So, I've a locked gas cap on my gas tank and no key.

Is there a moderately non-destructive way to get into the tank, for one who's not particularly adept at picking locks? Or am I just getting my drill on and destroying the cap? If at all possible, I'd really prefer to keep the cap functional even if not locking; locking the gas tank isn't really important here. Save a couple bucks and all that.

 

Key Blank Style Determination:

Of course, if you have the original key that came with your bike, then the entire key code (letter and 5 numbers) is stamped onto the key head, right below the black plastic cap.

If not, you can determine what key blank style you have by removing your ignition switch.......and the entire key code is either stamped into the bottom of the switch housing, or is printed or etched onto a paper or aluminum tag that is glued to the bottom of the ignition lock. The key number always starts with one of the letters A-F, followed by 5 or 6 numbers. The 5 or 6 numbers are actually the "serial number" of the individual lock. You can see what this code appears like here:

http://xjbikes.com/forums/index.php?threads/42265

Note that some switches will have this code on a foil sticker, rather than stamped into the switch body (as shown above).

With the key code, you can then contact a number of vendors who will cut a key for you from those numbers alone. Of course, this is assuming that the particular key for this bike also fits your gas cap (so that assumes it's the original cap for that bike).


P.S. If you lose your key(s), or obtain a used gas tank that still has a (locked) cap on it but with no key, then it may be time for you to learn the ancient art of lock-picking:

http://www.capricorn.org/~akira/home/lockpick/

The gas cap and helmet hanger, etc. locks are pretty basic type locks, lots of "slop" in them which makes picking them somewhat easy. You can get lock-picking tools on eBay pretty cheap. It takes about 20 minutes of practice the first time, and then it's a 3-minute job, and you can probably then break into your neighbor's house, too

Other alternative is to take tank off the bike, and take it to a real locksmith, they'll have it popped in about 30-seconds.....

 

Ok, there's only a bit of the ignition left, but fortunately it's got the sticker still: F32134.

So, a locksmith can make a new key with just that code? I don't have the ignition, but I could bring the gas tank in =/

Or, figure it'd just be more cost effective to pick the lock, and replace the gas cap entirely? I've managed to make it thus far in my life without ever dealing with a locksmith, so have no idea what that sort of thing costs.

 

SOME locksmith's can, look on eBay, they have to have the key code books for these older bikes, not many do unless they are a specialist or an real old-timer.

If you bring the tank into a normal locksmith (not a Home Depot key-cutter, etc.) they can pop open ("pick") that lock quick. They probably won't be able to make a key for it, though, unless it's one of the type of locksmith's referenced above.

Picking the lock might cost a few dollars, depends on their mood, the weather, what they had for lunch. A real locksmith will have a vibratory pick tool that takes about 15-20 seconds to pick a cheap lock like these.

 

Ok. I'll just go for pop then. May as well, so when I replace the ignition I can get a matching cap at the same time.

Thanks for your help!

 

The tumbler from the ignition should transfer to the new switch.