Kawasaki Concours Forum
The C-14, aka Kawasaki Concours-14, the new one :) => Accessories and modifications - C14/GTR 1400 => Topic started by: Excavator on August 22, 2011, 04:58:35 PM
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I'm sure this has already been done and posted on the old forum but i'll just put it up again.
This is so much better than digging the key out at each stop and only being able to open one bag at a time, also opens the fuel cap. Cheap $15.00 key mod.
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like this
(http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a0cf11b3127ccefbe9070dcecd00000030O01CcNWzly0Yg9vPhw/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/)
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What kind of knobs did you use? I have been wanting to do this for a while now.
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I can't make out what Joe used but mine are simply toilet bowl caps (for where the bolt comes up through the floor). Lowe's has them for 4.79 in black and they have the epoxy I used also for 4.99, I should have done it much sooner.........this from someone who has not pinned his bags yet. :o
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Thanks, I will try to get the supplies and two keys cut, tomorrow.
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Thanks, I will try to get the supplies and two keys cut, tomorrow.
You will have to trim the keys to get them to fit down into the caps, I just used a small pair of bolt cutters. Once you mix the epoxy and put it in the caps, you will need to hold the key in place for about 4 - 5 minutes until it sets up. It's kind of a quick, fun little project.
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may be a silly question but: how do you do when you leave the bike parked?
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If you leave the bike parked, you simply pull the keys.
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I did this to mine almost immediately after getting my bike. I also cut a groove in the top of the knob so that I could tell at a glance that the case is locked.
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If you leave the bike parked, you simply pull the keys.
Isn't the idea of a "keeyless" system brilliant? :banghead: It would have been great if you didn't need to use the key for the bags or the fuel tank. As it is I would prefer to have a key for the ignition that could be pulled and used for everything. :o The system works fine but you still need a key. A system that wasn't fully implemented.
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What kind of knobs did you use? I have been wanting to do this for a while now.
I don't know which ones the poster used, but I used the black plastic screw off cap from a plastic oil quart bottle to do a similar project on my C10's fairing pocket covers. Works very well and was free.
I also ground off one set of the key points and removed its corresponding tumbler in both C10 fairing door locks.
The cut off key in the knob will not work in the ignition, seat or helmet locks, only the doors.
The ignition key still works in the door and all other locks.
I also cut a groove in the top of the knob so that I could tell at a glance that the case is locked.
I had painted on a white line which is almost worn off now - this is a better idea. Thanks.
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If you leave the bike parked, you simply pull the keys.
I'd be a little worried that the knob would vibrate loose or get bumped by my passenger, then having the door fly open or the bag come off.
Is a cool idea, though.
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If you leave the bike parked, you simply pull the keys.
Leaving the bike locked and the key in your pocket, which is less convenient than using the stove knob.
Isn't the idea of a "keeyless" system brilliant? :banghead: It would have been great if you didn't need to use the key for the bags or the fuel tank. As it is I would prefer to have a key for the ignition that could be pulled and used for everything. :o The system works fine but you still need a key. A system that wasn't fully implemented.
Say the magic words..."Hocus Pocus Dominocus" and voila! Turn the ignition key to the right instead of the left and pull it out.
I think you guys are overthinking this. When you come to a stop, decide if you'll need the key for opening the bags, lifting the seat or opening the fuel tank. If you do, turn the key right and pull it. If not, turn the key left and walk away. That's it!
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Leaving the bike locked and the key in your pocket, which is less convenient than using the stove knob.
Say the magic words..."Hocus Pocus Dominocus" and voila! Turn the ignition key to the right instead of the left and pull it out.
I think you guys are overthinking this. When you come to a stop, decide if you'll need the key for opening the bags, lifting the seat or opening the fuel tank. If you do, turn the key right and pull it. If not, turn the key left and walk away. That's it!
Let's see, left for opening stuff, if not right, right?
It's all so confusing... ;)
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I used a radio knob from a Gold Wing, The toilet bowl caps might be easier. I leave them in all the time, not worried about the little stuff, most people don't know what they are for anyway.
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I think you guys are overthinking this. When you come to a stop, decide if you'll need the key for opening the bags, lifting the seat or opening the fuel tank. If you do, turn the key right and pull it. If not, turn the key left and walk away. That's it!
90% of the time when I stop I have no need to lock the bags. Like at a gas stop or a rest area or my garage. The bags on my Valkyrie you could unlock and pull the key. The only time I ever bothered to lock them was at a hotel or perhaps at a restaurant. Now I have the same functionality on my C14.
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Neat idea, but not something I feel the need to do. Have had hard bags on other bikes that you could leave unlocked, and sure enough at some point the latch would fail and I'd see my lid flapping in the mirror and my stuff strewn out on the road behind me. If they were top-opening bags and hinged at the front I'd say sure, ride with them unlocked...but with a side opening bag? NO WAY!
As for the "hassle" of removing the ignition key, gimme a break guys. All it takes is a little forethought when you stop, and even if you do forget it's not like it's a difficult task to push down the key and turn it to the FFS position to remove it. If that is to much work for you, just keep your FOB in your jacket pocket and use the spare in it for gas and the bags as I do.
Taint rocket science folks...it's just a motorsickle.
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As for the "hassle" of removing the ignition key, gimme a break guys. All it takes is a little forethought when you stop, and even if you do forget it's not like it's a difficult task to push down the key and turn it to the FFS position to remove it. If that is to much work for you, just keep your FOB in your jacket pocket and use the spare in it for gas and the bags as I do.
Taint rocket science folks...it's just a motorsickle.
+1! The only thing that bugs me about using the stove knob is that, when it rains and it's wet, it tends to slip from my fingers when I try to pull it from the ignition (gloves or bare hand), and sometimes I end up taking the key from the FOB.
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I look at it like this:
I carry a .380 on my hip and .25 on my ankle, will that stop a charging zombie? Maybe, maybe not. So I would like quick access to my real firepower, the Kimber .45 which will most definitely dispatch anything with extreme prejudice. Do I want to be fumbling with the fob or the stoveknob key while a zombie is bearing down on me, no way. I want to be able to unlock the pannier in the most expeditious way possible and the "toilet bowl" mod is the best way I have seen. ;)
Disclaimer: I really don't believe in zombies, but I was in East St. Louis and Washington D.C. in the same 24 time period so I can say that firepower on a bike isn't exactly a bad thing when you find yourself on the wrong side of the tracks trying to refuel at 0200 hrs. ;D
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I have used them on every bike and really like the convenience.
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Well, couldn't you just use the small pistol to shoot your way into the saddlebag and get the bigger pistol? :D
Brian
I look at it like this:
I carry a .380 on my hip and .25 on my ankle, will that stop a charging zombie? Maybe, maybe not. So I would like quick access to my real firepower, the Kimber .45 which will most definitely dispatch anything with extreme prejudice. Do I want to be fumbling with the fob or the stoveknob key while a zombie is bearing down on me, no way. I want to be able to unlock the pannier in the most expeditious way possible and the "toilet bowl" mod is the best way I have seen. ;)
Disclaimer: I really don't believe in zombies, but I was in East St. Louis and Washington D.C. in the same 24 time period so I can say that firepower on a bike isn't exactly a bad thing when you find yourself on the wrong side of the tracks trying to refuel at 0200 hrs. ;D
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Well, couldn't you just use the small pistol to shoot your way into the saddlebag and get the bigger pistol? :D
Brian
Or just carry the manly pistol and leave the girly ones at home. ;D
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no he didn't.....but I do have Kimber envy...
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Well, couldn't you just use the small pistol to shoot your way into the saddlebag and get the bigger pistol? :D
Brian
Why waste rounds when I can use my toilet key to gain access.
MrFurious:
It ain't the size of the boat, it is the motion of the ocean. I bet you tell yourself that all the time. ;D
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If he had my kinda luck he'd wind up jamming the small pistol while accidentally shooting the bigger pistol while trying to shoot his way into the saddlebag. Then the mini on the ankle would become entangled somehow in his shoelaces (even though they were tucked) and all he'd be left with were the tweezers on his swiss army knife. A formidable weapon in their own right... but not to a zombie. But hey, that's just my luck. ;D
Well, couldn't you just use the small pistol to shoot your way into the saddlebag and get the bigger pistol? :D
Brian
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If he had my kinda luck he'd wind up jamming the small pistol while accidentally shooting the bigger pistol while trying to shoot his way into the saddlebag. Then the mini on the ankle would become entangled somehow in his shoelaces (even though they were tucked) and all he'd be left with were the tweezers on his swiss army knife. A formidable weapon in their own right... but not to a zombie. But hey, that's just my luck. ;D
Zombies get splinters too. Maybe if he were to help a zombie out with the splinter problem he'd still be ok, kinda like the story of lion and the thorn.
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Ok guys, veer this back on topic please...
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Sorry Jim.
Back on topic.
If anyone needs some knobs, let me know...
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I guess we know where to get knobs. Thanks!
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Wow Conrad, that is a big box 'o knobs you have there....
Sorry Jim.... back on topic: Wow Conrad, that is a big box of [potential C-14 key holding] knobs you have there....
;D
Brian
Sorry Jim.
Back on topic.
If anyone needs some knobs, let me know...
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Why thank you Brian, you'd be surprise at how often I hear that.
Ahem, that be a drawer 'o knobs thank you.
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This is my idea of a great idea as I use the bags frequently and very seldom have any concern for security. When I do, I simply remove the key/caps. I used JB Weld and the caps from Bragg's Apple Cider Vinegar bottles. They're a perfect size and have a textured top that matches the top of the bags and also have serrations on the side that provide a secure grip when turning them. It is essential that the key be centered, cut to the correct length and perpendicular to the top of the cap. This is what I jury rigged to accomplish the task:
I also have a Givi top box that I use occasionally. I did the same with its key. I simply used a smaller black plastic cap that looks the same as the two I used for the bags. I really appreciate the convenience of using all three storage units without digging for a key. On rare occasions when I want the locks to be locks I simply put the key/caps in my pocket or in one of the bags and all is secure.
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I took a stainless nut drilled the threads out , made the id of nut so I could press the key into it . I never remove the big key from the switch . Use the bag key for the gas cap also . Plus I do not need to shut engine off to refuel .
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I took a stainless nut drilled the threads out , made the id of nut so I could press the key into it . I never remove the big key from the switch . Use the bag key for the gas cap also . Plus I do not need to shut engine off to refuel .
Is there any particular reason why you wouldn't want to turn your engine off to refuel? You must want to keep your crotch warmer......umm, warm.
Weak battery perhaps? I have a good stocker that could help you out. ;)
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Is there any particular reason why you wouldn't want to turn your engine off to refuel? You must want to keep your crotch warmer......umm, warm.
Weak battery perhaps? I have a good stocker that could help you out. ;)
I was wondering the same thing...
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I was wondering the same thing...
Some people have an aversion to removing the stove key. For me, I still see the implementation of KIPASS to be ridiculous. It isn't a well thought out system. If you still have to use a key for the bags and the gas, then what's the point? If you could, at the least, leave the bags unlocked while riding so you could open them without a key it would be a little better. To me, a normal keyed ignition would be easier than removing the stove key or getting the key off the fob. For me removing the stove key is the easiest way to tame the KIPASS "system," but in doing so it seems to render the "system" pointless.
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KiPass has no effect on whether or not the saddlebags have to be locked when they are closed. That system simply uses a key to open and close- it has nothing at all to do with KiPass.
How would a 'normal' ignition key be different then the ignition key that comes with a C-14?
It is all fine and well if you do not like KiPass but I am not following your logic in sighting the items that you have and the problems associated with them. ???
Brian
Some people have an aversion to removing the stove key. For me, I still see the implementation of KIPASS to be ridiculous. It isn't a well thought out system. If you still have to use a key for the bags and the gas, then what's the point? If you could, at the least, leave the bags unlocked while riding so you could open them without a key it would be a little better. To me, a normal keyed ignition would be easier than removing the stove key or getting the key off the fob. For me removing the stove key is the easiest way to tame the KIPASS "system," but in doing so it seems to render the "system" pointless.
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I cannot speak for Dave but a lot of long distance riders leave the bike running while fueling because it may be faster and at any rate, they will be getting fuel for such a short time there is no point in shutting the bike off. Fuel stops can be done extremely quickly if you are willing to do them a bit unconventionally.
Brian
Is there any particular reason why you wouldn't want to turn your engine off to refuel? You must want to keep your crotch warmer......umm, warm.
Weak battery perhaps? I have a good stocker that could help you out. ;)
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I cannot speak for Dave but a lot of long distance riders leave the bike running while fueling because it may be faster and at any rate, they will be getting fuel for such a short time there is no point in shutting the bike off. Fuel stops can be done extremely quickly if you are willing to do them a bit unconventionally.
Brian
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Bingo Brain is correct . Also if your battery is weak your Kipass is acting up and you do not want to turn the bike off .
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Yeah, I fuel like that too although I do shut the engine down as I have to use the ign. key to open the fuel cap (or 'gashole' as it is known around here). Some of the people I ride with occasionally are amazed at how fast a fuel stop can be done. I have done some IBA riding and would have left a dedicated key in the fuel cap if I had thought of it before a particularly long ride.
Hey, it is only really dangerous to leave the engine running while fueling if you spill fuel all over the place and / or drop your cigarette. ;D
Brian
Bingo Brain is correct . Also if your battery is weak your Kipass is acting up and you do not want to turn the bike off .
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KiPass has no effect on whether or not the saddlebags have to be locked when they are closed. That system simply uses a key to open and close- it has nothing at all to do with KiPass.
How would a 'normal' ignition key be different then the ignition key that comes with a C-14?
It is all fine and well if you do not like KiPass but I am not following your logic in sighting the items that you have and the problems associated with them. ???
Brian
Because Brian, I still have to remove a key, or get a key out of my pocket, and in this case remove it from the fob to open the bags or the fuel cap. I didn't say KIPASS didn't work, it does, I said it was a poorly implemented system. I still have to use a key, and a normal ignition would work as well since I have to remove the key anyway. A normal ignition key removes easily without having to push down, and wait for the system to release it, turn and remove. With a normal key, you turn off the ignition and pull the key. It couldn't be easier. If I had a bike with no bags and a way to open the fuel cap without a key, then great. As it is, it is a pointless system that only complicates things.
I don't live in fear of KIPASS, I don't even give it any thought. I do think though it is a pointless system since I continually have to use a key anyway. I know you love KIPASS, but for me, I would prefer a simple key. In the bigger picture, I bought the bike knowing it had KIPASS, but wishing it didn't. I bought the bike because it fit my needs and to ride, which i do. I really don't care if this bike has KIPASS or not, but it would be simpler if it didn't.
To add to things, I now have helmet locks on the bike, and another key. Kawasaki didn't seem to think we needed that so now that I have that, I get to juggle yet another key. Maybe they should have called it KeysPass.
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Gotcha- the 3/8" downward movement of the key downward followed by the seven millisecond delay.
I do not agree- there is no effective difference in using either the fuel cap lock or the saddlebag locks on a bike equipped with KiPass or one without- both require you to withdraw a key, from either the ignition or some other source (pocket, hanging on a lanyard, etc.) to use in another place on the bike.
And I do not see the correlation between KiPass and helmet lock key that you now need. If you had a standard stamped metal ignition key, would something be different about your add- on helmet lock arrangement?
And yes, I do like KiPass but that does not make it any better or worse than it is in reality, just as you not likening it does not make it any better or worse than it is in reality. I certainly appreciate any logical, reasonable thoughts about any system (in the universe, be it KiPass or gravity) but your 'argument' sounds like the old- timers who hated fuel injection and electronic ignition just because it was new. I find KiPass convenient because the key is always in front of me, secure in the ignition. I can get to and use that key faster and easier than any key I have to retrieve from a pocket or lanyard. That, to the best of my belief, is a logical assessment.
YMMV
Got that thread- locker handy Jim? Another one bites the dust…. ;D
Brian
Because Brian, I still have to remove a key, or get a key out of my pocket, and in this case remove it from the fob to open the bags or the fuel cap. I didn't say KIPASS didn't work, it does, I said it was a poorly implemented system. I still have to use a key, and a normal ignition would work as well since I have to remove the key anyway. A normal ignition key removes easily without having to push down, and wait for the system to release it, turn and remove. With a normal key, you turn off the ignition and pull the key. It couldn't be easier. If I had a bike with no bags and a way to open the fuel cap without a key, then great. As it is, it is a pointless system that only complicates things.
I don't live in fear of KIPASS, I don't even give it any thought. I do think though it is a pointless system since I continually have to use a key anyway. I know you love KIPASS, but for me, I would prefer a simple key. In the bigger picture, I bought the bike knowing it had KIPASS, but wishing it didn't. I bought the bike because it fit my needs and to ride, which i do. I really don't care if this bike has KIPASS or not, but it would be simpler if it didn't.
To add to things, I now have helmet locks on the bike, and another key. Kawasaki didn't seem to think we needed that so now that I have that, I get to juggle yet another key. Maybe they should have called it KeysPass.
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I hate looking for the FOB
pulling the key
then opening my bags :-\
I like this idea :D
better than my black duct tape holding the key
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KIPASS is a latent security devise.
I have had key made for the side bags on the same ring as my top box, house and garage key.
I love not having to look for my ignition key after I put on my rain gear.
Like getting into my garage in the pouring rain or my house.
Need to carry a set anyhow.
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Where's Rod Serling when I need him? You guys are getting weird. I could not understand why people are gluing toilet bolt covers to their keys until the zombie threat explained it all.
What can you expect from people who post pictures of their old air filters?
;)
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Well take it from me, that dirty air filter thread just took a turn for the weird.... ;D
Brian
Where's Rod Serling when I need him? You guys are getting weird. I could not understand why people are gluing toilet bolt covers to their keys until the zombie threat explained it all.
What can you expect from people who post pictures of their old air filters?
;)
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I was happy to see this and welcome the innovative ideas guys have for this bike. Moving over from the Mean Streak Forums where guys really were innovative and readily shared ideas I found it is a bit of a shock to find the naysayers and arguments against innovation here.
I like this idea and will probably take the 3 extra keys I had made and try this trick. I s sure enjoyed havin the extra keys to rely on and save time
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Where's Rod Serling when I need him? You guys are getting weird. I could not understand why people are gluing toilet bolt covers to their keys until the zombie threat explained it all.
What can you expect from people who post pictures of their old air filters?
;)
:rotflmao: +1
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I was happy to see this and welcome the innovative ideas guys have for this bike. Moving over from the Mean Streak Forums where guys really were innovative and readily shared ideas I found it is a bit of a shock to find the naysayers and arguments against innovation here.
Say it ain't so! As far as we're concerned there's plenty of innovation here. We have naysayer's of course but that's to be expected. We would hate to have to moderate boards where everyone thinks alike or who still has all of their marbles. I lost mine years ago, in fact. Yep.
Got that thread- locker handy Jim? Another one bites the dust…. ;D
Brian
We are inclined to say no in your general direction.....at least for now.. ;)
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Gotcha- the 3/8" downward movement of the key downward followed by the seven millisecond delay.
I do not agree- there is no effective difference in using either the fuel cap lock or the saddlebag locks on a bike equipped with KiPass or one without- both require you to withdraw a key, from either the ignition or some other source (pocket, hanging on a lanyard, etc.) to use in another place on the bike.
And I do not see the correlation between KiPass and helmet lock key that you now need. If you had a standard stamped metal ignition key, would something be different about your add- on helmet lock arrangement?
And yes, I do like KiPass but that does not make it any better or worse than it is in reality, just as you not likening it does not make it any better or worse than it is in reality. I certainly appreciate any logical, reasonable thoughts about any system (in the universe, be it KiPass or gravity) but your 'argument' sounds like the old- timers who hated fuel injection and electronic ignition just because it was new. I find KiPass convenient because the key is always in front of me, secure in the ignition. I can get to and use that key faster and easier than any key I have to retrieve from a pocket or lanyard. That, to the best of my belief, is a logical assessment.
YMMV
Got that thread- locker handy Jim? Another one bites the dust…. ;D
Brian
Yeah, I've noticed a lot of threads you take part in get locked. You also seem to miss a lot of what people say. I never said I didn't like KIPASS, i personally don't give it much thought day to day. I did say it was a poorly integrated system, the system encompassing the entire bike. Since it still requires the use of a key for the rest of the bike, it isn't a real convenience. As for the helmet locks, it is simply a feature most bikes have that Kawasaki for some reason decided this bike didn't need. Now that I have added it, I need another key. So, had Kawasaki integrated all of it, including helmet locks, it would have been nice. The simple option to leave the bags unlocked would have been nice as well. Or a simple key minus the KIPASS. I just find the system pointless, but it works and allows me to start the bike and ride.
Sorry if I have a different opinion than you do Brian. That's what makes people different. Just because I find KIPASS pointless, solving a problem that simply didn't exist, doesn't mean I hate it or the bike. It also doesn't mean I dislke you or feel you don't have anything to contribute. I do however find your smarta** comments to be a bit tiring at times. That is the last I have to say about this matter.
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Too bad you are not up for more bantering because it could get interesting and the entire tone of this thread seems to be taking a turn for the civil....
True about the thread locking- I seem to be going through a low- tolerance phase lately. I usually try to be careful in my tone and delivery but of late the sharper replies are coming through. Jim does a great job of locking those threads that need it and it is usually pretty easy to see it coming. Let's see where this one goes....
I really do try to read and understand what others say. It makes an interaction work a lot better. Perhaps my reading comprehension is low but when you make statements like 'poorly integrated system' and "I would prefer a simple key" it implies to me that you do not like the system. You might not have used those specific words but that is the meaning I took away from reading your previous posts. I would counter that if you are truly neutral about KiPass, you have stated it poorly in my opinion.
Helmet locks are still irrevelant to KiPass. Kawasaki could have added them to the bike originally and had the keys that fit the bike fit the helmet lock but they did not. That is not a fault or facet of KiPass in any way. They are not related. I have also added a helmet lock to my bike and also think that it would have been nice if Kawasaki did this in the first place but it is a stand- alone though that is not related to any other system on the bike. In addition to that, I have a Givi top box now that also requires a key to open; I wish Givi had made the system so the box could be latched closed without using the lock. Both of those devices force me to dig out keys to use them and I find that annoying but I do not see how having those exact same devices on a ZX 14 with a conventional key would be any different. I also agree with you about the saddlebags- it would have been nice if the lock was optional and separate from the actual latch similar to what BMW uses.
As far as the personal comments, no problem from me. Personality interaction is an individual thing and sometimes it just does not work. The good news is that this forum software apparently has an individual blocking function (I have not used it) so if things get intolerable.....
Note the lack of smarta$$ comments in this post. Not because I was avoiding them but because nothing came to mind while typing. Of course you would say that happens a lot even when I do insert smarta$$ comments. Which is guess in and of itself is a smarta$$ comment. :D
Have a nice day (seriously, not sarcastically).
Brian
Yeah, I've noticed a lot of threads you take part in get locked. You also seem to miss a lot of what people say. I never said I didn't like KIPASS, i personally don't give it much thought day to day. I did say it was a poorly integrated system, the system encompassing the entire bike. Since it still requires the use of a key for the rest of the bike, it isn't a real convenience. As for the helmet locks, it is simply a feature most bikes have that Kawasaki for some reason decided this bike didn't need. Now that I have added it, I need another key. So, had Kawasaki integrated all of it, including helmet locks, it would have been nice. The simple option to leave the bags unlocked would have been nice as well. Or a simple key minus the KIPASS. I just find the system pointless, but it works and allows me to start the bike and ride.
Sorry if I have a different opinion than you do Brian. That's what makes people different. Just because I find KIPASS pointless, solving a problem that simply didn't exist, doesn't mean I hate it or the bike. It also doesn't mean I dislke you or feel you don't have anything to contribute. I do however find your smarta** comments to be a bit tiring at times. That is the last I have to say about this matter.
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Back to the thread topic, it's not so much that KiPass is poorly intergrated, it is that the C14's locking system is poorly integrated.
Kawi sells a supposedly trunk that requires a separate key. No real slam against Givi, because Kawi could have required/requested the trunk key to match. BMW manages to do it, and the C14 is a BMW competitor, though at a lower price point.
Failing to include helmet locks on an S/T is just stupid IMHO. One could argue that the C14 has 2 locking, enclose helmet holders, of course, but then all the storage space is gone.
To me, the poor integration consists of having to have multiple keys to the bike. After going to all the trouble of making a bike that you don't have to carry a key for (just a fob), you wind up having to carry two keys in addition to the fob. It's not a major calamity, but it lessens the one of the benefits/selling points of the system.
One other thing that was poorly thought out was the design of the stove knob. If a few ridges or gripping points were added, it would be much easier to remove. Most of the time, it's pretty easy, but even the slightest dampness makes it a bit of a challenge. Poor design for a key that needs to be removed regularly for the tank and bags.
It's no big deal that KiPass does not unlock the saddlebags remotely. With non-removable bags, that makes some sense, but would be costly to implement on the C14.
Owning bikes that both allow and disallow the bags to be closed without locking, I can see the benefit of each system. Personally, I prefer that the bags have to be locked. Though I admire the cleverness of the posters who have made custom bag-keys, it makes more keys to track, carry and/or put in the saddlebags, which is what I would prefer to avoid.
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I can see both sides of this issue. I use my bike mostly for commuting without the bags so I find KiPass very handy. Just get on the bike and go. Park the bike and get off. When I am traveling with the bags, I do find it awkward that there's no option to open the bags without the key. Perhaps Kawi could have come up with a way to keep the bags closed but not locked so that we could open them easily when we wanted to and then lock them when we were leaving them unattended? Would that have been very difficult?
I have no issue with the gas cap. I use the stove key and like Brian said, gas stops are very quick. As I mentioned to someone in another thread, I keep my wallet in may tankbag and a gas stop for me takes about 2 minutes. I don't even have to take my gloves off. No complaints about how the key is implemented for the gashole.
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Where is everyone getting the extra keys? Can Lows or Home depot just cut them from a blank?
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I had my spare keys made at a local locksmith. $2.40 for two keys. I don't think the hardware stores have the blanks for our bikes keys.
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Ace Hardware here.
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Nice work around.
On the new BMW sport tourer the FOB controls the bags and such too
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On the new BMW sport tourer the FOB controls the bags and such too
Now that sounds cool. 8)
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It must be winter everywhere.......
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If the Kipass key is a problem, why not have a conventional key made and use it? It works.
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If the Kipass key is a problem, why not have a conventional key made and use it? It works.
Ummmmm, yup. I think that is what the whole thread is about. Just sayin.
Oh and welcome to the forum. ;)
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Where is everyone getting the extra keys? Can Lows or Home depot just cut them from a blank?
Slaters Hardware in Lancaster Ohio. I had 4 made for 2 bucks a pop on my way down US 33 on the way to the Hocking Hills. I knew I was in business when he asked if " that Kawasaki key was left or right handed"
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Slaters Hardware in Lancaster Ohio. I had 4 made for 2 bucks a pop on my way down US 33 on the way to the Hocking Hills. I knew I was in business when he asked if " that Kawasaki key was left or right handed"
I tried 3 different locksmiths here locally and none of them had it in stock. One of them asked how many I wanted and ordered them ..... wrong offset on them. Knowing what I know now, sounds like Slaters knows what he is doing....... (but I am no where near Ohio)
I ended up ordering 4 blanks from ebay and had them cut locally. My intention is to make a couple key-knobs, but I just havent found the knob .................... you know, that just isnt sounding the way I want it to so I am gonna stop right there. :yikes:
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Where is everyone getting the extra keys? Can Lows or Home depot just cut them from a blank?
My local dealer had the blanks and made them for $3 each. Be careful, there are 2 types of blanks, mirror image from one another and each type will not work in the other's lock.
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The fourth place I tried was finally able to make me a set of keys. I thought the hard part was over. >:( Now I'm having a tough time finding a Cap/Knob that will work. I am also looking to do the same with my Givi E55 and will be looking for a Cap/Knob for that too. any ideas?
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The fourth place I tried was finally able to make me a set of keys. I thought the hard part was over. >:( Now I'm having a tough time finding a Cap/Knob that will work. I am also looking to do the same with my Givi E55 and will be looking for a Cap/Knob for that too. any ideas?
Take a walk down the sauce aisle at Walmart, plenty of bottle tops to choose from.
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The fourth place I tried was finally able to make me a set of keys. I thought the hard part was over. >:( Now I'm having a tough time finding a Cap/Knob that will work. I am also looking to do the same with my Givi E55 and will be looking for a Cap/Knob for that too. any ideas?
Nothing beats the toilet bowl caps. ;)
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The fourth place I tried was finally able to make me a set of keys. I thought the hard part was over. >:( Now I'm having a tough time finding a Cap/Knob that will work. I am also looking to do the same with my Givi E55 and will be looking for a Cap/Knob for that too. any ideas?
Take your pick. :)
(http://www.zggtr.org/MGalleryItem.php?id=200)
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Do you have any knobs that go up to 11?
I need my bags to go up to 11.
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I think that 10 is as high as they go.
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Nothing beats the toilet bowl caps. ;)
I'm going to WalMart and Home Depot today to look for knobs, Where did yoy find "Black" toilet bowl caps?
I also like the seat on your bike Excavator. What kind of seat is that?
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I'm going to WalMart and Home Depot today to look for knobs, Where did yoy find "Black" toilet bowl caps?
I also like the seat on your bike Excavator. What kind of seat is that?
The black knobs came from Lowe's.
To be honest, I'm not sure about that seat, I bought it from a member here. It is cut too low for my long legs (hurts my knees after a while) but I plan to add a sheet of memory foam to the front section to get back up to factory level and incorporate a smuggler or small trunk into the passenger part of it (don't like trunks hanging off the rear rack). I would be willing to trade that seat for a stocker if a rider with short legs was in need of it.
Glynn