New Key (Kawasaki)

[Hoggs]

So this morning I got fuel and somehow managed to bend my key at a right angle (I don't even know!) managed to straighten it out enough to use it but going to swap it over for the spare later.

I'd like to get another key cut so I have a reliable spare but I don't seem to have the key number etched on it (even though it does have Kawasaki on the top). There are quite a few online places that will cut from a picture, are these places any good? It just sounds dodgy in my head! Even though they are proper companies with VAT numbers and stuff! Or do I need to go to a dealer?

Thank you for helping with more of Hoggs' Neverending Ridiculous Problems!

[Guest]

if its not a chip-key. its likely that any key cutter.. even a timpson can do one for you. if it IS a chip-key, or a very unusual type of key... you may need to go to a dealership.

I would try a timpson first.

[Mr Fro]

I had the same thing with my old Volvo - a fairy popped out and bent the key blade while I wasn't looking.

I wanted a proper OEM key rather than a generic one so I got a blank from eBay and had my local key place cut it out.

Can't say I'd be in a rush to send a pic of a key and my address to some bod on the internet.

[Hoggs]

Pesky keybending fairies. That sounds like a better idea I'll get a blank and pop along to my local keycutter. Thanks guys have a good New Year!

[Stu]

your key will not have an immobiliser chip inside so take your spare to a lock smith or cobbler

Personally I wouldn't send a photo of it! it does baffle me how they can cut a key from a photo!!

and in future press down on your fuel cap before turning the key! it eases the pressure required

[Hoggs]

It was weird though because it didn't twist (like too much pressure was applied when locking) it was at a right angle on the flat part! kinda like this but more a perfect 90 degree angle!

http://cache1.asset-cache.net/gc/LS016099-bent-key-gettyimages.jpg?v=1&c=IWSAsset&k=2&d=y6XpA5Hv9Px9myY9uVTfFdUtlt6eMQSS12QvZ83Rw%2BHY4OTgJzAzGvZJ%2FXfr0%2F9T

If it had twisted I'd have least known how the hell I did it!

[Stu]

Ah strange!

Maybe you fell asleep on it

[iangaryprice]

it does baffle me how they can cut a key from a photo!!

Experienced key cutters can cut a lot of keys just form looking at them.

My neighbour has a key cutting market stall, I needed a spare key for my Mondeo. He looked at my key on evening, said its a "xyyw" made a quick note of the number, the following day he cut a new key brought it round and it worked perfectly. He has done the same fora front door key as well!

It's a bit worrying that someone could just look at your keys, go away make a key, and have access to your car/house/bike.

[Stu]

yes that certainly is a bit worrying to be honest

[JRH]

I got new Kawasaki keys cut for the GPX from timpsons.

[oldie59]

Had to get a spare key cut a while ago for my Kawasaki GPZ1100 but the local Timson type place didn't stock the blanks so had to buy one off Ebay, they then cut it no problem.

[RantMachine]

Really ought to take my key in to Timpsons some time, I don't have a spare

Edit:

*checks key is there after posting*

[Joeman]

it does baffle me how they can cut a key from a photo!!

Experienced key cutters can cut a lot of keys just form looking at them.

My neighbour has a key cutting market stall, I needed a spare key for my Mondeo. He looked at my key on evening, said its a "xyyw" made a quick note of the number, the following day he cut a new key brought it round and it worked perfectly. He has done the same fora front door key as well!

It's a bit worrying that someone could just look at your keys, go away make a key, and have access to your car/house/bike.

 

Isn't the number the important bit? With the number and knowing what car its for, you can make the key.

Was chatting to a bloke the other day who bought an ex-demo BMW 5series. 48 hours later it was nicked from his drive.

Police reckon the thieves test drove it, cloned the key and fitted a tracker. As soon as it was sold, located it via the tracking device, turned up at new owners house and drove it away...

That's scary!