Topic: Beating my head against a wall, need help with replacing a lost key

[JohnCurW]

Ok, I know that I'm going to get alot of people here telling me to use the search function or to visit hondakeys.com but that hasn't worked for me so far.  The bike in question is a 1978 CB750A, PO only had one key, which I promptly lost.

I removed the ignition switch cover and found what I thought was the key code (7JP707) stamped on the side of the ignition cylinder.  Problem is it was very faded and apparently the key codes are supposed to be five digit numbers (not 6 character numbers/letters).  Anybody have any clue where the key code can be found and how to get access to it? 

I sent an e-mail to the guy at honda keys and never heard back from him, I'm getting a little frustrated.

[domer]

should be stamped on every lock, try the seat lock?

[JohnCurW]

As I don't have a key to open the seat lock, I'm guessing that won't be possible. 

[wrenchmuch]

I'm not familiar with 750 A's so I don't know how hard it is to remove the lock . I have a friend who has had a locksmith replace lost keys on 2 different machines with only the lock . One was a Cm400 twin . Might be worth a try .
Good luck
Mike

[BobbyR]

I have a 78K which may be different. You can sneak the hinge pins out of the seat and open it that way. I feel your pain, I had no keys for my bike when I got it so I needed to be clever.

[domer]

there went that idea.

[Really?]

Would it be possible to find an impression key?  Wiggle it in the lock and file the marks down until it turns?  I have had a few keys done this way long ago and one was a 400-4.

[BobbyR]

there went that idea.

No, you can get the lock number that way. The seat is blocking it.

[Honda?]

I just took my ignition barrel apart and pulled the key slides out so anything that resembles a key will turn the ignition.  

I might just put a battery switch key on it if I really think I need the security.

[JohnCurW]

I just took my ignition barrel apart and pulled the key slides out so anything that resembles a key will turn the ignition.  

I might just put a battery switch key on it if I really think I need the security.

Well, I guess I no who's garage I'll be visiting if I ever decide to become a professional criminal.

[domer]

did you check the steering lock? should be visibly stamped on the face...

[JohnCurW]

Steering lock is built into ignition on the 78 750As

[Really?]

Send this guy the lock to have one made for it.  An option anyway.

http://www.motorcyclekeys.com/locksmith.html

[domer]

did the key key the po gave you have a plastic head? just brainstorming here...

[Shoeboxjoe]

Take the lock/ignition out and to a locksmith. They can make you a set of replacement keys, usually cheap. Had to do this with the '65 Trail 55.

[JohnCurW]

did the key key the po gave you have a plastic head? just brainstorming here...

Yes it did

[domer]

damn you found a fun one... not sure if you'll be able to do this on the 750, but on my 500 i had to get creative to remove the seat (wrong lock, no key) but i was able to get the nuts off the plunger attached to the seat with a 10mm open end, some long needle nose, a 12 pack and some minor cursing... i noticed you said that you found the numbers on the side of the cylinder? if i remember correctly up untill about your year they were on the front below the key hole then they got smart and put the numbers on the back of the cylinder... ive been wrong before!

[patricke9]

Take the lock/ignition out and to a locksmith. They can make you a set of replacement keys, usually cheap. Had to do this with the '65 Trail 55.

I've had a couple of ignition & seat lock key's made by a local locksmith.  They had no problem cutting keys for the lock when I brought them in. 

[Kframe]

I've had some luck with wiggling a tiny penknife blade in seat locks before to gently coax them open.


(Not my knife, but cool damascus hammered blade isn't it!)
-K

[dave500]

my mate next door with his early 90s suzuki gsx750,the seat lock wouldnt open,,we jiggled all the keys we had,wd40,i could see the latch mechanism and could reach it with a long slender screw driver i had but still couldnt open it,with a little flexing of the seat we got the long 10 mm spanner and six pack,,once the seat was of what we found was a small piece of gravel sitting in a drain hole below the mechanism stopping its action..i had suggested a lock smith.

[friedfish80]

I used www.hondakeys.com for when i lost my key to my F1

[BobbyR]

Let me say thus again. On my 78K you can remove the hinge pins and get to the lock. You need a flashlight a needle nose pliers to pull the cotter pins and you can get to the lock, release the back of the tank. If you want to run the bike you can take the two nuts holding the lock cylinder in place, pull out the  cylinder. Remove the plastic switch body at the bottom and run the bike for testing, tuning etc. while you get some keys. Been there done that and it is easy.

[JohnCurW]

Let me say thus again. On my 78K you can remove the hinge pins and get to the lock. You need a flashlight a needle nose pliers to pull the cotter pins and you can get to the lock, release the back of the tank. If you want to run the bike you can take the two nuts holding the lock cylinder in place, pull out the  cylinder. Remove the plastic switch body at the bottom and run the bike for testing, tuning etc. while you get some keys. Been there done that and it is easy.

I'll try it tonight!