Getting keys made?

So I picked up an 83 XS400J parts bike that is totally complete, and I'm slowly taking parts off of it, cleaning them up, and then swapping it onto my main bike. My hopes are to eventually have two running motorbikes, but I have zero keys for this parts bike. I got it from a used parts place, and am in the process of getting the registration papers. So is there anyway to get a keyset made having no original keys? Any hints on a place to contact that might be able to make a set from the VIN?

Thanks folks

 

I've taken both a gas tank and another bike's ignition into a local locksmith and they made keys for $30 US. It seems to be a pretty easy deal for them given the age of these bikes (the fact that there is no embedded electronics).

 

Ok great! How did you get the gas cap off with no key?

 

You should be able to take the numeric code on the ignition switch and have a dealer make a new key for you. Mind you that you should have a current title for the bike in your name when you do this.
I've gotten caps off by picking the lock, a time and labor intensive process. A locksmith can do it in a fraction of the time and with greater ease. Not to mention the locksmith is more likely to know how to do it without damaging anything.

 

Apparently Youtube has some good lockpicking material :wink:

 

The tank is REAL easy to remove with no mess.

 

I just went through the same thing dustinb. Keep in mind, if your bike is similar to mine (I have an 83 650 Maxim), there are two seperate keys. One for the ignition and one for the tank/helmet lock.

If you know no one has tampered with the helmet lock or tank, you could copy the ignition code off the bottom of the ignition casing and remove the helmet lock which is only two screws (on my 650) and doesn't involve messing with the tank and bring the code and helmet lock to a locksmith. If you aren't so sure about the tank being original, a locksmith could get it off for you, or you could buy a lockpick set and DIY! Hope this helps.