Commando Key Blanks

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Lorenzo

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dear All,
I was wondering if anyone of you could show how the original keys used to look like for the ignition and the steering lock for the Commando Roadster 750 in year 1973.

Also, I would appreciate if you could suggest on where to look for some kind of nice reproduction.

Thank you for helping!
 
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/TRIUMPH-BSA- ... 0565223310

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/MOTORCYCLE-F ... 51a434d703

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Lucas-copy-K ... 0731229693

Probably less expensive in the UK ?

The originals have UNION Wilmot Breeden on the 'handle'.
And had a code for each stamped into them.
Without the code, they may take a lot of making, although they are a simple key.

Fork locks with keys are available, at not much cost.
They are easy to remove, however, so of very little use.
A chain and padlock at least stops kids wheeling them away...
 
Slightly edited - to prevent anyone copying my keys !?

The other side shows the actual key code - not sure its a good idea to show that either...
The round one has EJR and a number, and the square one FS and a number.

So its likely they are like jaguar keys, and only a very limited number of combinations.
I seem to recall that Ford glovebox keys would start a previous Commando (!), so they may be a common key ?

Commando Key Blanks
 
Thank you..
I noticed that some had stamped WBH instead of Union. What is the difference? Perhaps it is a question of year?

Rohan said:
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/TRIUMPH-BSA-NORTON-GENUINE-FS-U-K-ENGLAND-ENGLISH-KEY-BLANK-PN-TBS-0027-/360565223310

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/MOTORCYCLE-F ... 51a434d703

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Lucas-copy-K ... 0731229693

Probably less expensive in the UK ?

The originals have UNION Wilmot Breeden on the 'handle'.
And had a code for each stamped into them.
Without the code, they may take a lot of making, although they are a simple key.

Fork locks with keys are available, at not much cost.
They are easy to remove, however, so of very little use.
A chain and padlock at least stops kids wheeling them away...
Click to expand...
 
Lorenzo said:
Perhaps it is a question of year?
Click to expand...

Quite possibly.
Maybe someone else knows ?

I think these shown are original 1973, as supplied with a new bike - although could be corrected on this.
 
.. also the key fob is original 1973?

Rohan said:
Lorenzo said:
Perhaps it is a question of year?
Click to expand...

Quite possibly.
Maybe someone else knows ?

I think these shown are original 1973, as supplied with a new bike - although could be corrected on this.
Click to expand...
 
No, the key fob is an accessory.
Although I have had it a long time.
Keep it with the spare keys...

Haven't we seen that anything heavy attached to the key in a Commando wears the ignition lock - and is also in danger of falling out. ?
I've heard of folks loosing their house keys, on various types of bikes.
And seen tags with the hole almost worn through, from the jangling.
And, they jangle - whats that funny jangling I hear....

That does raise the question of what came with the keys on a new bike.
Just a ring loop, with them all on it ?
 
British Only and Rabers has keys that work for your code for sale....
 
Mine are Union made in England. Key fobs and dangly things flapping about do indeed take their toll on tumbler wearage and on some models like my 70 will eventually chip the paint too.
 
This subject has come up before. There were no blanks available to dealers. If a spare was needed he had to order an already cut key. The key code was stamped on the lock. Real Union key blanks are pretty much unobtainium. You can get other blanks made by other companies.

I am not on my home computer but there is a guy who has collected most of the Union keys from flea markets and autojumbles and sells them. He lists all the codes on his website. I found him by Googling and later on I got keys from him for Feridax locking throttle I had that was missing the key. Good guy. Really really into British keys.

My '72 when new came with two sets of keys. One had a Comerfords (UK dealer in Thames Ditton where I bought the bike) leather key fob. The fob pictured earlier is available from the INOA store. I got one at a rally a few years ago. Google INOA Bracebridge Street. A fob is not a good idea because it will wear out the lock by blowing in the breeze as mentioned by Torontonian. (That fob is very heavy too.) I use it for the spare set.

Russ
 
I have several sets of Union Key #FS 820 that came out of the electronics cabinet of a Mass Spec Analyzer that I scraped out.
They fit my 74 Norton ignition. If any one can use a set please Pm me
 
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