What to Do When You’ve Lost Your Motorcycle Keys

There’s nothing quite like hopping on your motorcycle at the end of a long week and letting off some steam by cruising down the highway as the sun shines down on your shoulders. It’s a thrill that only those who are addicted to the open road and the feeling of an engine revving between their legs would truly understand. Of course, it’s impossible to head out on a motorcycle adventure if you can’t find your keys.

If you’re not using your motorcycle as your primary means of transportation, lost keys will happen. When the worst occurs, here are some tips for getting a motorcycle key replacement in Fairfax, VA, without also getting a headache.

Work from your VIN

If you have income (and time) to spare, you can locate a dealership and supply them with your motorcycle’s vehicle identification number (or VIN). Most dealerships will also require some proof of ownership, like the vehicle’s title, registration or the bill of sale. If you purchase your motorcycle new directly from a dealership, they should be your best bet.

Once you’ve gathered the paperwork, you can hitch a ride to the dealership, where they’ll supply you with a new key or a new ignition cylinder.

What’s your code?

Several brands of motorcycle have a failsafe mechanism in place in the event of a lost key. On your bike’s ignition cylinder—a silver shaft between your speedometer and tachometer—there should be a three- or four-digit code. You may need to loosen the ignition cylinder to see it.

Once you’ve recorded the code, contact a locksmith that’s equipped to offer motorcycle key replacement in Fairfax, VA. They should be able to get you a new key.

Remove the ignition cylinder

If you’re mechanically-inclined, you can remove your motorcycle’s ignition cylinder and take it to a parts store or a locksmith. Though labor-intensive, there are some benefits to this approach. The biggest is this: in some cases, you may find that three-digit code or the dealership itself is unable to print you a new key. When this happens, removing your ignition cylinder helps you stay one step ahead of any unforeseen hurdles.

If, for example, you find that you can’t secure a replacement key, you may need to replace your ignition cylinder entirely. Having your entire ignition cylinder on hand can save some time in a worst-case scenario.

Your go-to locksmith

There are a lot of strategies you can employ to find a motorcycle key replacement in Fairfax, VA, but the easiest way to get yourself a new key (and some back-up pairs) is to call on the pros at Artie’s Lock and Key.

Throughout the Washington, DC area, we have established ourselves as the go-to locksmith. Whether your needs are residential, commercial or automotive, one of our talented, courteous professionals can come to your aid. For new house keys and car keys, new locks for anything under the sun, new high-security locks, door repair, exit devices, ignition repair, lock rekeying, safe cracking, storefront repair and so much more, you can count on Artie’s Lock and Key.

If you’re locked out, we’ll get you in. Contact Artie’s Lock and Key today. We can’t wait to hear from you.

Categorised in: Auto Locksmith

This post was written by Writer