V85 2025. Key without chip?

[John Barber]

Hi, new here so apologies if I've missed an existing thread on this...

My question is, can the bike be started by a cut key without any chip, by entering the User Code.

I'm thinking of it only as an emergency backup.

As I understand it, a key with a failed chip causes the dash to request the User Code.  When entered the engine can be started.

So, does a key with no chip appear to the dash the same as a key with a failed chip? 
If so, I guess the engine can be started.
If not, what happens?

Thanks in advance !

JB

[azccj]

My question is, can the bike be started by a cut key without any chip, by entering the User Code.

My guess is it will start after entering the code but can't say for sure as I've never tried to do it. Find a key blank that will work, get it cut and try it. Think of it as a $10 experiment. Then please let us know if it works.

[John Barber]

My question is, can the bike be started by a cut key without any chip, by entering the User Code.

My guess is it will start after entering the code but can't say for sure as I've never tried to do it. Find a key blank that will work, get it cut and try it. Think of it as a $10 experiment. Then please let us know if it works.

Thanks.  Yes, it would be a cheap experiment - but I need to be sure it won't cause the immobiliser to have some sort of panic attack and lock down the bike!  Has anyone out there tried it ??

[guzzisteve]

Seen riders try that with a CARC bike & it didn't work, no cheap way. Try as you wish, it's your $. That was 10 or more years ago so who knows.

[Tusayan]

My question is, can the bike be started by a cut key without any chip, by entering the User Code.

Yes it can, I’ve done it. 

If you buy a replacement chipped key from Piaggio/Guzzi (made in India or Pakistan BTW) the procedure is that it must be cut by a locksmith, then matched to the bike by a dealer.  In between you can use it by entering the code, and the same is true a non-chipped key cut to match the lock.

[John Barber]

Great. Thanks. I'll get a key cut and try it !
Will report back....
JB

[Dr. Enzo Toma]

I'll mention that AF1 also offer key cloning, where you send them a working key and they will cut a copy of it and clone the working key's chip to the copy, so that the bike sees both keys as the same and containing a chip it already trusts, so a dealership does not need to add a new chip to the list that the bike trusts.

[John Barber]

Thanks.  Yes, AF1 were very quick in answering an enquiry to them.  Sadly postage is 65 USD each way from here in back-of-beyond UK !!

[Moparnut72]

When I got my 1400 Audace, slightly used, I got only one key. I didn't know any better at the time. I got a blank and had it cut to match the original. I then wondered why it didn't work. When I learned  that a code could be used with it. Unfortunately I didn't have that either but discovered that the previous owner had set the last digits of the VIN as the code. So I carried the non-chipped key as a backup in my tank bag. It wouldn't work if some perp found it and tried to start the bike. I don't know if this will work with current bikes.
kk

[John Barber]

So, the result of my experiment was positive 👍

I had a plain metal key cut cheaply at a regular locksmith.
The blank is not unusual.
When used to turn on the ignition, the dash brings up a request for Personal Code.
The code is entered by the up/down and right keys on the handlebar control switch.
Once entered the engine starts and runs normally.
The only issue being an immobiliser alarm message at the bottom of screen.
This can be cancelled but comes back after a short while.
Switching off and changing back to a chipped registered key returns everything to normal.

My conclusion is that, so long as you know the Personal Code aka User Code, then a plain metal key is a good option for an emergency recovery spare.
And having no chip it could be hidden in the bike without risk of a villain with a wand being able to detect it.

I'm rather pleased with this, and hope it might be useful to others.

Any other thoughts out there?

[azccj]

Thanks for the update.

After reading your post, I went through all my old motorcycle keys and was able to find 2 old Triumph key blanks which slid right into the locks and ignition switch on my V85. Got them cut at Ace hardware for $4 each. So now I have a couple emergency keys which can be used to start the bike with the code if need be.

[TN Mark]

Love it when a plan comes together.

[guzzisteve]

Thanks for letting us know about a non chip key usage. You only get a sign on dash but it runs.