Ducati 848, 1098, 1198 and Streetfighter Key Replacement

Quick answerThe 848, 1098 and 1198 superbikes and the Streetfighters built on them use Ducati's I2K immobilizer: two black chipped keys plus a Code Card, with the key codes held in the instrument panel. There is no red key. Keep the Code Card with your paperwork, because Ducati's key programming procedure depends on it and the card cannot be bought on its own.

Ducati 848, 1098, 1198 and Streetfighter key quick facts

Ducati's bulletin lists the 1098 for 2007 to 2008, the 848 for 2008 to 2009, the 848 EVO for 2010 to 2013 and the 1198 for 2009 to 2011 under I2K.
The Streetfighter is listed for 2010 to 2011, the Streetfighter S for 2010 to 2013 and the Streetfighter 848 for 2012 to 2015.
The 848 manual says the two black keys start the engine, open the fuel tank filler cap and open the seat lock.
Each key came with a small tag showing its identification number.
The fuel filler cap on the 848 can only be closed with the key inserted.
A key that is not recognized turns on the amber diagnostic light and brings up an immobilizer error on the display.

Ducati 848, 1098, 1198 and Streetfighter key types by year

Years	Models	Key type	Chip	Notes
2007-2008	1098, 1098 S, 1098 R	two black transponder keys	yes	I2K with Code Card. The 1098 R is listed for 2008.
2008-2013	848, 848 EVO, 848 EVO Corse	two black transponder keys	yes	I2K with Code Card.
2009-2011	1198, 1198 S, 1198 R, 1198 SP	two black transponder keys	yes	I2K with Code Card.
2010-2015	Streetfighter, Streetfighter S, Streetfighter 848	two black transponder keys	yes	I2K with Code Card. The 848 version is listed for 2012 to 2015.

What the 848 manual says about the keys

The owner receives two black keys. Both contain the immobilizer code, both are for normal use, and the manual suggests using only one of them to start the bike. A Code Card is supplied with the keys, and the manual notes twice that a Ducati dealer may ask to see it: for certain servicing operations, and to reprogram or replace a key.

The chip in the key grip is read by an antenna in the ignition switch each time you switch on. If the code is recognized, the engine lock releases. If not, the amber diagnostic light comes on and the display shows an immobilizer error. Ducati's first steps are to switch off and on again, then try the other black key.

Need a key for your 848?

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

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The Code Card and the dash override

The card shows an electronic code that the manual says must be used if the engine is locked by the immobilizer and will not start. On these bikes the code has five digits and is entered through a code page in the dash menu. That page is only active when there is at least one immobilizer error, so you will not find it on a healthy bike. A correct code allows a temporary start; if the fault is still there at the next Key-On, the bike immobilizes again.

Ducati's advice is to keep the card in a safe place and carry the code itself with you. If the card is lost, Ducati's bulletin says keys can no longer be deleted and programmed by the factory method, and the card is not sold separately.

The fuel cap needs the key every time it closes, so it is a good test of a new key. We try it there and in the seat lock before we finish.

Ignition switch in front of the fuel tank, with four positions: on, off, steering locked, and parking light on with steering locked. The key is pushed in before turning to the last two and can be removed in off, lock and parking.
Fuel tank filler cap. Lift the cover, insert the key and give it a quarter turn clockwise. The cap only closes with the key in it.
Seat lock. Insert the key, turn it clockwise and lift the rear of the seat.

Lost keys: what changes the job

Three things decide it: how many keys you have, whether you have the Code Card, and the condition of the locks. One key plus the card is the easy case. Both keys gone with the card kept means, by Ducati's route, a new lock set, with the old card used to clear the previous keys from the dash. Both keys and the card gone means an instrument panel as well as the lock set and tank plug.

We ask for your photo ID and the registration or title, the VIN, and what you still have from the original set. Then we tell you whether keys can be registered to your existing dash for that year or whether Ducati's parts route is the realistic option. The system stores a minimum of two keys and a maximum of three, so a third key is possible on these bikes.

Where to find the key code

The 848 and 1098 R manuals say the two keys have a small tag attached that shows their identification number, and tell you to store the tags in a safe place. That number is for the blade. The code on the Code Card is the electronic immobilizer code and is a separate thing.

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)

Ducati 848, 1098, 1198 and Streetfighter key FAQ

Does an 848 or 1098 have a red key?

No. Ducati lists these bikes under the I2K system, which came with two black keys and a Code Card. The red master key belongs to the older IRC system on bikes such as the 749 and 999.

Where do I enter the Code Card number on an 1198?

On I2K bikes, the manual describes a code page in the instrument panel menu that appears only when there is an immobilizer error. Your own owner's manual has the exact steps for your dash.

Can I get a third key for my Streetfighter?

Ducati's bulletin says the I2K system memorizes a minimum of two keys and a maximum of three, so yes.

I bought an 848 with no Code Card. Does it matter?

The bike runs normally without it. It matters when keys are lost, because Ducati's programming route uses the card, so get a spare key made while you still have a working one.

The immobilizer system on this bike

Ducati Immobilizer: Red Key, Code Card, PIN and Lost KeysEvery keyed Ducati immobilizer reads a transponder in the key and only lets the engine start when the code matches one stored on the bike.

More Ducati models

Services for this bike

Bought a Used Motorcycle With No Key? Here's What to DoA used or auction motorcycle without keys can usually get new ones, but plan on the full all-keys-lost process and bring the signed title or other transfer paperwork plus photo ID, since a locksmith or dealer has to tie you to the VIN.
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.
Motorcycle Gas Cap, Seat or Steering Lock Stuck? What to DoStuck gas cap, seat and steering locks on motorcycles usually come down to grime or corrosion in an exposed cylinder, a worn key, a stretched seat cable, or parts under tension that hold the latch closed.
Lost Your Motorcycle Key on a Ride, Far From HomeIf 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

Sources

Page last updated November 14, 2026.