What is the red key actually do and when do you use it?  I tried to search but came up empty

the red one is  a program key since your bike is equipped with an immobilizer. it does not function as a normal key, but if you need a replacement then the red key is NEEDED to prgram the new one

SO DON"T LOSE IT! I keep mine in a safe somewhere in Switzerland.....

Not only will it make your bike explode it will cause the internets to disappear and rip a whole in the very fabric of space time.

From my manual:

The immobilizer system

For additional anti-theft protection, the motorcycle is equipped with an IMMOBILIZER, an electronic system that locks the engine automatically whenever the ignition switch is turned off.  The handgrip of each ignition key contains an electronic device that modulates the output signal from a special antenna in the switch when the ignition is switched On. The modulated signal represents the “password” (which is changed at each start-up) by which the ECU recognizes the ignition key. The ECU will only allow the engine to start if it recognises this password.

Keys (fig. 7)

The owner receives a set of keys, comprising:
- 1 key A (RED)
The red key is a service tool and is part of the motorcycle’s immobilizer system. It contains the code of the immobilizer system and should not be used for normal everyday use of your motorcycle. Your dealer may ask you to produce the red key in order to carry out certain service operations. For security reasons, the red key cannot be replaced. In cases where the red key is required for servicing purposes and the owner is unable to produce it, it will be necessary to renew the motorcycle’s electronic control unit, instrument panel and ignition switch assembly, and the cost of these operations will be met by the owner. It is therefore important to keep the red key in a safe place.
- 2 keys B (BLACK)

Quote from: msincredible on June 13, 2008, 11:08:11 PM
From my manual:

The immobilizer system

For additional anti-theft protection, the motorcycle is equipped with an IMMOBILIZER, an electronic system that locks the engine automatically whenever the ignition switch is turned off.  The handgrip of each ignition key contains an electronic device that modulates the output signal from a special antenna in the switch when the ignition is switched On. The modulated signal represents the “password” (which is changed at each start-up) by which the ECU recognizes the ignition key. The ECU will only allow the engine to start if it recognises this password.

Keys (fig. 7)

The owner receives a set of keys, comprising:
- 1 key A (RED)
The red key is a service tool and is part of the motorcycle’s immobilizer system. It contains the code of the immobilizer system and should not be used for normal everyday use of your motorcycle. Your dealer may ask you to produce the red key in order to carry out certain service operations. For security reasons, the red key cannot be replaced. In cases where the red key is required for servicing purposes and the owner is unable to produce it, it will be necessary to renew the motorcycle’s electronic control unit, instrument panel and ignition switch assembly, and the cost of these operations will be met by the owner. It is therefore important to keep the red key in a safe place.
- 2 keys B (BLACK)

Very good to know that,plus i read it in the manual that you can't have that red key get mixed up with other metals?Not so sure about that.

In case of life or death situations (read: whole space/time continuum depends on your turning on the bike, or a really really hot chick wants a ride and you lost all your black keys), the red key will turn on your bike and *can* be used as a normal key.

This, however, is very risky bc if you were to lose this key, well, you're pretty much make the beast with two backsed. you'd have to replace the locking mechanism, gauge cluster, and ecu (read: about 4 k)+

cheers!

C

Thanks

Ok threadjaking here!  I have the idea of the red key, what year started with the immoblizer show up?  I have an 01 900ss that was in an accident and the key switch was broken and the tank damaged to the point were the gas cap was unusable. 

Someone please put me out of my misery and tell me if I'm buying the "magic three" or can I just buy a new key, switch, gas cap and call it good?

Quote from: vampireduc on June 15, 2008, 07:06:42 PM
Ok threadjaking here!  I have the idea of the red key, what year started with the immoblizer show up?  I have an 01 900ss that was in an accident and the key switch was broken and the tank damaged to the point were the gas cap was unusable. 

Someone please put me out of my misery and tell me if I'm buying the "magic three" or can I just buy a new key, switch, gas cap and call it good?

Breath easy, your bike is pre imobilzer.

Howie.

Thank you that saves me a ton of money and heartache.  Bike is getting on the road much sooner!!!

Quote from: chipo on June 14, 2008, 07:52:57 AM
In case of life or death situations (read: whole space/time continuum depends on your turning on the bike, or a really really hot chick wants a ride and you lost all your black keys), the red key will turn on your bike and *can* be used as a normal key.

This, however, is very risky bc if you were to lose this key, well, you're pretty much make the beast with two backsed. you'd have to replace the locking mechanism, gauge cluster, and ecu (read: about 4 k)+

cheers!

C

what does "beast with two backsed" mean ive tried to figure it out but i am at a loss

the ron

Quote from: chipo on June 14, 2008, 07:52:57 AM
This, however, is very risky bc if you were to lose this key, well, you're pretty much make the beast with two backsed. you'd have to replace the locking mechanism, gauge cluster, and ecu (read: about 4 k)+

meaning ........ you loose red key, ....... better buy new bike

Quote from: slyfox on June 15, 2008, 09:13:14 PM
meaning ........ you loose red key, ....... better buy new bike

Aye, If I was ever to lose the red key, I would probably part out the bike and try to make as much off the parts as possible. Selling it without the red key lowers the value immensely, and I wouldn't be able to sucker some newb into taking it.