Ignition key VS Gas tank key?

[Seamus]

Are the key's different? Specifically for a '79 XS1100 special? I ordered some key's from eBay and they didn't work. Probably needs some graphite or WD 40 but they felt really different, so I thought I'd ask all you lovely people.

[DEEBS11]

Seamus, if you look closely at the locks, there are numbers stamped on them. There are four individual locks. The ignition, gas cap, helmet lock, & left side cover lock. The keys need to be cut for the lock numbers. It is not uncommon to have different number with a bike this old.

[DEEBS11]

So in the case of the lock pictures I just posted, the lock number is 3907. I use this vendor for keys and have shown how to input the key number. I have done this with several makes and models of motorcycle.

[DEEBS11]

And as always, stay away from the cheap Chinese junk.

[DEEBS11]

Here is a typical ignition lock with the number 3945 clearly marked. If you have no mark, it's more than likely a Chinese crap part.

[DEEBS11]

Here is a full set for your particular bike. Original Yamaha.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/205507795641?_skw=xs1100+ignition+lock&itmmeta=01KJMAZVYRYZC1K1713H735X9R&hash=item2fd9381ab9:g:DDcAAOSwcnpoMg5i&itmprp=enc%3AAQALAAAA8GfYFPkwiKCW4ZNSs2u11xAJeCyH5X%2FJa2MEYN1WeloRpvIYIGQOPI1ac%2Fd4xoRYHYI4Fhv1awnzgDRtp%2BxQjC1umc8dDCp%2BSEqSBRIaiiNbBmQS3c57IdtzhcZWYqEv1ZYkxe7oSLGVfPszJFDZpyJwNRNYhzgAiieLAa0QcbUxdg%2B4DWl5Qo1bTqTL2HqXseuVxP8SdO%2BxGlUMyIFNxZd7uqnwe2D7t96tOHdai9GgPkyfBFugt6krS8ot0k0atRVWbwiTNB%2BlqDxOjp%2F0%2FRFb04rF3VrAfSuAR0q68Ds9hg831t4G5N1lniar17ZQZg%3D%3D%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR9C__4qVZw

[Mathh]

In Europe the early production years had visible numbers. Later years did not have those because some clever crooks just wrote down the lock numbers from parked bikes, ordered a new key at the dealer's and after receipt could just ride away with your pride and joy. Don't know how that was on your side.

[jetmechmarty]

I believe you can remove the tumblers from the fuel tank lock and then any key will open that lock. (Research that before you do it. I believe I may have learned it on this forum.)

[LAB3]

And as always, stay away from the cheap Chinese junk.

Used something similar to that on mine, there's no way I'd expect that to handle the 40 amps that pass through it! Adding a relay did the job just fine.