I hate key fobs

[lotus]

I bought a used '22 R3 GT and only have the smart key. Previous owner lost the manual and passive keys when a pannier flew off and
was not able to find it. I have downloaded a PDF manual for what appears to be for a '20. Not sure
My concern is losing the one smart key I have. The PDF manual states you can use the Passive Keys to start by holding it at the
antenna. Again, I don't have the passive keys and really don't want to order them from the dealer. $$$$$$
If I'm 200 miles from home and the smart key disappears, I do I really need to call a tow truck?
What was the problem with old mechanical key style....Argh

Thanks

 

[2023R3GT]

it’s not an issues if you have the 2 passive keys the bike came with. I’m considering only using a passive key instead of fob…

 

[atomsplitter]

The other problem is having two fobs, you can only carry one or the bike gets confused between the two and won't play nice. If it were me I'd spend the $$$$ for the passive keys so I don't worry about losing the fob or fob battery checking out at the wrong time. I had that happen on my Speed Triple and luckily the fob had just enough juice left to start the bike. Otherwise it was hold the key next to the antenae in the tail, squeeze the clutch lever on the left bar and hit the starter rocker on the right bar. Yeah, like that's gonna happen as a solo act...........

 

[Einar]

Regarding the smart vs passive keys:

• If you have at least one key of either type that's paired with your Rocket, you can buy and pair additional keys. You should do that, so you have a backup. I keep my smart key in one pocket and a passive key in another pocket. That way if a key breaks, fails, or is lost, I can still get home.
• The smart key can enable the ignition and allow you to start the bike using the same method as any passive key. It doesn't matter if the battery is missing, dead, or the fob is disabled. It'll still work as a passive key.
• The downside to using the passive method to turn on the ignition is that it times out and turns off automatically. This mainly matters when trying to do things without the engine running, like loading a tune.
• If you're far from home with no key then, yes, you probably need a tow. Not being able to start without a key is by design.
• If you lose your only remaining key, you will then need to buy a new ECU as well ($$$). Don't cheap out--get backup passive keys so if you lose one you can get and pair a new one.

As far as what was wrong with mechanical keys, that's a matter of opinion. But issues included ice in the lock mechanism (that stranded me a couple times), failed lock mechanisms (stranded a couple of friends), accidentally leaving the key in the ignition making theft even easier, breaking the key off in the ignition (met one guy who did that), etc.

 

[lotus]

Ok.....I called my local Triumph dealer and ordered two Passive Keys. $154 and 10 days to have in hand.
The parts guy patiently listened to me whine about the situation and when I took a breath,
he said "Yeah...it sucks. Will that be credit or debt". I said credit and he said "There'll be a $3 added on for
transaction fee". Argh
Well worth the peace of mind I guess. He told me if it was the FOB, that would be ~$500. He then
added he had a customer drill a hole in his Passive Key to attach to his key ring. Drilled right through the
embedded chip. Oops

I'm thinking about surgically having the FOB embedded in my left ass check. Hmm, maybe not. Every time I'd sit
down, I wouldn't know if it turned on or off. I've never heard of having to turn ON a FOB before.
Also, putting it in my left pocket doesn't always work because I forget to NOT put my cell phone in the pocket with the FOB.
I discovered the cell phone will jam the signal.

Ahh, the old days of a simple mechanical key.......
In my 64 years and 200K miles of riding motorcycles, I have never heard of ANYBODY having a problem with the mechanical key.
I believe it's all about revenue generation.

I do absolutely love the bike though....

 

[bcar00]

Ah, the old days of a simple mechanical key.......
In my 64 years and 200K miles of riding motorcycles, I have never heard of ANYBODY having a problem with the mechanical key.
I believe it's all about revenue generation.

I'm with you 100%. Going on 40 years and I can't count how many bikes, and I've never had an issue till this keyless bike.
Although I think it's the "cool factor" not revenue. I do love this bike, but so many bad decisions revolve around "cool." Bar end mirrors, bars that can't be modified or changed, useless windscreen on a "GT", terrible panniers, uncomfortable passenger seat with uselessly small backrest (again, on a "GT"), small fuel tank and terrible range. Give me 10min and I'm sure I'd come up with more, but the point is, we have to take the good with the bad. I've yet to ride this bike without at least one person commenting how cool it is (including serious Harley guys).

Also, I've heard enough people who love keyless with almost religious justifications, so I think we old guys are just in the minority.

Although if you mean cost when you say revenue, that might be it. Perhaps over the long haul, it's just cheaper to do away with a mechanically complicated key cylinder.

 

[lotus]

The "cool" factor goes away pretty quick when you've just filled up at a convenience store in Red Desert Wyoming with 105 deg (F),
20mph wind blowing and it won't start because the FOB battery decides it's time to die in the heat.
This is scary to think about. I've heard these kind of stories with FOB equipped bike riders.
I'm sticking with revenue generator.......

 

[A1A Rider]

My first bike with a FOB and I am loving it!

 

[Tripps]

I hate them,a solution to a problem that didn't exist. I put a keyless ignition on mine, hated it, took it off and gave it away. If you left it with the bike it drained both the fob and bike batteries. Where I live the keys are in cars and bikes 24/7

 

[sandcritter]

For the life of me, have yet to see an upside to fob’s. Consistently a PITA, yes. Upside, no. They accomplish nothing of added value, just cause problems. Truly, hate them. I want a simple, small, key, with a spare or two.