# Indian Chief 2009-2013 (pre-Polaris design) Key Replacement

The Chiefs of the Kings Mountain design, sold before Polaris redesigned the line for 2014, are keyed motorcycles, not keyless ones.

Source: https://themotorcyclelocksmith.com/san-diego/makes/indian/chief-2009-2013/

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

> The Chiefs of the Kings Mountain design, sold before Polaris redesigned the line for 2014, are keyed motorcycles, not keyless ones. Their owner's manual describes an ignition and light key switch in the center of the dash below the speedometer and says two keys are provided. No fob, PIN or immobilizer is mentioned. If the keys are lost, a new one is cut to the switch at the bike.

**Indian Chief 2009-2013 (pre-Polaris design) key quick facts**

- The Kings Mountain Chief owner's manual puts the ignition and light key switch on the center of the dash, below the speedometer.
- The center position of the switch is off; clockwise turns the ignition on and counterclockwise powers accessories plugged into the power ports.
- The manual states that two keys are provided with the motorcycle and says to store one in a safe place.
- It also says the key should not remain in the switch while operating the motorcycle.
- The quick-detach windshield, standard on Roadmaster and Vintage models, uses a key lock on the right side of the motorcycle.
- The fuel filler cap twists off without a key, and only the right-hand cap is functional.

## Indian Chief 2009-2013 (pre-Polaris design) key types by year

| Years | Models | Key type | Chip | Notes |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 2009-2013 | Chief Standard, Deluxe, Roadmaster, Vintage, Dark Horse and Bomber (Kings Mountain design) | cut key, no fob | no | Two keys supplied. Key switch on the dash. The 2010 Chief owner's manual describes no fob, PIN or security system. Tell us your year and we confirm before the visit. |
| From 2014 | Chief Classic, Chief Vintage, Chief Dark Horse (Polaris-built) | keyless ignition with fob | yes | A different motorcycle with a different system. See our Chief Classic and Chief Vintage page. |

## Which Chief do you have?

The Chief name covers three unrelated generations, and key questions depend entirely on which one is in your garage. The bikes on this page are the design launched from the Kings Mountain factory for 2009 and sold through 2013. They carry a key switch on the tank-top dash. The Polaris Chiefs that followed for 2014 have no ignition key at all and start with a fob. Earlier Chiefs from the Gilroy years are older again and are not covered here, so call us with the year if yours is one of those.

A quick check: if there is a keyhole in the center of the dash below the speedometer, this is the right page. If the bike starts from a fob and a power button, it is a 2014 or newer Chief.

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

## The dash switch and the habit that goes with it

Off is in the middle. A turn clockwise switches on the ignition, and a turn the other way feeds only the accessory power ports. The manual then adds something that surprises owners used to modern bikes: the key locks and unlocks the switch and should not remain in it while the motorcycle is being operated. In other words, you unlock, take the key out and ride.

The side effect is easy to see. A key that rides in a pocket instead of in the switch can be set down at a fuel stop or dropped on the road, and nothing on the bike tells you it is gone. Keep it on a ring or lanyard that stays with you, and keep the second key at home, as the manual advises.

## Locks other than the ignition

So apart from the ignition, the windshield lock is the only keyed item the manual describes. Try your ignition key in it, and tell us whether it fits when you call.

- Windshield: the quick-detach windshield is held by a key lock on the right side, standard on Roadmaster and Vintage and available for Standard and Deluxe
- Saddlebags: attached with rotary latches inside the bag, opened by unbuckling the outside clasps
- Fuel: two filler caps on the tank, of which only the right one is functional, opened by twisting
- Seat: held by fasteners, not a key lock, with the battery underneath

## Key replacement for a Kings Mountain Chief

These bikes were built under earlier ownership of the brand, and their owner's manual gives no key number to order a replacement from. That makes a locksmith visit the practical route. We check photo ID with the registration or title, make a key to the dash switch, and confirm that it locks and unlocks the switch in each position. If the windshield lock is on your bike, we look at that as well.

Since only two keys were supplied and the key is routinely carried loose, have at least one spare cut once you are back on the road.

## Where to find the key code

The Kings Mountain Chief owner's manual says two keys are provided but does not describe a key code tag. Look on the original keys and in the delivery paperwork for a stamped number. Without one, the key is made from the ignition switch on the bike.

## 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)

## Indian Chief 2009-2013 (pre-Polaris design) key FAQ

### Does a 2010 Indian Chief use a key fob?

No. The Kings Mountain Chief owner's manual describes an ignition and light key switch on the dash and two keys. The fob-based keyless ignition arrived with the redesigned 2014 Chief.

### Is it normal to ride a 2009-2013 Chief with the key out of the switch?

Yes. The owner's manual says the key locks and unlocks the ignition and light switch and should not remain in the switch while operating the motorcycle.

### I lost my key while riding and the bike is still unlocked. What should I do?

Park it somewhere secure, and call a locksmith. A new key can be made to the dash switch so you can lock the ignition again.

### Does the fuel cap on these Chiefs lock?

The manual describes twisting the right-hand filler cap to open it and does not mention a key. The left cap is a dummy and should be left alone.

## More Indian models

[2025+ Indian Scout, Super Scout, 101 Scout](https://themotorcyclelocksmith.com/san-diego/makes/indian/scout-2025-onward/), [Challenger and Pursuit](https://themotorcyclelocksmith.com/san-diego/makes/indian/challenger-pursuit/), [Chief Classic and Chief Vintage](https://themotorcyclelocksmith.com/san-diego/makes/indian/chief-classic-chief-vintage/), [Chief, Chief Bobber and Sport Chief](https://themotorcyclelocksmith.com/san-diego/makes/indian/chief-2022-onward/), [Chieftain, Roadmaster and Springfield](https://themotorcyclelocksmith.com/san-diego/makes/indian/chieftain-roadmaster-springfield/), [FTR and FTR 1200](https://themotorcyclelocksmith.com/san-diego/makes/indian/ftr/), [Scout, Scout Sixty and Scout Bobber](https://themotorcyclelocksmith.com/san-diego/makes/indian/scout/), [All Indian keys](https://themotorcyclelocksmith.com/san-diego/makes/indian/)

## 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.
- [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.
- [When to Get a Spare Motorcycle Key, and Why Now](https://themotorcyclelocksmith.com/san-diego/guides/when-to-get-a-spare-motorcycle-key/): Get a spare motorcycle key as soon as you are down to one working key.
- [Vintage and Classic Motorcycle Keys: Codes, Blanks, Wear](https://themotorcyclelocksmith.com/san-diego/guides/vintage-and-classic-motorcycle-keys/): A key can usually be made for a vintage motorcycle even when no original survives, because these are plain mechanical locks with no chip.

## 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/)