Does any one know where in the UK I can get a spare key cut for my 85 RS. Tried Timpsons but they have no key blanks, my nearest BMW bike dealer is an hours drive away.

Motobins and Motoworks have the genuine blanks then get a local to cut it for you. The only problem is the German blanks are steel not brass and a lot of the key cutters dont like them because they wear the cutting discs.

HTH

Ok will try that Timpsons wont cut a blank not supplied by them, so will have to do some phoning around.

If you have a working original and can obtain a blank......it's possible to file out the grooves in the new blank with a set of jeweler's files by just holding the old one against the new one, comparing & filing out the grooves. The locks are not real fussy, especially if worn like most are. I did it on mine in about 20 minutes. Also, when fitting up & fine tuning the new key a bit of flaked graphite is a big help. Nothing greasy or liquid should ever go in these locks.

Go to your local lock smith they know all the tricks and have loads of stock blanks and know where to get them. Most high street key cutters are useless.

I have a box full of BMW blanks if you want one to try to cut your own


Standard key. Part number 51251233554

Hi postman, my key is the folding type, is that what you have?

Ali

I got blanks from Motorworks and the shoe shop/key cutter did them no problem - it's an independent though. The big chains seem to get sniffy about use other people's stuff.

Cheers
Dave

ali2908 wrote:Hi postman, my key is the folding type, is that what you have?

No they aren't the folding type, but if its just for a spare key you don't really need one of those

I have one folding and two standard keys for mine

Hey they're cheap and cheerful. you could always splash out £20 odd quid for one of those silly key holders if you want fancy

Found a couple of keys in a bunch of stuff when I got the bike one might be a blank will check it out tonight

Hey postman! watch out who you're calling SILLY!!!! . (LOL)
I just finished anguishing for days about trying to mentally justify spending $50 for that bit of "fancy" bling for my straight key (which I prefer to my folding one).
I finally bit the bullet & did make the impulse buy after searching high & low on the net trying to find a better price. I based my excuse to have it based on the idea that it would be less likely to become "adrift" in my pocket when I was out on bivouac. Just to be sure, though I threw the old worn "tippy top" key into the tool tray under the seat for emergencies.
So....I guess one mans silly is indeed another kids fancy! LOL
ibj...

Oh dear what is the world coming to when BMW riders prefer a straight key to the "real" folding key

Did my 85 come originally with a folding Key?

Yep they all come with one folding key and two flat keys.

And there are two different patterns of folding key.
Paul.

None of the other keys worked so ordered a new blank, and got it cut at a local specialist everything sorted now.

Ali

RicK G wrote:Yep they all come with one folding key and two flat keys.

My K when I got it in 2010 had 2 folding keys and 1 flat key. The flat one would not work but the folding key works in the ignition, seat lock and fairing pocket lid locks. Guess I got a lucky one!!

Yeah that is from new a lot can happen in 18 years.
You otra see what has happended to me in that time.