# BMW K 1200 LT and early K 1200 GT Key Replacement

The K 1200 LT luxury tourer and the first K 1200 GT belong to BMW's older K family, and their rider's manuals describe ordinary keys with a key number tag and no EWS immobilizer section.

Source: https://themotorcyclelocksmith.com/san-diego/makes/bmw/k1200lt/

Business: The Motorcycle Locksmith, mobile motorcycle locksmith. Phone and text: (619) 775-1858 (San Diego side).

> The K 1200 LT luxury tourer and the first K 1200 GT belong to BMW's older K family, and their rider's manuals describe ordinary keys with a key number tag and no EWS immobilizer section. On the LT one key works the ignition and steering lock, the tank filler cap, the radio compartment and the side and topcase locks, so losing it locks you out of the luggage as well as the ignition.

**BMW K 1200 LT and early K 1200 GT key quick facts**

- BMW's US rider's manuals for the K 1200 LT say you receive two master keys and one spare key, and that the key number is on the accompanying tag.
- The same LT manual lists the ignition and steering lock, tank filler cap lock, radio compartment lock and the side and topcase locks as operated by one key.
- The 2003 rider's manual for the first K 1200 GT lists two master keys and one spare key, plus a small plastic tag with the key number.
- On that K 1200 GT the ignition switch and steering lock, fuel filler cap, seat lock and system cases are all operated with the same key.
- Neither manual has an electronic immobilizer section. BMW's optional anti-theft alarm for the LT is covered in a separate supplementary manual.

## BMW K 1200 LT and early K 1200 GT key types by year

| Years | Models | Key type | Chip | Notes |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 1999-2009 | K 1200 LT | mechanical cut key | no | Two master keys and one spare key with a key number tag. BMW's US rider's manuals from 2002 and 2005 have no immobilizer section. |
| 2003-2005 | K 1200 GT (first generation, based on the K 1200 RS) | mechanical cut key | no | Two master keys, one spare key and a plastic key number tag per the 2003 manual. |
| 2006-2008 | K 1200 GT (second generation) | transponder key (EWS) | yes | A different motorcycle with an immobilizer. See our K 1200 S, R, GT and K 1300 page. |

## A lot of locks on one key

The K 1200 LT has built-in luggage, and BMW keyed all of it to the ignition. The owner's manual names the ignition and steering lock, the tank filler cap lock, the radio compartment lock and the side case and topcase locks together. That is convenient until the key goes missing with the cases shut. Rain gear, tools, registration and sometimes the spare key itself end up on the wrong side of a lock.

The first K 1200 GT is lighter on locks but follows the same idea: ignition and steering, fuel filler cap, seat lock and the removable system cases. The seat lock on the GT also gives access to the tool kit.

**Need a key for your K 1200 LT?** Call or text with the year and where the bike is parked. Call or text (619) 775-1858.

## No transponder in these keys

BMW's motorcycle immobilizer, EWS, belongs to the newer generation that began in the mid-2000s. The LT and the first GT come from the family before it. Their manuals give the keys a few plain lines, mention a key number tag, and move on. For a locksmith that means the key is a cutting job. For you it means a spare is easy to add and there is no key warning on the dash to worry about.

The LT manual does carry one practical caution: do not hang other keys or key rings from the motorcycle key, because they could get trapped between the handlebars and the fairing. On a bike this size a jammed bar at parking-lot speed is worth avoiding.

## Central locking, the alarm and other LT extras

Some LTs were ordered with central locking for the luggage and with BMW's anti-theft alarm, and the rider's manual refers to a supplementary manual for that equipment. Those systems are additions to the keyed locks, not replacements for them. If your LT has a remote, tell us whether it still works when you call, and keep your second key somewhere other than the topcase.

On a high-mileage LT, watch for a key that works the ignition without complaint and has to be coaxed at a side case or the topcase. Wear like that can be corrected, and it is easier to do before the lock stops turning with the case closed.

## When every LT key is lost

We come to the bike with what is needed to make a key from the locks. If you have the key number tag, tell us the number when you call; if not, the cut is worked out on the motorcycle. Have photo ID and the registration or title ready. If those documents are inside a locked case, say so, and we will open the luggage with the new key first and check paperwork then.

Once cut, the key is tried in the ignition, the tank filler cap, the radio compartment and each case. On the early K 1200 GT we also check the seat lock. A second key takes little extra time while we are there, and on a bike with this many locks on one key it is the sensible number to leave with.

## Where to find the key code

BMW supplied both bikes with a tag carrying the key number: the LT manual calls it the accompanying tag, and the 2003 K 1200 GT manual a small plastic tag. Look in the document wallet and with the spare key. A key can still be made from the locks if the tag is gone.

## What to have ready

**Have this ready when you call or text**

- Year, make and model of the bike
- Where the bike is parked
- Whether you have any working key, a broken key or a key code
- Photo ID and registration or title (we verify ownership before making a key)

## BMW K 1200 LT and early K 1200 GT key FAQ

### Does the BMW K 1200 LT key have a chip?

BMW's US rider's manuals for the K 1200 LT, from 2002 and 2005, describe two master keys, one spare key and a key number tag, and have no immobilizer section.

### My keys are locked inside my K 1200 LT topcase. Can you open it?

Yes, that is a normal call. We ask for proof of ownership, open the case without damaging it where possible, and can cut a spare key on the spot so it does not happen twice.

### Is the 2004 K 1200 GT key the same type as the 2007 K 1200 GT key?

No. The 2003 to 2005 GT uses a plain cut key with a key number tag. The 2006 and later GT is a different motorcycle with the EWS immobilizer and a transponder key.

### Do the K 1200 LT side cases use a different key from the ignition?

Not from the factory. BMW's manual lists the side case and topcase locks with the ignition, tank filler cap and radio compartment as sharing one key.

## More BMW models

[airheads and K 75, K 100, K 1100](https://themotorcyclelocksmith.com/san-diego/makes/bmw/airheads-k75-k100-k1100/), [C 400 GT and C 650 GT scooters](https://themotorcyclelocksmith.com/san-diego/makes/bmw/c400gt-c650gt/), [C 400 X and C 600 Sport scooters](https://themotorcyclelocksmith.com/san-diego/makes/bmw/c400x-c600sport/), [CE 04, CE 02 and C evolution](https://themotorcyclelocksmith.com/san-diego/makes/bmw/ce04-ce02-c-evolution/), [F 650 CS](https://themotorcyclelocksmith.com/san-diego/makes/bmw/f650cs/), [F 650 GS single and G 650 GS](https://themotorcyclelocksmith.com/san-diego/makes/bmw/f650gs-single-g650gs/), [F 650 GS twin and F 700 GS](https://themotorcyclelocksmith.com/san-diego/makes/bmw/f650gs-twin-f700gs/), [F 750 GS, F 850 GS and F 800 GS](https://themotorcyclelocksmith.com/san-diego/makes/bmw/f750gs-f850gs-f800gs/), [F 800 S, F 800 ST, F 800 GT, F 800 R](https://themotorcyclelocksmith.com/san-diego/makes/bmw/f800s-f800st-f800gt-f800r/), [F 900 R, F 900 XR and F 900 GS](https://themotorcyclelocksmith.com/san-diego/makes/bmw/f900r-f900xr-f900gs/), [G 310 R and G 310 GS](https://themotorcyclelocksmith.com/san-diego/makes/bmw/g310r-g310gs/), [G 650 Xcountry, Xchallenge, Xmoto](https://themotorcyclelocksmith.com/san-diego/makes/bmw/g650x/), [HP2 Enduro, Megamoto and Sport](https://themotorcyclelocksmith.com/san-diego/makes/bmw/hp2/), [K 1200 RS](https://themotorcyclelocksmith.com/san-diego/makes/bmw/k1200rs/), [K 1200 S, R, GT and K 1300 S, R, GT](https://themotorcyclelocksmith.com/san-diego/makes/bmw/k1200s-k1200r-k1200gt-k1300/), [K 1600 GT, K 1600 GTL and K 1600 B](https://themotorcyclelocksmith.com/san-diego/makes/bmw/k1600gt-k1600gtl-k1600b/), [M 1000 RR and M 1000 R](https://themotorcyclelocksmith.com/san-diego/makes/bmw/m1000rr-m1000r/), [R 1100 and R 1150 oilhead boxers](https://themotorcyclelocksmith.com/san-diego/makes/bmw/r1100-r1150/), [R 12 nineT, R 12 and R 12 G/S](https://themotorcyclelocksmith.com/san-diego/makes/bmw/r12-ninet-r12/), [R 1200 C and R 1200 CL cruisers](https://themotorcyclelocksmith.com/san-diego/makes/bmw/r1200c-r1200cl/), [R 1200 GS, R 1250 GS and R 1300 GS](https://themotorcyclelocksmith.com/san-diego/makes/bmw/r1200gs-r1250gs-r1300gs/), [R 1200 R, R 1200 RS, R 1250 R and RS](https://themotorcyclelocksmith.com/san-diego/makes/bmw/r1200r-r1200rs-r1250r-r1250rs/), [R 1200 RT and R 1250 RT](https://themotorcyclelocksmith.com/san-diego/makes/bmw/r1200rt-r1250rt/), [R 1200 S and R 1200 ST](https://themotorcyclelocksmith.com/san-diego/makes/bmw/r1200s-r1200st/), [R 18](https://themotorcyclelocksmith.com/san-diego/makes/bmw/r18/), [R nineT](https://themotorcyclelocksmith.com/san-diego/makes/bmw/r-ninet/), [S 1000 RR, S 1000 R and S 1000 XR](https://themotorcyclelocksmith.com/san-diego/makes/bmw/s1000rr-s1000r-s1000xr/), [All BMW keys](https://themotorcyclelocksmith.com/san-diego/makes/bmw/)

## Services for this bike

- [Lost Motorcycle Key, No Spare](https://themotorcyclelocksmith.com/san-diego/services/lost-motorcycle-key/): No key at all? We make a working key at the bike.
- [Motorcycle Key Replacement](https://themotorcyclelocksmith.com/san-diego/services/motorcycle-key-replacement/): New keys cut by code or from the lock, for all major makes.
- [Transponder and Immobilizer Key Programming](https://themotorcyclelocksmith.com/san-diego/services/motorcycle-key-programming/): Chip keys and fobs programmed to your immobilizer.
- [Motorcycle Key Duplication and Spare Keys](https://themotorcyclelocksmith.com/san-diego/services/motorcycle-key-duplication/): A spare now costs far less than a lost only-key later.
- [Motorcycle Ignition Repair and Replacement](https://themotorcyclelocksmith.com/san-diego/services/motorcycle-ignition-repair/): Sticking, worn or damaged ignitions repaired or replaced.
- [Broken Motorcycle Key Extraction](https://themotorcyclelocksmith.com/san-diego/services/broken-key-extraction/): Snapped key removed and a new one cut from the pieces.
- [Gas Cap, Seat, Steering and Saddlebag Locks](https://themotorcyclelocksmith.com/san-diego/services/motorcycle-lock-repair/): Gas cap, seat, steering, helmet and saddlebag locks.

## Related guides

- [Cruiser and Touring Motorcycle Keys: Bags, Forks, Fobs](https://themotorcyclelocksmith.com/san-diego/guides/cruiser-and-touring-motorcycle-keys/): Yes, keys for cruisers and touring bikes can be replaced, and on most of them it is a mechanical job because the key is a plain cut or barrel key.
- [BMW Motorcycle Case and Top Case Keys: One-Key Coding](https://themotorcyclelocksmith.com/san-diego/guides/bmw-motorcycle-case-and-top-case-keys/): BMW's rider's manuals say the cases and top case can be fitted with locks that open with the same key as the ignition, and on some tourers the panniers and top case already share the vehicle key from the factory.
- [How to Find Your Motorcycle Key Code](https://themotorcyclelocksmith.com/san-diego/guides/how-to-find-motorcycle-key-code/): A motorcycle key code is a short number or letter-number code that tells a locksmith or dealer how to cut a key for your locks.
- [Lost Your Motorcycle Key on a Ride, Far From Home](https://themotorcyclelocksmith.com/san-diego/guides/lost-motorcycle-key-on-a-ride-away-from-home/): If the key goes missing at a stop far from home, secure the bike where it stands, retrace the stop, and then gather the details a locksmith or dealer will need: your photo ID, registration, VIN, year, make and model, and any key number.

## Where we come to you

[San Diego County](https://themotorcyclelocksmith.com/san-diego/service-areas/san-diego-county/), [San Diego](https://themotorcyclelocksmith.com/san-diego/service-areas/san-diego-county/san-diego/), [Chula Vista](https://themotorcyclelocksmith.com/san-diego/service-areas/san-diego-county/chula-vista/), [Oceanside](https://themotorcyclelocksmith.com/san-diego/service-areas/san-diego-county/oceanside/), [Escondido](https://themotorcyclelocksmith.com/san-diego/service-areas/san-diego-county/escondido/), [Carlsbad](https://themotorcyclelocksmith.com/san-diego/service-areas/san-diego-county/carlsbad/), [El Cajon](https://themotorcyclelocksmith.com/san-diego/service-areas/san-diego-county/el-cajon/), [All service areas](https://themotorcyclelocksmith.com/san-diego/service-areas/)