Keys

[Akashi Classics]

Team Triplers,

Decades ago, while working for a Kawasaki dealer, I was gifted a few hundred genuine NOS Kawasaki keys. I've been dribbling a few out to locals I know well, but now I'd like to offer them to enthusiasts worldwide.

The thing is, I'm quite security conscious, having had a Z1-B stolen when it was just 2 weeks old, and probably by someone who simply went and bought a key from a dealer.

Any thoughts on the best way to ensure anyone wanting to buy keys is a genuine buyer, and not some chancer who has spotted a key number on a bike they know of?

Triple related ... there aren't too many triple keys, Though, if you need a #685, this could be your lucky day!

Most keys, for those who may own the odd mid-late 70's Kawa's, are those with the black plastic 'head' on them, with nearly an equal amount of keys with the 'roughly' 25mm wide silver metal head. Numbers are in the 700 - 899 range. I can post sample photo's if that helps.

I feel comfortable with leaving that info with you blokes, but any ideas about selling (securely) to strangers??

Cheers,
Jeff in Aussie

[Olde Coney]

I would suggest you send a P.M to malcolm on here as he is the accepted go to person for key supply...I feel sure he will be able to assist

[Aardvark]

You have a PM Jeff.

Aardvark

[Wolfie]

I can understand your trepidation on not adding to the thieves armoury but I reckon that most people today will have another layer of security ie a chain or similar to prevent a bike simply being wheeled away even without starting it.

The toerags probably know that the correct key doesn't equate to an easy free bike.

Not sure about the Antipodes but a classic Bike, certainly in England, is unlikely to be taken off the street because A:/ the thieves don't know what it is, B:/ it's not a ready market for the parts once stripped and C:/ the people who do know what it is will be watching for the rare parts turning up.

All that said, the bottom line is that if they really want it they will go to enormous lengths to take it, openly and brazenly in broad daylight, and there are no police around to try and stop them.

[Doctorpayday]

During the 70's...

A fizzy key could get you a free RD200, especially if the barrel was worn.

In more recent times, my 350LC was subject to a frenzied ignition switch sewing machine type incursion.

Happened more than once, so I got rid of.

Doc

[Nigel S]

During the 70's...

A fizzy key could get you a free RD200, especially if the barrel was worn.

In more recent times, my 350LC was subject to a frenzied ignition switch sewing machine type incursion.

Happened more than once, so I got rid of.

Doc

How do you know that

[Doctorpayday]

Well there's no way of painting this to look anything other than shabby.

Amongst our group, one lads fizzy key could switch on almost every other fizzy. This wasn't reciprocated,much to our annoyance.

I think a flat bladed screwdriver would have been equally as effective and Spam keys too.

The early yams (125/200 and possibly more) had identical key types.

At college I bet that my key could switch on a guys rd200 and to our surprise and his shock, it did.

Doc