Source for 696/1100 key blades only (no transponder)? - SOLVED

[mstevens]

See http://www.ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=43002.msg772048#msg772048 for the solution!

I'd love to find a key without a transponder for my Multi. It uses exactly the same key blank as a 696 (and probably other models, but I only have access to my wife's 696 key for confirmation).

Why a key with no transponder? The "hands free" key for this bike is a big fob with a flip-out key blade for the gas cap and bags. The key fob, as an infuriating example of Italian design, has no hole or ring on it and therefore cannot be carried on a neck lanyard. There is no ignition lock into which the key fits, and no key is actually needed to start the bike at all since it can be started with a PIN. Since I won't be using the transponder function, I'd prefer not to pay for it. I'd like to have a key I can carry on a lanyard under my jacket for when I need to get my cappuccino thermos in or out of a side bag or for when I need to fill the tank since it's a pain to dig the fob out of my pocket while wearing gloves. If I can find ones cheap enough I might also make "pannier knobs" by mounting a small knob on top of a key blade and just leaving them in the pannier locks most of the time.

So, any sources for cheapo key blanks?

[Raux]

saw blanks on ebay before.

[mstevens]

saw blanks on ebay before.

Yeah, I can find $79 blanks on eBay. I suspect most of the price is due to the transponder, which is why I'd hoped to find ones without.

[Howie]

Have you tried going to a real locksmith?  If the locksmith can find a blank that matches your key blade then a key can be cut.  For the older bikes some Kawasaki and Italian car blanks worked.  It's worth a try.

[mstevens]

Have you tried going to a real locksmith?

Not yet. I live way the heck out in the boonies. The closest locksmith is about 30 miles away and the last time I went there they didn't have blanks for a BMW 3-series because that was "too exotic."

[mattc7]

Not yet. I live way the heck out in the boonies. The closest locksmith is about 30 miles away and the last time I went there they didn't have blanks for a BMW 3-series because that was "too exotic."

if they don't make laser cut keys, don't waste your time.

Porsche, BMW, (Maybe audi) and other car manufacturer blanks like such might work, but in the end you're going to spend as much time, effort, and gas trying to match it, that 80 is worth the price.

[mstevens]

that 80 is worth the price.

The Ducati key blank without a transponder was exactly what I needed and can be ordered for under $25.