Ignition Switch replacements?

[Paper]

I recently picked up a very nice 1980 R65 (my third) and it's all there, except for a key.. It hadn't been run in well over a decade and the original owner lost the keys.

I have the title and all other legal documents, but I'm without an operating ignition switch.

On top of that, the guy I bought the bike from informed me that his brother turned the gas cap against the stop, so now that just spins.. I know the drilling trick, but what I'm kinda looking for is a key set or suggestions on how to make everything work without costing an arm and leg??

[montmil]

You could source a key blank from a BMW dealer, remove the ignition switch and let a locksmith take care of it. Prior to removing the multiple wires from the IGN switch, take several photos of where each wire is attached. maybe draw a sketch, too. Is not a rare question on this formum for owners to ask, "Where the heck do these wires go?"

Are you able to remove the boogered fuel cap? Contact Re-Cycled BMW and have then send you a used functional, keyed gas cap.

I, too, used to blame my younger brother for this I had screwed up.  

[Paper]

I have an ignition switch, but I'm not sure if it's actually for the bike.. I just picked it up last weekend and it's only got 9600 miles.. The original owner was a lady and she and her husband would ride together, until he passed away.. The bike has sat for well over a decade, hence the missing key.

I'm hoping to start working on it this upcoming weekend.. It rolls with resistance so I know I'll be replacing wheel bearings, as well as tearing a great deal of it apart to get things lubed and working like it should.  

[georgesgiralt]

Hello !
If the Woman was the original owner she may have documents for the bike with the key number tab glued on them.
With the title, a copy of your identity document and this number, every BMW dealer will get you either a key or a switch witht he correct key in it...
Bet which option is cheaper ;-)

[guyom]

Hi you can also go to a universal 4 point ignition switch....

http://www.ebay.ca/itm/4-Point-Universal-Ignition-Switch-70mm-Long-30mm-Diameter-/301852274110?hash=item4647cc2dbe:g:9j0AAOSwGotWnsZC&vxp=mtr

very cheap. until 1981, R65 has 4 position ignition position. I can check for 1980 if you want.

Guyom

[Paper]

Hello !
If the Woman was the original owner she may have documents for the bike with the key number tab glued on them.
With the title, a copy of your identity document and this number, every BMW dealer will get you either a key or a switch witht he correct key in it...
Bet which option is cheaper ;-)

Part of the issue is that I truthfully was planning on flipping this bike, and with that I wasn't planning on titling it in my name. Here in IL it'd run me $115 for the title and another $40 for the plate for a year's registration.
I've already got a hexhead GS, a Rotax 650, and a 85' R80 to ride. This was purchased as a project for the winter and I was planning on taking it to my local BMW Swapmeet in the spring.

The rest of the bike is straight forward and all the parts are there, except for the ignition..
I'd found the Emgo 4 wire switch and several other options on that same line but was hoping to find something a bit better, or even better, something with BMW parts.  

I'll keep hunting..

I do have the original owner's name and address and will look up a phone number for her. I'm also not 100% she's still alive, as the gentleman I bought the bike from picked it up in a auction with several other items over 5 years ago. He is a bike restorer, but specializes in vintage Euro dirtbikes and he didn't want to take on this project, knowing nothing about BMW's.
I'll keep hunting..

Thanks!!

[Warbucks]

I recently had to get a key for my 1985 r/65. I went to my local BMW dealer and they asked for my VIN and proof of ownership of the bike. With that information, BMW cut a new key and I received it within 3 weeks. Apparently they have the barrel settings on file at the factory in Germany, which is accessed from your 7 digit VIN.

Not bad after sales service on a 30 year old bike. It cost about $50.00 AUD and fits the ignition, the steering lock, the seat and the fuel filler cap. Once you have received the original key, you can buy a blank much cheaper and get your local locksmith duplicate it for a spare.

I didn't need the bike to be registered to do that. The proof of ownership is simply the bill of sale signed by the person that you bought it from.

[mrclubike]

I would still like to know of a good replacement switch.
In the event mine takes a dump.
I have checked Max Motobins and Motorworks and do not see anything available.

[donbmw]

Can't always go by the VIN. You could have had the switched change since new.  I have had my original switch replaced.

Don

I recently had to get a key for my 1985 r/65. I went to my local BMW dealer and they asked for my VIN and proof of ownership of the bike. With that information, BMW cut a new key and I received it within 3 weeks. Apparently they have the barrel settings on file at the factory in Germany, which is accessed from your 7 digit VIN.

Not bad after sales service on a 30 year old bike. It cost about $50.00 AUD and fits the ignition, the steering lock, the seat and the fuel filler cap. Once you have received the original key, you can buy a blank much cheaper and get your local locksmith duplicate it for a spare.

I didn't need the bike to be registered to do that. The proof of ownership is simply the bill of sale signed by the person that you bought it from.