calling out a locksmith to get it out.

I don't trust the hardware stores anymore, where the machine operators may or may not receive proper training.

When I bought my ST1100, it only came with one original (worn) key. I bought some blanks on E-Bay and had some new keys cut from the key code at a local STealer (Honda of Modesto, CA). I called first to make sure they could cut from a key code - most larger STealers can.

Now I use the new keys as my main keys, and have the original key put away for safekeeping. I also had keys cut on the flat blanks, and have one taped to the inside of one of my boots - just in case of being on the road and loosing the key...

Ken Valkyrie said:

Thanks :bow1: for the quick replies.
I ordered 2 keys from Keys4urride.com (they take Paypal too.

Click to expand...

PS: The keys from "Keys4urride" work great

I ordered blank keys on ebay and had a locksmith cut them for me, worked great.

My bike only came with 2 generic Ilco copies.

I ordered these: http://www.ebay.com/itm/5PCS-Blade-Blank-Key-For-Honda-CBR-600-F4-F4i-929-954-1000-1100XX-CB-BLK-US/292029377765?ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2060353.m2749.l2649 from eBay and cut them myself. I have a machine at work.

The blanks are even nicer than pictured, they have the little Honda emblem with the wing in the center. However, if you pull very hard on the metal part of the key, it will come loose from the plastic portion. I roughed up the metal a little with sandpaper, and super glued them to the plastic housing, now they are perfect.

5 keys for $8.

My local locksmith whom is now 80, blatantly told me that he wouldn't harm his equipment attempting to cut a Honda OEM blanks that I paid $45 for (3) blanks. He made me one terrific key (from his stock, not Honda blank junk that would ruin his nice equipment). This occurred April 2017 in California.

I have used a local locksmith company for years. I recently had three spares made for my ST1100 from blanks I got from Ebay. The locksmith cut and de-burred all three for $7.50. They work flawlessly with no wiggles or snags. I had the usual hit and miss experience from hardware/box stores before.

Terminator2 said:

My local locksmith whom is now 80, blatantly told me that he wouldn't harm his equipment attempting to cut a Honda OEM blank...

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I wonder what kind of harm he thinks is going to come to his cutter. The comment I always make about the keys being a 38% Swiss cheese blend is just a joke.

--Mark

Last key I had made was at Wal-Mart. The original key is my copy key and isn't used in the bike, but just to make copies. I always have 2 keys which I use. When one gets worn, I have another made.