Where do you hide your extra key?

[duckdave]

In my preparations for a trip, I finally got an extra key made for my RR. I've only had one key for the past year or so; I love living dangerously. Now I have 2 extras. ON Magazine this month (July 2009) suggests hiding a spare, duck-taped to the back of the license plate, which is attached using "spring-loaded wing nuts" so it can be removed without tools. My locksmith friend suggested cutting the top part of the key off (to make is smaller), and keeping the spare in my wallet.

I have no idea what "spring loaded wing nuts" are; will pay a visit to my local hardware store soon.

Concerns: Do I really want my license plate removable without tools? Will the duck-tape get hot and slip, causing the key to fall off? I think if I'm unfortunate enough to lose my key, I might also "lose" my wallet...

So my question for cosmic RR-group input is: Where do YOU hide your extra key?

[iowabeakster]

My license plate is held on by plastic nuts and bolts. These plastic nuts are removable by hand. This seems like a smarter hiding place than the one I chose.

(I keep a key duct taped to the underside of the frame under the steering head. But, I won't give the exact location on the internet.)

I also keep another one in the tank bag if a potential thief can't find the duct taped one.

This is a wing nut. Spring loaded just means that there is a springed locking washer used to keep it from spinning off from vibrations.

[CRazyCam]

Hi duckdave... with a user name like that, I guess you have to use duck-tape someplace!

I use a key clip, hooked onto my belt, for all my house keys, and, in amongst those, I have a spare key for my BMW.

It's one of the "spare" keys without the BMW logo or anything to give it away.

That way, I go for a ride on the bimmer, grab the BMW key (normal one) with the BMW tag, and I still have a spare on me.

It's also handy if I decide to go out on one of the other bikes, since my wet weather gear is normally stored in one of the BMW panniers, so I grab the Triumph key, but, once in the garage, can still open the BM panniers.

regards,CrazyCam

[Boxer]

You don't need a spare key. Just leave your key in the ignition all the time. I've done it (except at motel room stays) for over 6 years and all over this country and Canada, and never once did my bike get stolen. If you're not comfy with that concept, get one of those BMW roundel key heads and attach it to a "sawn-off" key top. That's what we describe in black ops as a "stealth key".

[mcollect]

Hide it in plain sight.I also just leave my key in the ignition attached to the BMW roundel. But I also have a spare inside my Big Mac tank bag
taped to the patten.

[wncbmw]

I do a version of the 'hide in plain sight', with this setup I bought at a BMW shop. Forgot who makes it. I have had service techs ask me for the key with it in the ignition!



A backup is in the tankbag in a ziplock with the anonymous book, insurance card, etc.

[scottybooj]

I would like to set up a way to have the key turned on and use a battery switch under the oil cooler somewhere. Kind of like what we had set up in our boats.

That way I could get a set up like Vann and just turn a knob that's hidden. SHABANG!

[challey]

There is always this solution:
"The Grifter is a handy box that fits underneath your license plate and provides a locked storage box for documents, valuables, small tools, and so forth. The Grifter includes two keys, and fits virtually any motorcycle." http://www.cyclegadgets.com/Products/pr ... em=GRIFTER
Of course, since you need a key to open it, you really haven't gained a whole lot . . .

Charlie

[lionlady]

I've got a spare sidecase key (bought the cases used) inside a turn signal lens. Other than that, I've got one of those Roundel keys that simply stays in the ignition.

P

[duckdave]

I'm thinking of all the panic I could instill if I started plucking up ignition keys from motorcycles (stealth or not). Fortunately, I just not that type of guy... but it might be fun for a laugh or two.

So I guess the reason I don't leave my key in the ignition (except when I forget) is I'm afraid someone would liberate it. Up until last week, that would put me up the preverbal creek, without a paddle, no less. Actually, I would still be in a pretty good bind since my spare key is currently sitting on my dresser at home.

Taping a spare to the back of the plate is sounding pretty good. If I could not remove the plate without tools, I could probably just bend it up a bit. I also like the idea of the turn signal hidey-hole, except that still requires a tool for access, or the use of some destructive forces.

[Marty2]

On the same chain as one of my old Dog Tags, worn around my neck.

[combustor777]

In my pocket...?

[lionlady]

. . . I also like the idea of the turn signal hidey-hole, except that still requires a tool for access, or the use of some destructive forces.

I've got a phillips head screwdriver in my tailbag. If you carry a Leatherman tool, you'd be "covered."

P

[Basmaf]

I keep my spare stiched into the label of my jacket, just in case.

Basmaf

[Boxer]

My extra key always rested in the side case lock where it was easy to unlock the bag.

[frozennorth]

Inside pocket of my jacket. After a crash a few years back, I never ride without body armor, so always have a spare that way

[WildBlue]

Inside pocket of my jacket, I never ride without body armor, so always have a spare that way

Ditto

[NoRRmad]

Ditto.

[duckdave]

I decided against keeping the key in gods plain view---if swiping a key would cross my mind, no telling what others might do.
I decided against keeping the key in the turn signal---I actually took mine apart to see if it would work for me---decided the possibility of shorting was not good.
I decided against keeping my key taped to the license plate (well, that one is slightly still in consideration)---'fraid it might fall off (100+°F weather here this week).

I decided (drumroll) to hide my key in my boot, in the cool little hidey-hole thing ("Greg Frazier Stash Pocket) I got from Aerostitch. We will see how that goes. Or maybe I'll just stick an extra set in my side case that doesn't lock...I usually have them around, except when they fall off.

Thanks, all.
-d.

[bubbac45]

Under the foot rest rubber
and in my wallet (the flat spare key from BMW)
and at the dealer in a ups mailer envelope
Chris