Folding Key Failure

[ddebonis]

Has anyone heard of or experienced their folding key falling apart?

I just got a replacement and it seems like the brass pieces that hold the key to the black folding part could fall out. Am I just being paranoid?

[Bob_Roller]

I stopped using the folding key a few months after I got the bike, the folding key is made of steel, not a brass material, it's hard on the lock mechanism .

[ddebonis]

Huh, I hadn't heard that before.  That's too bad, it's pretty cool.

I also had my eye on this old school keychain. You think having that extra weight is bad for the locks too?

[Justin B.]

I've probably sold over 100 of these blanks over the years and I think I had one that had one of the little brass jiggers fall out.

[Rob Valdez 79 R65]

I always used a folding key in my bike - 88,000 miles worth.  I never had a problem with it - either falling apart or being rough on the tumblers.

Very cool, indeed.

As far as the key fob goes, I don't think it would add enough weight to bother the lock, but I didn't like things on my key because they tend to scratch up the roundel on the dash panel.

Before I got real riding pants, I just kept my key in my watch pocket of my jeans when it wasn't in the lock.

BTW - if you are going to ride in jeans, make sure they are the good ones made for hitting the pavement at speed.  http://www.dragginjeans.com/
Of course, your still don't get ballistic padding like GOOD riding gear.

[tvrla]

I've always used the folding keys and never had a problem either. I'm sure the brass keys are easier on the tumblers, but so far it's been fine. I also think it's easier on the lock if the key is inserted and removed a little slower than just slamming it in.

Yeah, I don't think that fob would be a problem - but like Rob said, I don't like having anything scratching the bike. Also, most people who see the key when inserted have no idea it's a key. I know of guys who leave their keys in most of the time and no one bothers them.

[montmil]

... I know of guys who leave their keys in most of the time and no one bothers them.

You beat me to it, Spokes.

My '83 has it's folding key in the ignition and that's where it stays. Looks like a little BMW logo. Only another Airhead would know what it really is.

[Barry]

I've just been playing with my key which I believe is original. I can move one of the brass pins a little by sliding the key side to side but I've never had one fall out.

I don't recall other bikes having the safety feature of a folding key. It must be relatively uncommon because when I take my bike in for the MOT (only time another mechanic ever touches it)  he puts the key in and and says   "it won't turn"  I have to show the guy that the key folds and goes in further. Clever that the key doesn't need to fold to work the seat lock and I presume the steering lock but I never use that.

[ddebonis]

The reason I started this thread is because I lost my original folding key. I either left it in the ignition and someone took it, dropped it on the ground somewhere, or it's lost in my house...

The key was a stand alone. I didn't think I'd ever be "that guy" who loses it, but behold, it happened...

I want a fob and other keys (for 2 locks I use when parked) attached to it so it's harder for me to lose. And I'm not worried about my instrument panel, it's far from mint condition.

Still kicking myself that it's lost.

[tvrla]

I had that happen once. Went to ride the 80G/S and ... NO KEY! Looked everywhere - at least three or four times! (seems like the stupidest thing to look somewhere you've already looked, but I guess it's disbelief - "It's gotta be there and I just didn't see it!!!")

Finally installed a different ignition switch, but now and then I'd look for that key. It just didn't make sense.

Maybe six months later on one of my searches I moved the dresser and found it hiding behind.    

It's really true - you'll find it in the last place you look!  And there's another one - "it's not lost, I just don't know where it is"

I think that was one of my step daughter's utterances when she was seven.

[ddebonis]

I have not lost hope I'll find my key too. Luckily I had a spare! When got my key cut, I got a second spare  Worst case, I'll find the key and have 4!

[Rob Valdez 79 R65]

The key was a stand alone. I didn't think I'd ever be "that guy" who loses it, but behold, it happened...

Luckily I had a spare!

Am I the only one here who is a little confused?


And here I thought I had a customer for my low-mileage ignition switch (old one replaced due to buggered threads, not tumblers) with one folding and one flat key!  

[ddebonis]

Sorry for confusion. The folding key was "stand alone" in that it was not attached to other keys or a fob. Thus, easier to lose. Now I have 2 spares, one with my other keys and one in a safe place.

[Rob Valdez 79 R65]

Sorry for confusion. The folding key was "stand alone" in that it was not attached to other keys or a fob. Thus, easier to lose.  

Yeah - I always carried a spare flat key in my wallet.

[marcmax]

I keep a spare flat key taped with black tape and a zip tie in an inconspicuous place on the frame just in case. Can't see it but I don't ever want to be stranded by a lost key.