BMW F 800 S, F 800 ST, F 800 GT, F 800 R Key Replacement

Quick answerThe road-going F 800 twins all use a keyed ignition with BMW's EWS immobilizer, so a replacement has to be a transponder key matched to the bike, not just a cut blade. One key works the ignition and steering lock, the tank filler cap lock and the seat lock. How many keys came with the bike depends on the model: one master and one spare on the F 800 S and F 800 ST, two master keys and a spare on the F 800 R, two main keys and a wallet-size emergency key on the F 800 GT.

BMW F 800 S, F 800 ST, F 800 GT, F 800 R key quick facts

BMW's F 800 S and F 800 ST rider's manuals list one master key and one spare key, with the ignition and steering lock, tank filler cap lock and seat lock all on the same key.
The F 800 R manual lists two master keys and one spare key and describes a ring aerial in the ignition lock that reads the key.
The F 800 GT manual lists two main keys and one emergency key, a light, compact key meant for a wallet and described as not suitable for continuous use.
On the F 800 R an unrecognized key brings up an EWS warning in the multifunction display and the engine will not start.
BMW's manuals for these bikes say cases and a topcase can be ordered with locks for the same key.

BMW F 800 S, F 800 ST, F 800 GT, F 800 R key types by year

Years	Models	Key type	Chip	Notes
From 2006	F 800 S, F 800 ST	transponder key (EWS), keyed ignition	yes	One master key and one spare key per the US F 800 S and F 800 ST manuals.
From 2009	F 800 R	transponder key (EWS), keyed ignition	yes	Two master keys and one spare key. EWS warning shown in the multifunction display.
From 2013	F 800 GT	transponder key (EWS), keyed ignition	yes	Two main keys plus a small emergency key for the wallet.

One platform, three different key sets

The F 800 S and its touring sibling the F 800 ST came first, the naked F 800 R followed, and the F 800 GT replaced the ST. The immobilizer principle never changed across them, but the key pack did. That matters when you buy one used: a seller who hands over a single key for an F 800 GT has given you one of three, and a single key for an F 800 ST is one of two.

The GT's third key deserves a note. BMW describes the emergency key as small and light so it can live in a wallet, to be used when no main key is at hand, and says it is not meant for everyday use. It is a real key for the bike, so if it is the only one you have left, treat it gently and get a full-size key made from it soon.

Need a key for your F 800 S?

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BMW's wording is the same on each of these bikes: ignition switch and steering lock, tank filler cap lock and seat lock are all operated with the same key.

Ignition switch and steering lock: bars turned fully left, key turned to the lock position while moving the bars slightly
Tank filler cap lock
Seat lock: the key turns in the seat lock and the seat lifts off, giving access to the storage space beneath
Cases and topcase: accessories that BMW says can be ordered with locks for the same key through a workshop

What EWS does when the key is wrong

The F 800 R manual explains it plainly. The bike's electronics exchange continuously changing signals with the electronics in the key through a ring aerial in the ignition lock, and the ignition is not enabled for starting until the engine control unit has recognized the key as authorized. If that fails, EWS appears in the display.

Two causes are worth ruling out before you assume a dead key. BMW warns that a spare key on the same ring as the one in the ignition can interfere, so separate them. And a dealer can bar an individual key at the owner's request; a barred key still turns the lock but will not start the engine until it is reactivated. A used F 800 that came with a key that turns and does not start may simply have a barred or unprogrammed key.

Lost every key to an F 800

BMW's manuals say replacement and extra keys come only through an authorized dealer, who is obliged to check the legitimacy of each request, and that barring a lost key requires bringing all the other keys along. That is the official path, and it is workable when the bike can get to the dealer.

When it cannot, we come to the bike. Tell us which F 800 it is and what keys, if any, survive. Bring photo ID and the registration or title. We cut a key to the existing locks so ignition, tank cap and seat stay on one key, then handle the transponder side at the bike where the model allows. If the ignition lock itself is worn or was damaged in a theft attempt, that is repaired or replaced as part of the same visit.

Where to find the key code

The F 800 manuals do not describe a key number tag. Keys are ordered against the bike, so the VIN on your registration or title, plus photo ID, is what a dealer or locksmith will ask for.

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 F 800 S, F 800 ST, F 800 GT, F 800 R key FAQ

Does a BMW F 800 GT key have a chip?

Yes. The F 800 GT manual sends owners who lose a key to its section on the EWS electronic immobilizer, and the F 800 family reads the key through a ring antenna at the ignition lock. A plain cut copy will open the seat and tank cap but will not start the engine.

What is the small flat key that came with my F 800 GT?

That is the emergency key. BMW supplies two main keys and one emergency key with the F 800 GT, and describes the emergency key as compact enough for a wallet and not suitable for continuous use.

My F 800 R shows EWS on the display and will not start. Is the key dead?

Not necessarily. First take any other BMW key off the same ring, since BMW says a nearby spare can confuse the electronics. Then try your other key. If neither starts the bike, the key, the ring aerial in the ignition lock or a barred key are the usual suspects, and that needs a diagnosis at the bike.

Can I add a spare key for my F 800 ST while I still have one?

Yes, and that is the easy time to do it. The F 800 ST was delivered with only one master key and one spare, so a used bike may be down to a single key.

The immobilizer system on this bike

BMW Motorcycle EWS Immobilizer: Keys and the EWS WarningEWS is BMW Motorrad's electronic immobilizer.

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When to Get a Spare Motorcycle Key, and Why NowGet a spare motorcycle key as soon as you are down to one working key.
Motorcycle Immobilizer Light Flashing: What It Means by MakeA slow flash with the ignition off is normal on a bike with an immobilizer: Honda HISS, Yamaha and Triumph manuals all describe the light blinking for 24 hours after you switch off to show the system is armed.

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Page last updated November 14, 2026.