EX250F key blanks: Difference between revisions

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The Silca KW12BP has a black plastic head like the OEM key. It is 3mm longer at the top but is functionally identical. Unless you held it against the OEM blank you wouldn't be able to tell the difference. The KW12BP is hard to find; you'll probably have to look for it online. Even then it will be hard to find. And it will cost about twice as much. Try [http://mysecuritypro.com/KawasakiKW12BPMotorcycleKeyBlanks.aspx My Security Pro].

==~~Avoid~~ Ilco X266==

==Ilco X266==

One Ilco blank that some people have used is the X266, also marked KA16. The Ilco X266 will work in the EX250, but it's really not the correct key and we don't recommend it. The proper blank is common enough. Finding a locksmith who just doesn't happen to have the proper blank who is also capable of modifying a "near enough" blank to do the job is OK, but it can wear out your locks faster or ruin the ignition if really done wrong~~. As always, you'll be much better off using the right tool for the job~~.

One Ilco blank that some people have used is the X266, also marked KA16. The Ilco X266 will work in the EX250, but it's really not the correct key and we don't recommend it. The proper blank is common enough. Finding a locksmith who just doesn't happen to have the proper blank who is also capable of modifying a "near enough" blank to do the job is OK, but it can wear out your locks faster or ruin the ignition if really done wrong.

~~This one~~ is not listed for the Ninja 250 but rather the Concours. This blank is also all-metal, but its shape is the same as the OEM key. The problem with the X266 is that there is a small ridge on each edge that prevents the key from being fully inserted into the Ninja 250 lock cylinders. The amount of interference is fairly small (less than a millimeter) but that is enough to cause problems. Without a minor modification to the key, an X266/KA16 blank cut to fit the ignition/seat/helmet locks will not work in the fuel filler cap.

On the other had, the modification required is easy for a locksmith to do, and if you have to choose between using an X266 and not getting a key made, you might want to go this route. Once the key is modified, it will work. it won't work at all in unmodified form. If you like, show this section of the FAQ to the locksmith for reference.

The X266 is not listed for the Ninja 250 but rather the Concours. This blank is also all-metal, but its shape is the same as the OEM key. The problem with the X266 is that there is a small ridge on each edge that prevents the key from being fully inserted into the Ninja 250 lock cylinders. The amount of interference is fairly small (less than a millimeter) but that is enough to cause problems. Without a minor modification to the key, an X266/KA16 blank cut to fit the ignition/seat/helmet locks will not work in the fuel filler cap.

Here's a closeup of the ridge in question:

@@ Line 25: / Line 25: @@
 The Silca KW12BP has a black plastic head like the OEM key. It is 3mm longer at the top but is functionally identical. Unless you held it against the OEM blank you wouldn't be able to tell the difference. The KW12BP is hard to find; you'll probably have to look for it online. Even then it will be hard to find. And it will cost about twice as much. Try [http://mysecuritypro.com/KawasakiKW12BPMotorcycleKeyBlanks.aspx My Security Pro].
-==Avoid Ilco X266==
+==Ilco X266==
-One Ilco blank that some people have used is the X266, also marked KA16. The Ilco X266 will work in the EX250, but it's really not the correct key and we don't recommend it. The proper blank is common enough. Finding a locksmith who just doesn't happen to have the proper blank who is also capable of modifying a "near enough" blank to do the job is OK, but it can wear out your locks faster or ruin the ignition if really done wrong. As always, you'll be much better off using the right tool for the job.
+One Ilco blank that some people have used is the X266, also marked KA16. The Ilco X266 will work in the EX250, but it's really not the correct key and we don't recommend it. The proper blank is common enough. Finding a locksmith who just doesn't happen to have the proper blank who is also capable of modifying a "near enough" blank to do the job is OK, but it can wear out your locks faster or ruin the ignition if really done wrong.
-This one is not listed for the Ninja 250 but rather the Concours. This blank is also all-metal, but its shape is the same as the OEM key. The problem with the X266 is that there is a small ridge on each edge that prevents the key from being fully inserted into the Ninja 250 lock cylinders. The amount of interference is fairly small (less than a millimeter) but that is enough to cause problems. Without a minor modification to the key, an X266/KA16 blank cut to fit the ignition/seat/helmet locks will not work in the fuel filler cap.
+On the other had, the modification required is easy for a locksmith to do, and if you have to choose between using an X266 and not getting a key made, you might want to go this route. Once the key is modified, it will work. it won't work at all in unmodified form. If you like, show this section of the FAQ to the locksmith for reference.
+The X266 is not listed for the Ninja 250 but rather the Concours. This blank is also all-metal, but its shape is the same as the OEM key. The problem with the X266 is that there is a small ridge on each edge that prevents the key from being fully inserted into the Ninja 250 lock cylinders. The amount of interference is fairly small (less than a millimeter) but that is enough to cause problems. Without a minor modification to the key, an X266/KA16 blank cut to fit the ignition/seat/helmet locks will not work in the fuel filler cap.
 Here's a closeup of the ridge in question: