i got the same model as you 2002 M750 Dark. I have the red key as well. I thought the red key was only used for making duplicate black keys......not to disarm the immobilizer. Maybe it is, if it disables the immobilizer that would be great.

There is no way to disable the immobilizer to my knowledge.

what is the red key used for again? If your bike becomes immobilized, wont that start it?

Arent these bikes immobilized once the black key is pulled out?  I know there is a chip in the key that has to sync up with the immobilizer unit on your bike. So in theory if your black key turns off the immobilizer, wouldnt the red key be no different? i dont get it stupidist idea any company ever had...immobilizer...if somone wants to steal a frikkin MC they pick it up and put it in the back of a truck and part it out.

Quote from: VeryMetal on July 29, 2008, 08:50:39 AM
I have a red key, two black keys and no card. I think this is a newer feature. Mines an 02 and all I need to reset the immobilizer is the red key *to my knowledge*. If someone knows any different let me know.

The card is in case you're key is not recognized.  From the '02 owner's manual:

Code card
The keys come with a CODE CARD that reports:
A) (fig. 4.3) the electronic code to be used to start the
engine in the event of an emergency;
B) (fig. 4.3) the part no. code for the keys to be reported
to the DUCATI Service network when you are ordering
any duplicate keys.
Important
Keep the CODE CARD in a safe place. However, it
is advisable to keep the electronic code printed on the
CODE CARD handy when you ride your motorcycle, so
you will be able to start the engine in the event of an
emergency.

Quote from: SaltLick on July 29, 2008, 04:44:04 PM
what is the red key used for again? If your bike becomes immobilized, wont that start it?

Arent these bikes immobilized once the black key is pulled out?  I know there is a chip in the key that has to sync up with the immobilizer unit on your bike. So in theory if your black key turns off the immobilizer, wouldnt the red key be no different? i dont get it stupidist idea any company ever had...immobilizer...if somone wants to steal a frikkin MC they pick it up and put it in the back of a truck and part it out.

The immbolizer is actually a very good defense. on alot of japanese bikes, a one man team can sit on the bike,stomp the handle bar (this deffeats the steering tube lock) jam a screw driver into the keyhole, twist it, and hit the starter. with the immbolizer, you can no longer do this.

Quote from: He Man on July 29, 2008, 07:20:11 PM
The immbolizer is actually a very good defense. on alot of japanese bikes, a one man team can sit on the bike,stomp the handle bar (this deffeats the steering tube lock) jam a screw driver into the keyhole, twist it, and hit the starter. with the immbolizer, you can no longer do this.

Yes, now if your bike gets stolen, you'll never, ever see it again. It's just getting parted out.


Who cares if they take it and can't use it? Either way, your bike is gone.

WHAT DOES THE RED KEY DO?

Quote from: SaltLick on July 29, 2008, 09:21:25 PM
WHAT DOES THE RED KEY DO?

Nothing useful.

It lets you make other black keys. Wee.

My code card came glued to the inside cover of my owners manual

Quote from: SaltLick on July 29, 2008, 09:21:25 PM
WHAT DOES THE RED KEY DO?

it revives you.

The blue key puts everything back to the way it was....

Quote from: He Man on July 29, 2008, 07:20:11 PM
The immbolizer is actually a very good defense. on alot of japanese bikes, a one man team can sit on the bike,stomp the handle bar (this deffeats the steering tube lock) jam a screw driver into the keyhole, twist it, and hit the starter. with the immbolizer, you can no longer do this.

This exact thing happened to me in AZ and in a good area (Scottsdale, North of 101). I left my bike outside under covered parking, knowing that AZ was the #1 car theft state in the nation I was still paranoid about my bike so I locked it to the support column at night with a burly Kryptonite cable lock. I came out one morning to find the lock cut and my steering lock broken! Luckily someone must have spooked the would-be thieves so I was lucky. The next day I showed the management and flat told them that I wanted a garage asap and at a discount, from that day forward she was parked in a secure garage and when I went away I still disc locked her!

So back to the red key thing, I don't have the code card either, but I do have the red key. Is it true the red key will start the bike if the immobilizer locked?

Taken directly from my manual:

The Red key performs the same functions as the black keys,
and is also used to wipe off and re-program other black
keys, if needed.

When the ignition key is turned to OFF, the immobilizer
inhibits engine operation.
When the ignition key is turned back to ON to start the
engine, the following happens:
1) if the CPU recognised the code, the CODE light on the
instrument panel will flash briefly. This means that the
immobilizer system has recognised the key code and
enabled engine ignition. When you press the START
button, the engine will start up.
2) If the CODE light stays on, it means that the code has
not been recognised. When this is the case, turn the
ignition key back to OFF and then to ON again. If the
engine still does not start, try with another black key.
If the other key does not work out either, contact the
DUCATI Service network.
Warning
The keys accommodate electronic components
inside. If dropped or hit, they might damage.
Duplicate keys
If you need any duplicate keys, contact the DUCATI
Service network with all the keys you have left and your
CODE CARD.
DUCATI Service will program up to 8 new keys and reprogram
your original keys.
You may be asked to identify yourself as the legitimate
owner of the motorcycle. Be sure have any documents
you might need to this end ready.
The codes of any keys not submitted will be wiped off
from the memory to make those keys unserviceable in
case they have been lost.
Note
If you sell your motorcycle, do not forget to give all
keys and the CODE CARD to the new owner

Found something interesting in the manual i never knew about these stupid immobilizers....


Warning
This vehicle is equipped with an energy-saving
CPU. If the key stays ON for a long period but the ignition
button is not pressed within 15 seconds, the CPU will
stop operating to avoid current absorption. Move the key
to OFF and then to ON again.

That's not as dumb as the immobilizer locking because the instrument panel gets wet.  One poster suggested keeping your code card 'number' with you while keeping the actual code card at home.  I highly recommend this as well as learning the process for unlocking the immobilizer.  You have to turn your bike on a specific way and use your throttle to actually enter the secret code in.  It's not hard once you learn the process but it took me a few tries with help of another guy in my garage to get it right.  I'd hate to learn the process on the side of the road in the rain.

That will teach you not to neglect your monster