BMW R 1200 RT and R 1250 RT Key Replacement

Quick answerThe R 1200 RT and R 1250 RT use BMW's EWS immobilizer, with either a transponder key in a keyed ignition or a Keyless Ride fob. The RT runs a one-key system, so the same key normally works the ignition, cases, stowage compartment, fuel cap and seat. A lost key therefore locks you out of the luggage as well as the engine, and the replacement has to be programmed to the bike.

BMW R 1200 RT and R 1250 RT key quick facts

BMW's R 1250 RT manual lists a one-key system covering the ignition and steering lock, case locks, stowage compartment lock, fuel filler cap and seat lock.
Keyless Ride became an option on the R 1200 RT for the 2015 model year.
With Keyless Ride the seat lock, stowage compartment, top case and cases are still locked and unlocked by hand unless central locking is fitted.
RT bikes with central locking but no Keyless Ride come with a separate remote control for the central locking and alarm.
If the central locking refuses to unlock, the manual describes opening the cases, top case and stowage compartments manually.

BMW R 1200 RT and R 1250 RT key types by year

Years	Models	Key type	Chip	Notes
2005 to about 2013	R 1200 RT (air and oil cooled)	transponder key (EWS), keyed ignition	yes	The manual says the EWS warning text appears in the multifunction display when the key is not accepted.
About 2014-2018	R 1200 RT (liquid cooled)	transponder key, or Keyless Ride fob plus emergency key	yes	Keyless Ride optional from model year 2015.
2019-present	R 1250 RT	transponder key, or Keyless Ride fob plus spare key	yes	Two vehicle keys on keyed bikes. One radio-operated key and one spare key with Keyless Ride.

One key for the whole bike

The RT is built around factory luggage, and BMW keys it accordingly. The R 1250 RT manual lists a one-key system: ignition switch and steering lock, case locks, stowage compartment lock, fuel filler cap and seat lock, plus the top case where one is fitted. That is convenient until the key is gone, because your tools, documents and sometimes the spare key are inside locked cases.

It also means a correctly cut key is useful on its own for getting into the luggage, even before it has been programmed to start the engine.

Need a key for your R 1200 RT?

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Keyed ignition, Keyless Ride and central locking

Earlier R 1200 RT bikes all have a keyed ignition with the EWS ring antenna in the lock. From model year 2015 BMW offered Keyless Ride, and the manuals for the liquid cooled R 1200 RT and the R 1250 RT cover both versions. With Keyless Ride the ignition, fuel filler cap and alarm work from the radio-operated key within about 3 feet, and the ignition switches off after about a minute and a half if the key goes out of range.

Central locking is a separate option. On the R 1250 RT it locks the cases and the stowage compartment in the left side panel, the right compartment on bikes with the audio system, and the top case if fitted. On a Keyless Ride bike it is worked from the fob or a button on the bike. Without Keyless Ride, BMW supplies a separate remote control. The manual notes that the central locking stays unlocked if the fob simply goes out of range.

Common RT key situations

Fob shut inside a case or top case: the manual warns the bike cannot be started with the key out of range, so the spare key is what gets you back in.
Central locking will not release: the manual has an emergency unlocking procedure that opens the luggage manually with the key.
Key symbol or EWS warning on the dash: remove other keys from the ring and try the second key before assuming a fault.
Bought used with one key: an RT with a single key and a full set of luggage is a good candidate for a second key while the first still works.

No key at all

A dealer orders an RT key against the VIN after checking ownership, and the bike has to get to them. We work at the bike. Tell us the year, whether it has a key slot or a button, and whether it has central locking, and have photo ID and the registration or title ready. Check the antenna location for the spare key in your own manual, since it differs between BMW models.

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 R 1200 RT and R 1250 RT key FAQ

Does the R 1250 RT use the same key for the cases?

Yes, as delivered. BMW's manual lists the case locks, stowage compartment lock, fuel filler cap and seat lock under the same one-key system as the ignition.

My RT has central locking but a normal key. Is there a fob?

There should be a separate remote control. BMW's manual says bikes without Keyless Ride are shipped with a remote for the central locking and alarm, and it can need synchronizing if it stops responding.

What does EWS on my R 1200 RT display mean?

The immobilizer has not accepted the key. BMW's manual points to another key on the same ring as a common cause and tells you to keep spare keys apart.

Can a lost RT key be cancelled?

Yes. BMW's manual says a dealer can bar a lost key so it no longer starts the engine, and that you need to bring all the other keys. A barred key can be reactivated later.

The immobilizer system on this bike

BMW Motorcycle EWS Immobilizer: Keys and the EWS WarningEWS is BMW Motorrad's electronic immobilizer.
BMW Keyless Ride: Lost Fob, Flat Battery and Emergency KeyKeyless Ride replaces the ignition lock on many BMW motorcycles with a button and a radio-operated key that only has to be within about 3 feet of the bike.

More BMW models

Services for this bike

Motorcycle Key Fob and Keyless Ignition ProblemsMost keyless motorcycle problems come down to a weak fob battery, a fob the bike is not reading, a damaged fob or a lost one.
Lost Your Only Motorcycle Key? What to Do NextIf you lost the only key to your motorcycle, a new one can almost always be made, but the route depends on whether your bike uses a plain metal key, a chipped transponder key, or a keyless fob.
When to Get a Spare Motorcycle Key, and Why NowGet a spare motorcycle key as soon as you are down to one working key.
Roadside Assistance and Lost Motorcycle Keys: What It CoversMost motorcycle roadside plans will send help or tow the bike when a key is lost, but few pay for the key.

Where we come to you

Sources

Page last updated November 14, 2026.