2009 Monster 696 immobilizer?

[alibaba]

I keep reading here about immobilizers but can find nothing in my manual about them.  Did they do away with them for the M696?
As a point of education, what were/are they?  What purpose?  How did they work?

[Howie]

The immobilizer does just that, does not allow the bike to start without a properly coded key.  Yes, your 696 has one.  The famous "red key" is not used on the 696. 

Oh, how did they work?  They usually prevented the rightful owner from operating the motorcycle.  Hopefully, the present generation works better.

[alibaba]

ROFL  -  well done  - and thanks for tutorial

[Raux]

btw you should have received a code card with your bike. if you don't have that you're screwed if the immobilizer kicks in

[alibaba]

Thanks Roux - I think I have it filed somewhere.