8th gen spare key?

Discussion in '8th Generation 2014-Present' started by Coyote Chris, Aug 23, 2019.

  1. Coyote Chris

    Coyote Chris New Member

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    Its amazing how much disinformation is on the web but I THINK the 8th Gen uses a non-chipped key in the US and I THINK it is a 351MGPA93 Blank.
    Is this a key blank that I have to buy through my dealer, can they cut it? Do I need a lock smith?

    There is a company on the web called Keys4urride that claims they can make you one for $34

    Two keys is not enough.
     
  2. skimad4x4

    skimad4x4 "Official" VFRWorld Greeter

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    Yes - the kit and options fitted to North American models does indeed differ from that typically fitted to Rest of the World (RoW) models. So that is something to be aware of when reviewing information on the World Wide Web. For instance the majority of ROW markets were only offered the equivalent of the DLX model.

    As for keys - if your North American Market 8th Gen uses standard un-coded keys, then it means they are indeed cheap and easy for most decent key cutting firms to make as many copies as you like.

    Obviously that latter point raises safety concerns on a number of fronts.

    Even if keys are significantly cheaper, I would be wary of using online or key by mail services. It has been known for a person employed simply to cut and post out duplicate keys to customers, to discretely make an extra key which they can sell on to a bike thief together with the address where your keys were posted - enabling a conspirator to locate and perhaps a good few weeks later steal your motorbike.

    These bikes are not cheap and also very visible making them attractive targets for theft. So if you routinely visit the same café, it is far too easy to make a digital photo or simple plasticine impression of your key if it is left unattended for a just few seconds. Again this means you need to take great care never to leave your VFR keys unattended of you may find a bike thief can simply ride off with your VFR on a subsequent visit.

    In Europe the inherent weakness with standard keys, saw thefts (and crashes) of powerful motorbikes become a major issue in the late 1990s, so much so that it became stupidly expensive to insure larger motorbikes and legislation was eventually introduced requiring new vehicle manufacturers to fit alarms or immobilisers or other better security solutions. Honda's HISS coded key solution coupled with a program to security mark fairings and other major parts has proved very effective in making VFRs (and other Honda models) far less attractive to bike thieves.
     
    Last edited: Aug 23, 2019
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  3. fink

    fink Member

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    Simple question Does your bike have the HISS security system? If the answer is yes , then it will need a coded key (or the programmed chip near the headstock) for the ignition in order to run. However if it just to open panniers or fuel cap then a non coded key will do the same job
     
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  4. skimad4x4

    skimad4x4 "Official" VFRWorld Greeter

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    You can easily tell whether your VFR has it fitted as there will be the word HISS written just above where you fit the key into the ignition key barrel. On bikes fitted with HISS there will also be an intermittently flashing red LED on the dash - which turns off automatically after 24 hours to save killing the battery during long periods out of use. Both of these visual reminders are generally very effective at persuading motorbike thieves to turn their attention elsewhere as without a coded key they have stolen a quarter tonne paperweight!

    If the word HISS is not marked around the ignition barrel on your VFR then your bike is fitted with conventional locks.
     
  5. Allyance

    Allyance Insider

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    When I got my 8th gen slightly used, it only had one key. Had to buy blank from dealer but they couldn’t cut it! Had to go to a locksmith. Not a inexpensive process.
     
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  6. Economist

    Economist New Member

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    My American standard model does not have HISS.
     
  7. Coyote Chris

    Coyote Chris New Member

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    Very interesting! In the US, there are theives that break into your car, take your garage oppener and your registration, and break into your house.
    Very interesting!!!. Thank you. KFUR has been in business quite awhile and gets good reviews. Its Bill Taylor of Taylor lock smithing. Yes, he has my PO box number (and credit card info) but I dont think any theif would want that. Its all available on the web anyway. Yes, he could sell my name to a theif and a key and the theif could research me and find my house, yada yada yada but anyone could do that and take a pickup and break in and take the bike, Chain saws, etc once they find out when I, my wife or the attack dogs are not home. I just chose not to worry about a $8900 insured bike locked in a house with a security system. In the US, Harleys are stolen more than anything but with the market for all motorbikes being in the toilet here, I dont think I have much to worry about. Our motorcycle dealerships are full of quads, four wheelers, personal watercraft and snow mobiles.... :(
    I will google stolen bikes in America to see how big the problem is. In Europe, there are the "scooter theives" that rob people on the side walk. Doesnt seem to happen here. Here, bad people make money by becoming "Undocumented pharmacutical sales people" and selling drugs. Its alot less work.
    (In the US, no sane person would every leave their key in anything. in Japan, everyone does. ) I enjoyed your report as I learn so much from those across the ponds on these bike forums....)
     
  8. Coyote Chris

    Coyote Chris New Member

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    Personally, after hearing ad nauseeum about the HISS system in Europe and AU and its problems, I am glad I dont have it. What I am learning is that for chipless keys, the blanks (single blank) are $7-20 (22 at dealer) and the cutting is $17 give or take. I am having mine done by keys4urride over the web. With shipping its $40. It saves me about 2 hours of riding and waiting to do this errand so we shall try it and see if it works.

    (Why is it that I have put my honda chipped key into my 2004 Honda CRV thousands of times along with all our other vehicles and never have a problem nor have heard of my friends having problems and Honda cant make the Hiss system work????)
     
  9. fink

    fink Member

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    You must be the only one I live there had have never heard anyone having a problem with the HISS system. Yes your up shit creek if you loose your keys and don't have the number but that it as far as I know.

    Please enlighten.
     
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