Having new keys made for a Yamaha that doesn't have any

I was just thinking of this while reading a post in the classifieds. I only found this out recently when someone gave me an 81 xv750 with no keys. I called a locksmith and they said it would be $75 to come out and cut a key. I asked if I could bring a lock in for them to do so I could avoid the fee. They said yes and I went in with all the locks. The smith said since it was a Yamaha, all he needed was the code from on back of the ignition and I was in and out in 15 mins with 2 new keys for $17. He also cleaned the locks out for me free of charge. Considering a lot of folks think the thing is junk without keys, or an expensive fix to get keys made, I thought I'd pass this along. Of course I haven't run into this problem since I found this out 2 years ago.

 

I didn't know about that. But if I will ever need a key made it will be handy to know. Thanks for the info. mcrwt

 

You lucked out! Unless the locksmith has the old translation books to go from the Key Code (that's what is on the bottom of the igntion switch, and only the ignition switch; none of the other locks on these bikes have the key code on them) to the depth and space measurements, then they won't be able to do it. "Real" locksmiths who have been in business for a long time might have these books, or may have obtained the information via some other means.........

So, if you strike out with Locksmith "A", try Locksmith B, C, and D in your town......

 

I took my new key blanks to a local "real" locksmith and he seemed almost "put out" because he had all 5 blanks in stock and could have done it from the numbers as well.

I don't think it's as unusual as you think with a real locksmith.

 

Are the code numbers marked on the gas caps too? I have a nice one for my XJ550 but no key.

 

Nowhere but the ignition switch. A locksmith should be able to re-key the gas cap to match your other keys; there is also a way to modify the gas cap so that ANY key will operate it but I don't have the specifics.

 

screw driver.....

 

Fitz, I think that could be achieved by removing all the tumblers? You could probably operate it with a screwdriver after that. I toyed with this idea for my seat lock I bought without a key.

I ended up taking it into a locksmith and he was able to cut a key for it.

I would imagine locksmiths have some sort of feeler tool that he puts in and it tells him which tumblers are where and he can go and cut the key from there. Otherwise I have no idea how someone would cut a key without one to copy.

 

The only problem with the code on the ignition is...

My ignition key is different than my gas cap, seat lock and helmet lock key why the 1st owner didn't transfer the ignition cyl when he put a new front end on only he knows.