Red key missing - Multistrada sale

zammer

zammer

Tripler
Looking to buy a 2015 DVT 1200s multi, found one I like and negotiated a price we're both happy with. Found out the bike only has one fob/key, no red key.

Can someone explain how big a deal this is - deal breaker? Then I can only use the original key and never make a copy?

With my panigale there is no red keys.
 
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roshan

roshan
I bought a used Multistrada that came with the black key and the red key. I don't think I've used the red key once. You can even change the 4 digit code (to start the bike without a key) using the black key.

It's not a deal breaker, but it should be factored into the price of the bike (since presumably you would have to go to the dealer to get a new one).
 
bikeama

bikeama

Super Moderator
Staff member
Only one red key per bike. You can order a new black key fob and have it programmed to match your black key using your black key like the red key. This will still cost a couple of bills. The red key has no battery just a chip with code. Dealers will tell you if you lose both your black and your red key it will cost $2000+ for a new dash and keys. Call a dealer and get a price for a new key and the cost to have it programed.

Edit as was said set the code to something you will remember. I had my battery get low in my black fob and used the code for a few days until I changed the batteries (2) in the fob. You will only use the red key if you lose your black fob.
 
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matty

matty

Well-known member
Why is it that Ducati owners lose the red key so often, is it slippery? I swear when I was looking at S2R's over 50% didn't have the red key.
 
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roshan

roshan
Why is it that Ducati owners lose the red key so often, is it slippery? I swear when I was looking at S2R's over 50% didn't have the red key.
Click to expand...

I think it's because people in general are disorganized, and Ducati owners keep the red key "somewhere safe" which ends up being nowhere near their bike. And then ironically it gets lost.
 
zammer

zammer

Tripler
bikeama said:
Only one red key per bike. You can order a new black key fob and have it programmed to match your black key using your black key like the red key. This will still cost a couple of bills. The red key has no battery just a chip with code. Dealers will tell you if you lose both your black and your red key it will cost $2000+ for a new dash and keys. Call a dealer and get a price for a new key and the cost to have it programed.

Edit as was said set the code to something you will remember. I had my battery get low in my black fob and used the code for a few days until I changed the batteries (2) in the fob. You will only use the red key if you lose your black fob.
Click to expand...

Sorry, could you clarify for me then - you can make fob+key copies off the black key alone, without needing the red key? i'm not sure why they don't just issue you two blacks then like with the panigale, the red key seems pointless
 
Blankpage

Blankpage

alien
roshan said:
I think it's because people in general are disorganized, and Ducati owners keep the red key "somewhere safe" which ends up being nowhere near their bike. And then ironically it gets lost.
Click to expand...

I bought Ducati last year and not sure if it came with a red key. I must have put it in a “safe” place.
Also never bothered setting the 4 digit code : |
 
ScottRNelson

ScottRNelson

Mr. Dual Sport Rider
All of the Ducatis that I've owned were before they included any magic keys. My 2008 KTM was the same way.

My 2018 KTM 1090R had an orange key that functioned much like the Ducati red key. For 2020 KTM just includes a card with a number on it and no special keys. I expect that it is just as much of a problem if you lose that as losing a Ducati red key, though.
 
bikeama

bikeama

Super Moderator
Staff member
zammer said:
Sorry, could you clarify for me then - you can make fob+key copies off the black key alone, without needing the red key? i'm not sure why they don't just issue you two blacks then like with the panigale, the red key seems pointless
Click to expand...

Yes, both the fob and the red key have a "chip" the red key is read only and the fob is programmable. Both can be used to program a new fob.

Ducati give you a red key for the same reason BMW gives you a small black key to go with the Fob. They are cheaper than the Fob. Ducati at lease has a way to start the bike with a code. My new BMW does not and if the battery goes dead so is the bike unless you carry the small black key. I guess I should start doing that.
 
bikeama

bikeama

Super Moderator
Staff member
Blankpage said:
I bought Ducati last year and not sure if it came with a red key. I must have put it in a “safe” place.
Also never bothered setting the 4 digit code : |
Click to expand...

Change the code they all come 0000 and I am sure the crooks know.
 
R

roshan

roshan
Some dealers change them. I speak from professional experience.
Click to expand...

I've heard something the dealer changes them to the last 4 digits of the VIN.

But in any case, @blankpage should probably set/change his/her code.
 
moto-rama

moto-rama

Well-known member
bikeama said:
\...The red key has no battery just a chip with code. Dealers will tell you if you lose both your black and your red key it will cost $2000+ for a new dash and keys. Call a dealer and get a price for a new key and the cost to have it programed.

....
Click to expand...

What a great feature! :rofl

Of course my BMW has a "keyless" system that requires a "fob". I learned early on to carry a couple of spare 2032 batteries, just in case. If you leave the key near the bike, they
"talk" constantly and the "fob" battery runs down, and then you need to replace the battery, or use the weird "rubber" key to start it.

The best part about it, I doubt that even a thief could figure it out.
 
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