Your key is where?

[pretzladay]

OK, I'm going to have to admit to this, because I can't find any threads even remotely close. I received only one key with my 04 1150R, and now it's underneath the (stock) seat, which is snapped securely in place. I think I placed the key, out of harm's way, right on top of the fuse cover. Any suggestions for reaching it? The good news is, I'm stranded in my own garage.

[towerworker]

Pick the bike up and shake it upside down.

Take proof of ownership and vin number and go to a BMW dealer-----they should be able to cut a key from codes assigned to the vin number

Wayne

[Phang]

I just tried my roadster’s original keys, there are magnetic. You might want to try your luck with the flexible magnetic pick up via the gap between the side panel and the rear frame.

please ignore the circle in the pic

[Boxer]

Can you contact the person you bought it from? Was he/she the original owner? Does he/she have the little plastic/rubber key holder that has the key code on it? Does he/she have the extra key laying around somewhere? The original owner should have gotten 3 keys! Two with heads, and one without the plastic head on it.

[challey]

Boxer said:

The original owner should have gotten 3 keys! Two with heads, and one without the plastic head on it.

Really? I only got 2 from the dealer with my '03, though at least both had the rubber head. Maybe I should contact BMW Motorrad and see if they'll send me that 3rd key. They're always anxious to keep owners happy so that we stay loyal to the brand.

Charlie

[Boxer]

Judging from some discussions on forums here and there, I think maybe some dealers hold onto that one "naked" key for such emergencies. I'm not sure thats the case. It just puzzles me why some folks claim to have gotten 2 keys and others get all 3.

[NoRRmad]

My understanding is that dealers no longer can cut keys based on the VIN... Let's hope he's got a copy.

[Sunbeemer]

I would try rocking the bike onto the side stand a few times to see if you can dislodge it and have it fall down and out underneath the left side cover. I would not try to get it our from the right side because there is a solenoid valve and rear brake master cylinder it could get caught in, but there is little to trap it on the left side, and if you drop the bike, at least the side stand won't let it fall. I'd give it 5-6 good shakes to make it come loose.

just tried my roadster’s original keys, there are magnetic.

if that doesn't work, you might be able to grab it with a magnetic pick-up if you work it in from under the seat. The key is made from steel and most locksmith's won't make a copy because it tears up their grinding wheels. I thought it was stainless, but apparently it's a cheap stainless since it's magnetic!

BTW, a new blank cost ~$12, but I heard you can get a brass blank for an M3 BMW car that fits our bikes.

[baltm604]

If you can't shake it loose, as a last restort call a locksmith. Based on keying my own side cases, the tumblers should be easy work for a decent locksmith.

Bill

[Phang]

BTW, a new blank cost ~$12, but I heard you can get a brass blank for an M3 BMW car that fits our bikes.

or $28 for this cool R1200C blank

part number 51252329394

[pretzladay]

GOT IT!!
Thanks everyone who responded! Although I would warn all against Wayne's advice -- too many things fall out when you shake anything upside down. Actually, Phang and Sunbeemer's advice got me to thinking that I might be able to reach under the left sidecover and then up onto the fuse cover. I had presumed no way. And my hand couldn't. But my wife's could -- after extended persuasion that nothing under there would bite, figuratively speaking.
Original owner could find only one key. He's still looking, he says. I'm going to get a key made somehow -- who knows when I will have another stroke of genius -- not long I suspect. I'm 3 hours from any dealer, so you-all helped me a bunch. Thanks again
Shawn

[rfranklin]

I had three copies made by a local locksmith for about $5 each. There was nothing hard about it.

[rfranklin]

Oh yeah, then I found my lost key in the seat lock.

[duckdave]

Oh yeah, then I found my lost key in the seat lock.

That's where I try to keep my key when I can't find it.

I also keep a spare in my boot when traveling.
http://www.aerostich.com/greg-frazier-s ... ckets.html

I learned that most folks keep their key in the ignition, thus sparing them the trauma of looking for it (the key, not the m/c).

[Lion_Lady]

I put one of the flat/plain keys (wrapped in a piece of electrical tape) inside the lens of one of my front turn signals. If you pull out the plastic inner housing, it will fit behind the bulb. All you need to get at it, should you lose your key, is a phillips head screwdriver (most Leatherman type tools have one).

P