Sabie's Key Replacement

[Sabie]

Hi Everyone

Just had to do a key replacement after the key broke off in the Pannier Release lever while being serviced. So I thought this might be an opportunity to do an easy "How To"

Fortunately I had already obtained a couple of blanks from eBay, these came from China and were around $7.00 for the 2 keys with free freight. My spare which was the original key also had acouple of cracks in the shaft so had been retired to the key cupboard.



This is the tool I used, which is a very fine blade screwdriver



First you'll need to carefully lift the Honda Symbol cover to the Transponder area. It's only stuck down with adhesive which is on the cover your lifting. Be mindful that the Transponder is to the right side of the key and you don't want to damage it at all.






The Transponder is also only stuck down with and adhesive tap, carefully lift the transponder out of it's compartment.




Place the transponder into your new key and press firmly to ensure the adhesive is secure again.



Replace the cover and again ensure the adhesive is secure, it should be a pretty neat fit.

[gaz]

Hi Everyone

Just had to do a key replacement after the key broke off in the Pannier Release lever while being serviced. So I thought this might be an opportunity to do an easy "How To"

Fortunately I had already obtained a couple of blanks from eBay, these came from China and were around $7.00 for the 2 keys with free freight. My spare which was the original key also had acouple of cracks in the shaft so had been retired to the key cupboard.



This is the tool I used, which is a very fine blade screwdriver



First you'll need to carefully lift the Honda Symbol cover to the Transponder area. It's only stuck down with adhesive which is on the cover your lifting. Be mindful that the Transponder is to the right side of the key and you don't want to damage it at all.






The Transponder is also only stuck down with and adhesive tap, carefully lift the transponder out of it's compartment.




Place the transponder into your new key and press firmly to ensure the adhesive is secure again.



Replace the cover and again ensure the adhesive is secure, it should be a pretty neat fit.

How you been taking photography lessons from Shiney? 

well done

[tj189]

Great bit of info thanks for taking the photos and sharing 

[Shiney]

Brilliant how to Mate

I hadn't ever considered that the Transponder could be removed and replaced into another key

If/when I have a key break this how to will save me a fortune, thanks Sabie

[Sabie]

Thanks Guys

Just a little more info, I had the blanks cut at a Mr Minute in a shopping centre and charged me $40 per key to cut because they weren't Mr Minute keys (I had no choice as the bike was in for a service and the Bike Mech needed a working key ASAP)

I'm sure there are plenty of places far cheaper to cut the keys.

[Sabie]

No problem Shiney... You've set a pretty high standard with a bit more practice I hope i might one day come close to your standard 

Yep it's far easier than getting a new key from honda and then reprogramming blah blah blah....


I would recommend regular inspection of your key for fractures. I didn't even feel this one break. I was removing the panniers for the mechanic to service the bike and put in a new battery. Went to start the bike and only 2/3 of a key in my hand.

Fortunately it broke in the pannier release and was easy to retrieve the remainder with a magnet and screw driver. Mechanic magnetised the screwdriver by holding a strong magnet against the screwdriver and gentle withdrew the broken bit of key over each of the pins until it came free.

[Sicman]

Good post Sabie 

[Sabie]

Thanks Tony 

[Biggles]

In an emergency you can put one of the Chinese copy keys without a transponder chip in the ignition and while turning it, hold the transponder end of a broken key next to it.  The engine will start and will keep running even after you remove the transponder.  Keep the transponder bit handy in case you stall in traffic, because you're going to need it again to get started again.

[Sabie]

Yes that's exactly right Biggles, spot on.

The transponder for the ST is only a proximity transponder as opposed to an earthed transponders which uses the shaft of the key to complete a circuit and allow the engine to start.

The compartment is easy to open as shown.

[winston66]

     
Winston 66
What a great post and write up, Thanks Sabie,
Is here any chance of getting a link etc for the supply of the relevant. key blanks please
My machine is a 2003 model and I would not be surprised if I am still using the original key so I would like to get a couple of blanks at that price and then get them cut whilst the original is in good condition and not too worn.
I have heard some horror stories as to how much the stealers want for a replacement etc.
Cheers, Winston 66, Northampton WA.

 

[Sabie]

Hi Winston

I can't seem to find the seller on eBay at the moment.

All I can suggest is that you Google search honda st1300 key blanks or keep a watch on eBay.  There is a key on eBay at the moment but I'm not sure of the quality.

I'll keep searching and when I find the receipt I'll let you know.

Sorry Winston wish I could do better for you.

[winston66]

winston66
Thanks Sabie, I appreciate your interest in this for me .
Cheers ,
winston 66

[winston66]

Winston 66,
Have ttried the ebay search , but found that there is such a huge selection of key blanks to select from I just got confused.
Can anyone suggest the model, part number or an index number so that I can find the correct key blank,
I am so confused.
Cheers,
Winston66

[jonvos]

Hi Guys

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/HONDA-VFR-SILVERWING-ST1300-CBR-600-900-929-954-1000-BLANK-KEY-UNCUT-/110914796201?ssPageName=ADME:L:OC:AU:3160

You most likely have it sorted by now . I just ordered two of these . Interesting point about the transponder . My bike only came with one key , going to have to very careful not to misplace it . From the sound of it even after I have had these two blanks cut they wont be any good without the transponder. Great "HOW TO" post Sabie . Thank you.

[Biggles]

Good to see you found the blanks.  That type of "head" wopn't have the receptacle for a transponder chip, but they're good for panniers and the glovebox.  And they will work in the ignition if a transponder chip is in the vicinity, as noted above.
Some people cut the top and the shank off those blanks and glue a knob onto it to make a handy pannier operator that will sit flush.  Saves pulling the keys out of the ignition every time you want to open the pannier on the road.

[winston66]

Winston66,
 jonvos, Thanks for the link to source the key blanks.
I have ordered two blanks today, they are just what I was after, and what a great price.
Cheers ,Winston66

[Abe]

Try this if you like?

I asked a locksmith (does work for a large bike shop in Sydney's south) at a job yesterday and he said this would work, so here it is:-

It will cost about $6.00 - $10.00 pending on Locksmith.

The key is that long just for the ignition only (so you can push down and lock the steering). Excluding transponder stuff.

The remaining locks do not require the longer shaft, (keep it clean) or the transponder stuff.

So, ask the locksmith to cut a blank "Silca", model YH29 for the double sided teeth only of your original key.

This will make the key approx. half the size of the original, and minimise the "torque" placed on the key shaft when opening compartments etc.

So, at the end you will have a key for the ignition and a separate key for the remaining locks.

Hope this helps.

Cheers
Dave

[ST2UP]

Thanks Sabie.....great report 

[Sabie]

The non transponder keys will work so long as you have the head (with the transponder in it) attached to your keys. The transponder works as a proximity device, so as long as the head of the old key is near the ignition the non transponder key will work.

The only thing I'd check is that "if" the newer models have been changed to either magnetic or electrical, that is the transponder sends a signal down the shaft of the key rather than a signal. I don't know if they have or not, but the signal type is older technology. 

[Knave]

Great info Sabie and Abe. I got two keys from China off Ebay for $4.24 including postage and $15 to have them cut. Removed the transponder from the cracked key and inserted it in one of the new ones. Works great. I also had a smaller key supplied and cut for $10 to use on the panniers. Another top idea. Thanks. 

[Lionel]

Very helpful post, Sabie.
I recently paid $250 for a replacement Triumph key after I lost the spare.
Of course the spare key surfaced a few days after I bought the replacement.

[Draco (Heartbreak Kid)]

Very helpful post, Sabie.
I recently paid $250 for a replacement Triumph key after I lost the spare.
Of course the spare key surfaced a few days after I bought the replacement.

  I maybe late on this BUT here's a link

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Motorcycle-Blank-Key-Uncut-Blade-For-Honda-VFR800-2002-2012-ST1300-2002-2012-New-/122180144956?hash=item1c72810f3c:g:mDQAAOSw-CpX-Fq1

 

[Biggles]

Thanks for the reminder, Lionel.  I just ordered two of those Chinese $2.12 key blanks.  The local lass at Mr Minit will make a transponder pellet for me for $100, or I can make basadia's harness.

http://ozstoc.com/index.php?topic=10999.msg1202903#msg1202903