Ducati Monster Forum

i got a monster 750 a week ago from a guy, and he didnt have the key for the back lock under the seat (i'm guessing maybe he had the ignition changed) but anyways is it possible to get the seat off without a key?  i've fiddled around with it and its looking like its not.  called the locksmiths in my area and $100 is the best price i could get for getting a new key made.  anyone else think that sounds a little steep??

There was a thread about this very thing on ToB, I think the suggestion was to buy an inexpsensive lockpick set and open it then change the lock out. Not sure of the level of difficulty as I am more of a smash and grab sort of guy  ;D

The seat lock does not have a full set of tumblers, my key opened 7 different bikes.

Get a long hook tool and lift the seat up so you can see the latch and find the cable.  Hook the hook tool around the cable and pull.  That should undo the latch enough to get the seat up.

On my 94 900 reach your hand under the left rear side and pull the cable.

I dont need no stinkin key!

somehow i got a pair of needle nose pliers at the end of the spring mechanism under the seat and gave it a little tug and she came lose. 

Getting seat up without key:
Tech skills = -0
Time = 3 minutes
Money Saved = $100

It's pretty easy to reach that cable. What I do on all mine is to remove the lock, cut the cable, and swage a finger size loop at the end. It tucks up neatly into the cowl overhang & no one knows it's there. And..........you don't have to worry about keys.

my 94 has a little tab i guess to help so you dont break the key when turning it, i can just push that and my seat will unlock, i dont even use the key.

Are you trying to TURN the key?  My '99 M900 seat lock works by INSERTING the key, then pressing a tab to lift the seat.  I'm guessing the PO removed the tag that warns not to break your key off in the lock, trying in vain to TURN it.

Just a thought.

+1, if you have a pre 2000 bike it has the older seat i think. theres a metal tab, and all the key does is depress a little switch. You can pick it ( i broke my key trying to turn it) all you need to do is get a screw driver, lift the seat up a bit, and push the cable that is located left of the bike.

I never use my key to take my seat off b/c my high-mount exhaust makes it a pain in the ass to get to the lock.

Well, I use the key, but not in the lock.

I reach under the tail of the bike and hook the key against the cable right up tight to the lock assembly and pull back on it.

Seat pops right off.

Same here, but you may have the earlier model with a no-turn key and the tab to press.

Scott

Lowsider.  Popped my seat right off, and the key was still right there in the igniton.  You could give that a try.

lol

should you low side on the left or right side?