Suzuki Boulevard M109R and C109R Key Replacement

Quick answerThe Boulevard M109R (VZR1800) uses a plain cut key, and so does its classic-styled sibling the C109R (VLR1800). Suzuki's M109R owner's manual describes a main ignition key and a spare, a steering lock that is separate from the ignition switch, and no immobilizer. If you have lost the key, a new one is cut to the bike's locks and there is nothing to program.

Suzuki Boulevard M109R and C109R key quick facts

Suzuki's VZR1800 owner's manual says the bike comes with a main ignition key and a spare one.
The ignition switch has only three positions: OFF, ON and P for parking. There is no LOCK position on it.
The steering lock is a separate lock that takes the ignition key and turns counterclockwise with the bars full left.
The seat lock is under the left frame cover and the helmet holder is on the left side below the rear seat.
The word immobilizer does not appear in the 2014-printed VZR1800 owner's manual.

Suzuki Boulevard M109R and C109R key types by year

Years	Models	Key type	Chip	Notes
2006-present	Boulevard M109R, M109R B.O.S.S. (VZR1800, VZR1800BZ)	mechanical cut key	no	Main key plus spare. Suzuki's VZR1800/BZ owner's manual, printed September 2014, has no immobilizer section.
2008 on	Boulevard C109R, C109RT (VLR1800)	mechanical cut key	no	Plain cut key with no programming step. Lock positions can differ from the M109R, so send a photo of the bike and any key you have.

Five places the M109R key goes

Most motorcycles fold the steering lock into the ignition switch. The M109R does not, which gives this cruiser more separate key locks than you might expect.

Ignition switch: OFF, ON and P. In P the key comes out and the taillight stays lit for parking at the roadside at night
Steering lock: its own lock. Turn the handlebars all the way to the left, insert the ignition key and turn it counterclockwise
Fuel tank cap: key in, turn clockwise, lift the cap up with the key; push the cap down with the key in the lock to close
Seat lock: under the left frame cover. Turn the key clockwise, raise the rear end of the seat and slide it backward
Helmet holder: left side below the rear seat. Turn the key clockwise to open the latch, hook the helmet ring on, turn the key back to lock

Need a key for your Boulevard M109R?

Call or text with the year and where the bike is parked.

Call (619) 775-1858 Text your year, make and model

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No chip in the key

Suzuki's VZR1800 and VZR1800BZ owner's manual, printed in September 2014, settles this. Its key section is one short paragraph about a main key and a spare. There is no immobilizer indicator in the instrument panel pages, no registered-key limit and no warning that a locksmith's copy will not work, which are the things Suzuki prints when a bike has its immobilizer.

So a correctly cut key starts an M109R. That holds for the B.O.S.S. version as well, since the same manual covers both.

The C109R, added for 2008 on a version of the same engine, is a plain-key bike as well. Its lock positions can differ from the M109R's, so for a C109R we work from photos of the bike before the visit.

Where M109R owners get caught out

The separate steering lock is the one owners overlook. A worn key can still turn the ignition and fail in a steering lock that is rarely used. Try the key in the steering lock before you rely on it, and do not force it if it resists.

The helmet holder and seat lock are both on the left side of the bike. If either is stiff, mention it when you call so we come prepared to service the lock as well as cut the key.

Suzuki also warns in the manual never to move the motorcycle with the steering locked. On a bike this heavy that matters if someone is trying to load it for transport without a key.

Lost key service on an M109R

We come to the bike and check your photo ID against the registration or title. Then we cut a key to the locks and run it through all five: ignition, steering lock, fuel cap, seat lock and helmet holder. If one of them has been replaced at some point and no longer matches the others, we will tell you and can talk about matching it.

If the bike is parked with the steering locked and no key, say so on the phone. It can still be done where it sits, and it saves arranging a flatbed for a motorcycle that cannot be wheeled.

Where to find the key code

Suzuki's VZR1800 owner's manual does not mention a key number plate. If a stamped tag came with your keys, keep it with your paperwork. Without a code, a key is made from the bike's own locks.

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)

Suzuki Boulevard M109R and C109R key FAQ

Does the Boulevard M109R have an immobilizer?

Suzuki's VZR1800 owner's manual does not describe one. It covers a main ignition key and a spare, with no immobilizer indicator and no key registration.

Where is the steering lock on an M109R?

It is a separate lock, not a position on the ignition switch. The manual says to turn the handlebars all the way left, insert the ignition key into the steering lock and turn it counterclockwise.

Does one key work everything on the M109R?

From the factory, yes. The manual uses the ignition key for the steering lock, fuel tank cap and seat lock, and the helmet holder is opened with the key as well.

Does this page cover the Boulevard C109R?

For the key itself, yes: the C109R is also a plain-key bike with no immobilizer. The steering, seat and helmet lock positions described on this page are the M109R's, so for a C109R send us a photo of the bike and we work from that.

More Suzuki models

Services for this bike

Cruiser and Touring Motorcycle Keys: Bags, Forks, FobsYes, 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.
Motorcycle Steering Lock Explained: How It Works and JamsA steering lock, called a fork lock by Harley-Davidson, is a bolt that holds the front end turned to one side so the bike cannot be wheeled away in a straight line.
Motorcycle Helmet Lock Keys: Factory Holders and Add-OnsMost factory helmet holders use the ignition key, either directly in a small lock on the side of the bike or indirectly, because the helmet hangs on a hook that the locked seat or trunk traps.
How Many Keys Should Come With a Used Motorcycle?Most motorcycles are delivered with two keys or fobs, and many also come with a third item that matters more than either: a master or programming key, a code card, a key number tag or a security PIN.

Where we come to you

Sources

Page last updated November 14, 2026.