Lost my key

[twinwillows]

Well apparently I've lost the key to my bike (81 XS1100 Special).

I only had 1..

There's a # on the gas cap where the key fits. Can I use this # to somehow get a replacement key?

If so where?

Thanks
Twin

[natemoen]

There is usually a letter or 2 that go along with the number and that is going to be stamped on the bottom of the ignition. You could either pull the ignition out and bring it to a locksmith and have them use that number and then try it and make sure they get it right or you could pull the tank and bring that to a locksmith and have then make a key from that lock. Ignitions is more work but its going to be the easiest for the locksmith and the best thing to test the key on, but more work for you.

[fredintoon]

Well apparently I've lost the key to my bike (81 XS1100 Special).
I only had 1..
There's a # on the gas cap where the key fits. Can I use this # to somehow get a replacement key?
If so where? - - -

Hi Twin,
that'll learn you to have more than one key, eh?
A minimum of one on your key fob, one in your billfold, one in your sock drawer and one at your mom's place is what's best.
And be happy that your Special's gas cap can be opened with a screwdriver if necessary.
But yes, a professional locksmith's shop can use the number on the lock to cut you a new key or four.
As I remember, it cost me $20 for the locksmith to interpret the number plus $2 for each key.
And if you can master the screwdriver trick it's easier to remove the gas cap to take it down to the locksmith's than it is to remove the ignition switch.

[natemoen]

Hi Twin,
that\'ll learn you to have more than one key, eh?
A minimum of one on your key fob, one in your billfold, one in your sock drawer and one at your mom\'s place is what\'s best.
And be happy that your Special\'s gas cap can be opened with a screwdriver if necessary.
But yes, a professional locksmith\'s shop can use the number on the lock to cut you a new key or four.
As I remember, it cost me $20 for the locksmith to interpret the number plus $2 for each key.
And if you can master the screwdriver trick it\'s easier to remove the gas cap to take it down to the locksmith\'s than it is to remove the ignition switch.

I did not know you could pop the gas cap open with a screwdriver, never really looked at it that close.

Just make sure you check the new key in every lock including setting the fork lock. I have one spare key that I cannot set the fork lock (but I can unlock the fork lock).

[fredintoon]

Keyless gas cap opening.

Hi again Twin,
here's how to open a Special's gas cap without a key.
Not on a Standard tank though, you'd have to drill out the lock to get one of those flush-mounted caps open
The cap is held closed by a latch that comes down from the cap and clicks onto a crosswire on the tank.
The latch must be moved towards the rear of the bike against a spring to undo it.
Push a thin screwdriver or a hacksaw blade under the front of the cap and push it straight back to spring the latch.
Once the cap is open there's a single Phillips screw to undo to remove the cap from the tank.

[twinwillows]

Good news the key is found.. It appears I had "help" in loosing it (this time).

Here's what I can figure happend:

I must have left my bike key fob on one of the workbenches in my shop instead of leaving it in the ignition. The key fob is one I braided out of day glow orange para cord (bright so I can find it if dropped). One of our many cats took a liking to the bright fob/shiny keys & decided to take it & show his buddies his new treasure. Much enjoyment was had by all the cats/kittens in playing with this mouse substitute. However, cats being cats they eventually tired of this poor mouse substitute & left it to go find the real thing ... That's the only way it could have ended up under the boards where I lucked into finding it.

I'm soon off to go get at least 3 more keys cut in case the cats take a hankering to play w/my "mouse" key fob again.

Thanks for the info on how to resolve this situation - I'm glad I did not have to use those tips