Removing a gas cap without a key?

Any Ideas on the best way to do this? The guy who gave me the bike has the title, but could never find the key. I need to remove the gas cap so I can run the bike. I used an aux tank to get it started (first time in 17 years) and it ran for a bit, but I'm going to need that tank now. Thanks!!

 

Is it a different key for the ignition or did you hotwire it? If its hotwired because you don't have the ignition key either, theres a pretty good chance that you can remove the switch and get the key number off the bottom of it, and it will be the same key as the gas tank. Bring the key number (better yet, bring the whole ignition lock) to your local locksmith and have a key punched for it. You will probably have to bring the registration and/or title (after its been changed to your name) as well to prove that you actually own the bike. Problem solved. This is the cheapest way to go (bout $15)

If the ignition lock has been changed and the key for it doesn't work in the gas cap, then you are SOL and will either have to have a locksmith try a jiggler on it to get it open and then rekey it to the key you have; OR get out a 3/8" carbide drill bit and drill the lock out, then get a new gas cap and have it rekeyed to your existing key. Either way will cost about the same. ($30-40 for the jiggling or new cap, plus $20 to rekey either way)

 

I'd drop the tank off at the local locksmiths and have them make a new key for you. Easiest solution.
Most difficult solution (one I've used a few times and don't care to repeat if I can avoid it) is raking the tumblers. Takes time and patience, lots of it!
You could drill out the tumblers but then you have to source a new gas cap and you get an new, different key. I'm in favor of using what all you can to preserve what is there, rather than destroy a usable asset. But if you are in a hurry, it works.

 

You are right that I don't have an ignition key either. I would hope that they are the same key. I think taking the ignition to the locksmith is the best plan. The cost for a new ignition, and the cost for a new gas cap is a lot more than just getting a key made. Si I think thats the route I'll head on this one. I'd like to avoid drilling it out!!

 

If it's a different key than the ignition lock then you just have to take the tank down to the locksmith. I would take both down just in case, should save some time. How are you getting under the seat without the key?? or can you?

 

The back was unlocked when I got the bike. Good idea though on taking both down there. Should be interesting to see if they are all the same. Thanks guys!

 

Like I said, there's a very good chance that your bike still has all the locks it left the factory with. So bring all 3 with you, and have them punch the ignition key first. They can do that by the key number on the bottom of the lock (the gas cap and seat locks do not have numbers). The letter tells them what key blank to use, then they insert the key into what looks like an oversized hole puncher, set the key number on the dials, and click it 5 times. Voila, factory key. Once you have that, try it in the rest of the locks. If it works, you're golden. If not, they're going to have to pick them, which will cost extra. But then once they're openthey can set the cylinders to work with the ignition key, so you don't have to have more than one key to unlock your bike.