Help! I can't believe I just did that! - Ducati.ms

bcmonster · Dec 6th, 2011, 10:05 pm

Was doing some work on the bike with the seat removed. Had my key sitting in the tool kit area. I think you know what happened next. Seat back, key inside. Unfortunately my red key was a replacement key and was not cut yet so I can't pop the seat. Obviously I need to disassemble the rear end without being able to remove the seat. Anyone else this careless and do you have any tips!!!

Kitesurfer · Dec 6th, 2011, 10:17 pm

I will have to go and check on mine, but there may be a way you can manufacture an appropriately bent rod with which you can push/pull the latch itself. I may be confused with my other bike, but I know the part of the latch mechanism pushed/pulled by the bowden cable is exposed on one or both of my bikes...

(by exposed, I mean with the seat off you can see the mechanism, hence you may be able to reach in with a "tool" and do the deed ;-) )

Fultank · Dec 7th, 2011, 2:07 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by bcmonster

Was doing some work on the bike with the seat removed. Had my key sitting in the tool kit area. I think you know what happened next. Seat back, key inside. Unfortunately my red key was a replacement key and was not cut yet so I can't pop the seat. Obviously I need to disassemble the rear end without being able to remove the seat. Anyone else this careless and do you have any tips!!!

The rear corners of the seat can be pried up a bit as the seat-pan is made from medium soft plastic. Depending on what else is under the seat you could go fishing from there. Mirror and gum/tape on a stick perhaps? With such work I find it best to work in a dark room and shine a light into the opening. Locate the key first. The mirror on a stick may help.

A strong neodymium magnet will attract (to a degree) the battery in the Active Key as well but you may need a new CR 2032 battery afterward.

Take your time and don't expect a bite on your first cast.

Biker_911 · Dec 7th, 2011, 8:35 am

I feel your pain. I did exactly the same thing a couple of years ago while in Colorado on my FJR. I had to call a locksmith and he had to drill out the bolts on the seat lock. My sisters garage in Denver is now and forever a "Cannabis Free Zone" }:-)

mollycbr123 · Dec 7th, 2011, 12:47 pm

Look on the bright side. At least now you will always know where the fob is at.

MTScott2 · Dec 7th, 2011, 12:56 pm

Dummy!

At 6'' in and 1" behind the front of the passanger seat you can push the locking mechanism about 1/4" and the seat will be able to open.
Fish around with a coat hanger at the 6'' mark you will find it From the shifter side....
It will feel a bit spongy ...

bcmonster · Dec 7th, 2011, 1:57 pm

Thanks for the replies...even the smart ass ones! LOL. Today was my lucky day. As Fultank mentioned I was able to pry up the right side of the seat and luckily my key was sitting on top of the tool kit so could reach with long needle nose pliers. Key was out of the fob so was able to grab it there. No other way in although I didn't see the last post about fishing for the latch until I was done. I may give that a practice run. In any case I will be adding a wire to the latch and hiding it somewhere under the bodywork just in case I have another lapse! Thanks again guys.

DanF · Dec 7th, 2011, 2:18 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by bcmonster

Was doing some work on the bike with the seat removed. Had my key sitting in the tool kit area. Unfortunately my red key was a replacement key and was not cut yet so I can't pop the seat. Obviously I need to disassemble the rear end without being able to remove the seat.

I am curious by two things here. And I do stuff every day that would make this look like the latest Apple iPhone release.

1. When you put the key into the slot to unlock the seat why would you take the key out of the slot when you lift up the seat to get inside? Why not let the key just keep sticking out of the slot until you close the seat?

2. And what is a red replacement key? And how would you need one of them? And how is a red replacement key "not cut yet"?

But none of that matters as you did us all a world of good by telling us how to get the key out from under the seat.

In fact I'm going to lock my key under the seat the first thing tomorrow morning and give this a run through. We should all do this for that day that (not if) but when it comes. Sort of like running through the pin code to start the bike. Right?

Dan

bcmonster · Dec 7th, 2011, 2:36 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by DanF

I am curious by two things here. And I do stuff every day that would make this look like the latest Apple iPhone release.

1. When you put the key into the slot to unlock the seat why would you take the key out of the slot when you lift up the seat to get inside? Why not let the key just keep sticking out of the slot until you close the seat?

2. And what is a red replacement key? And how would you need one of them? And how is a red replacement key "not cut yet"?

But none of that matters as you did us all a world of good by telling us how to get the key out from under the seat.

In fact I'm going to lock my key under the seat the first thing tomorrow morning and give this a run through. We should all do this for that day that (not if) but when it comes. Sort of like running through the pin code to start the bike. Right?

Dan

Short story is that when I bought the used bike a few weeks ago from Vancouver BMW/Ducati the original owner had not supplied the red key. I believe Ducati calls that one the "passive" key. Dealer had one but the deal happened so fast that they didn't have the key cut. The bike came to them on Friday and I picked it up Tuesday. Rather than waiting I took the bike and keys off to the ferry home, with a plan to have it cut when I was in Vancouver again in December. I live on Vancouver Island so not close, and the only person that can laser cut the key is in Vancouver. This is why the red key will not open the seat at this time.

As far as the other part....stupid newbie. I was going through the manual and tinkering around and just happened to put the key there. Of course as soon as the seat was in place I realized my mistake. Anyway, have now imbedded that in the memory bank and also, thanks to MTScott2, tried the coat hanger approach. A skill that we all should practice just in case....pretty easy!

DanF · Dec 7th, 2011, 4:12 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by bcmonster

Short story is that when I bought the used bike a few weeks ago from Vancouver BMW/Ducati the original owner had not supplied the red key. I believe Ducati calls that one the "passive" key. Dealer had one but the deal happened so fast that they didn't have the key cut. The bike came to them on Friday and I picked it up Tuesday. Rather than waiting I took the bike and keys off to the ferry home, with a plan to have it cut when I was in Vancouver again in December. I live on Vancouver Island so not close, and the only person that can laser cut the key is in Vancouver. This is why the red key will not open the seat at this time.

As far as the other part....stupid newbie. I was going through the manual and tinkering around and just happened to put the key there. Of course as soon as the seat was in place I realized my mistake. Anyway, have now imbedded that in the memory bank and also, thanks to MTScott2, tried the coat hanger approach. A skill that we all should practice just in case....pretty easy!

Ian

Without your post (some of us) would never know how to solve the problem that you got yourself into.

Stupid newbie, Ian? Not even close, my friend.

When it comes to being a newbie: you are a rank amateur.

Dan