TOPIC:

I recently picked up this bike very cheaply. It's pretty much all there, and only has an indicated 5,800 miles on it, but it's been sitting for 12+ years.

Sometime during that interval, the key(s) were lost. I'm trying to get new ones cut from the key code.

Here's the response I got from Cycle Keys Online, with my response. Can anybody help me figure out which of the two possible "cuts" I need?

Key Code: z58xx (last two numbers redacted for now)

On 10/12/2019 3:24 PM, Cycle Keys Online wrote:

"Several of the "Z" codes have 2 possible cuts for the same code, your code is one of them. Do you have a working key now you could send me a picture of so I can verify which cut you need? If not, there's no way to know which cut your ignition uses."

My Response:

"Nope, no key. The bike was parked for 12+ years, and they lost the key(s).
1) Is it a matter of cutting the same blank on one side or the other?
2) Is there one of the two options that is very much more common than the other?
3) I have both a helmet lock and the seat lock off the bike--I can easily (I think) take apart the helmet lock and photograph it, or describe to you what the cylinder looks like--would that do it?
4) If another person who specifically has an '82 KZ1300 could supply me with a good photo of both sides of their key, would that do?
Everything I've read tells me that all of the keys (two helmet, one seat, one ignition) are the same. The two parts I've removed have the same code."

Any thoughts?

Try contacting rstnick at the KZ650.Info site. He has cut keys in the past & probably knows what key you need & he might be able to cut one or two at reasonable cost. You'll have to register & log-in to get into the forums over there. A link to the site is in his KZR signature at the bottom of any of his replies here.

Alternatively, you could find the key in the diagrams for your motorcycle at Partzilla, then search the part number on eebbaayy. Partzilla may have a photo of the key blank. Some EB sellers sell keys by the code. Also, the same key should fit all of the locks. assuming nothing has been replaced.

...

No
definitely a service. I doubt he even covers his costs.

How much does a key cost? Just order one of each. Or, if you like a gamble, order one. Maybe you get it right first time!!

Just to document what I ended doing--

I ended up having to make the five-hour round trip to Bend, Oregon, on another errand, and while I was there I happened to stumble across a local company that specializes in Locks and Safes. They were very helpful.

It seems that these bikes are old enough that the key information has been released, and was re-published in the "Reed Code Book" which I understand is available to locksmiths. Both the Reed book (specifically book 7) and the Instacode key-cutting software that this locksmith uses, call for an Ilco X103/KA14 blank. No ambiguity there, despite what other vendors led me to expect. They made me two keys for the base price of $25. They both fit and work flawlessly--another reason to believe that the indicated mileage of 5600 is correct, and the cylinders basically unworn.

In my experience, a real locksmith is worth every penny they charge when it comes to getting keys and locks to work as designed.