Look online for discount parts dealers for Kawasaki parts. I believe they are closer to $200, best price although that does not include the key that goes with the fob, if you even care or want that. And they you would have to have the key cut to work on your bike- a few more dollars. Also be aware that a dealer might not be too happy about (read: they will not) programming the bike to recognize the fob you purchased somewhere else.
So if that price includes the key and the key cut for your bike, it is not all that bad really. Programming the bike usually seems to run around 1/2 hour of labor but you might want to ask beforehand to avoid the surprise.
If you do not want to buy the main fob (the RF or remote fob) right now, I would suggest getting the RFID or 'credit card' fob just so that you have two. The real problem comes in when you lose your LAST fob because that requires a new KiPass ECU and they are even more expensive.
Another possibility is a used KiPass ECU and fobs that go with it; they might be fairly cheap now. But be careful because there is no way to know for sure that the fobs work with the ECU until it is in the bike and the bike is programmed to recognize it.
Best of luck whatever you do.
Brian
Have had the bike a week and managed to drive off today with the damn FOB on the passenger seat and not in my pocket. Re-traced my route twice, it's gone.
I found some older threads on replacing the FOB, and called the dealership...current rate for a new active transponder is, gulp, $299 + programming.
From what the dealer said, I can get replacement emergency/passive FOBs for about $35 and programming, downside is I have to hold it against the ignition to start the bike each time (I can live with that until I have an extra $300 lying around). I didn't know if since last year's threads anyone has a line of less expensive options?
Thanks in advance (and shaking my head in shame)
Pete