Ducati Monster Forum

Ok so when I purchased my bike, I got her without a code card nor a red key. I was a bit worried that I was taken. I searched high and low and found out that I could get it retrieved and pretty much get back what was missing as if it never was. Some had said that I had to get a whole new package that included new ignition keys, red key, code card, ECU, cluster and locks all for a pretty penny worth over $3k, then I also found the cheaper alternative that was retrieving it all for $500 that included code card and red key and a spare black one. So I was happier than a pig in a blanket.

So now I am going bonkers, upgrading levers (waiting for them to arrive), said bye bye to the udder (waiting for that to arrive as well), brought the bike back to original spec (previous owner lowered it), adjusted chain and a High Flow K&N air filter. So I starting to search for an exhaust and ended up picking Mivv (that will be the next big ticket item to go on the bike). But then I started reading how I would have to reflash my ECU. Finding out that the reflash would get rid of the immobilizer thus pissing away some $500 I could've used somewhere else on the bike. Does that sound accurate?

I really dont want to say you wadded $500.00 away but you may have with your mods, etc.

Great, so pretty much that's what I did and you're just trying to be nice. So I would've been just fine with a duplicate key and just reflash from the get go?

With a different air mod and what I think is a full system (minus the udder) the bike will need to have the air/gas ratio fiddled with. It could be as simple as that. However, if a you need a reflash, then yes you wadded $500 dollars. A reflash is somewhere in the neighborhood of 3-4 with keys.

Sorry bro, we'll all learned an expensive lesson owning these bikes. Trust me I have my pair share (ie leaving a rotor disk on when trying to ride the bike = bent aftermarket rotor = no riding until new one arrives, etc. etc. etc.)

a reflash can remove the immobilizer if you want it to. By all means if you like the security it provides and you just spent the cash to keep it active do not feel that it has to be removed.

So I wouldn't say it was wasted, just an unnecessary perk.

Pardon my ignorance about these bikes but when I bought my M796 a few months ago, it just came with one key and an owners manual.
Did I miss something?

No, fuel-injected models previous to the M696/796/1100 came with the code card, red key and two black keys.

What was it that you did that only cost $500??

And how would one go about re-flashing a bike w/o code card/red key?? Specifically 2007 S2R 1000.....

I got a code card, a red key and a spare made, when I purchased my bike it didn't have any of those and was able to talk the additional cash up. Some say that a Ducati without the card/red key is devalued when you look to sell it.

If you reflash then you won't need any of the latter and will be fine with just the black key you currently have because in a reflash you can chose to no longer have that option.

Great, thanks for the education.

When you reflash a bike, you flash the ECU.

The immobilizer is a chip in the key that is registered by the dash.  The ECU only verifies with the dash and will not start the bike without that verification. When you flash a bike to remove the immobilizer, you stop the ECU from asking the gauge about the immobilizer.  They yellow blinking light will stay on at the gauge to indicate a failure with the immobilizer, but the ECU wont care about it.

This allows you to get mechanical keys cut so you can start and lock your bike, but dont have to hassle with lost red keys or code cards.

M696 has code cards too.. I don't have one. Mine will be reflashed soon.


I have Mivv's already. Love 'em.

You dont need the Red Key. Two Black Keys are all you really need. You can get a duplicate black key made and chipped to match your immobilizer for under $30 by a local locsmith. Back in the day the only way to get a duplicate key made was with the red key but now they have RF readers that will read the rf signal in your existing key and they can duplicate it in a new black key for you. With regards to not having a red key reducing the value I'd say that's negligible. SOS Diagnostics can get you around most any problem you may have with your key, ECU and Immobilizer.

And I sit here waiting for them to call me, collect payment and send my stuff back so I can ride dammit! [bang]

Your 796 was delivered to the first owner with two keys and a code card. If your immobilzer locks up, you'll need a new instrument cluster with code card if you want to keep it stock. New keys are easy enough, but the code is needed to program them.

No clue about modding and reflashing on newer bikes. Perhaps an option as long as you're not keeping it stock.

This is incorrect. You dont need the code or the red key to program new keys to match the immobilizer or to reset your immobilizer if it should "lock up" (not sure what that means). A locksmith can make you a spare black key by reading the RF signal in your existing key which is mated to your gauges & immobilizer. I too had only one black key and a local locksmith did this for me for $25 which included the price of the new key. If your immobilizer has issues you can send your ECU & Gauges to S.O.S. Diagnostics and they can reprogram the whole thing for you and then ship it back. I've used them and they're great with a very fast turn around. Check out their website http://sosdiagnostics.com/ducati.html (http://sosdiagnostics.com/ducati.html)

"New" Monsters don't have red keys, just a code in the instrument cluster, not in the ECU. Ever own a newer Siemens bike? (Rhetorical)  [roll]

There are auto locksmiths that are using cloning technology. Bikeboy put me onto a local shop that does it.
I bought my Hyper used without its key card and only one key. I was fortunately able to get two more keys cloned for it which was a relief. I'm not sure what is available near you up there, but worth enquiring with your local auto locksmith specialists.

Thanks for the response guys.
I did find a Locksmith that says he can clone my key.
He want $75.00.   (I guess thats NJ pricing for you)

Maybe you should order a factory blank if you want it to be "purdy".  ;) Our keys have rolling codes, pp. 45 - 46 in the manual, if the PO gave you one of those.  8)

Koko has a point too. If they can hack Jeeps to drive off the road..., anything might be possible. The cost on the otherhand...

Maybe that outfit, S.O.S, referenced above can retrieve the code out of the cluster too, provided you send it to them? It had better work though..., because once removed, I believe the code is required on reinstallation.

I do have the manual.
I don't really care what the spare key looks like.
BTW, what the worse case scenario if one was to lose all the keys altogether.

How good did you say that locksmith was?  ;D You have ignition, tank and seat lock cylinders, so those would need to be replaced and/or new laser-cut keys made to fit the exiting cylinders or new ones? Assuming that S.O.S. place can retrieve the code from your electronic gauge unit, you'd need that to sync the keys..., or you could order all the above new = $$$.

For the  Magneti Marelli equipped bikes, SOS can retrieve the code from the instrument cluster, and make red and black keys, using the ignition lock for the physical part of the key.
I've had them do several.

For cars I know the dealers get get you a key with just giving them the VIN.
Does Ducati do that for their bikes?

Nope.  Not here anyway.  Go the SOS route or flash to get rid of the immobilizer.  IMO, flash it, then you can start the bike with a non coded key even if the dash malfunctions.

Not sure but I doubt it. The keys didn't come with a key code tag as "normal" keys often do, and I know for a fact DNA doesn't keep any immobilizer codes, and dealers don't either because the card has it hidden under scratch/rub like a lottery ticket. Read pp. 45 - 46 in your manual.

Cars are a bit different. Key codes are part of the warranty history. Still, if you order an electronic key, e.g. Benz, can only sell you two keys if you don't have both originals on hand and they have to be programmed with the OEM diagnostic computer. (I asume they have the lock code in the warranty history.)

FWIW, we'd only make a key for a Benz, Porsche, Audi, Range Rover, etc. if your driver's license matched the waranty history and you had a copy of the title or lease in hand. Too many liabilities otherwise...  8)

Bummer.
I better get that spare key made fast just in case.