Honda CB1100 Key Replacement

Quick answerThe CB1100 is a bike where the answer depends on where it was first sold. Honda's 2017 owner's manual for the US and Canada describes a plain cut key with a bar-coded key tag and no immobilizer, while Honda's CB1100 manuals for other markets describe a HISS chip key. Check the dash for a HISS indicator before you order or copy a key.

Honda CB1100 key quick facts

The 2017 CB1100 owner's manual for the US and Canada lists two ignition keys and a key tag with a key number and bar code, and has no HISS section.
Honda's CB1100 manuals for other markets do have a HISS indicator and say duplicate keys must be registered with the bike at a dealer.
The ignition key also opens the fuel fill cap, the seat lock and the helmet holder lock.
The CB1100 has a helmet holder with its own key cylinder under a lock cover on the left side below the seat, plus a second holder under the seat on the right.
The 2017 North American manual says to take the spare key and key tag to your dealer or a locksmith for a duplicate.

Honda CB1100 key types by year

Years	Models	Key type	Chip	Notes
2017	CB1100 EX (the US and Canada manual covers types CB1100CA and CB1100NA)	mechanical cut key	no	Two keys and a bar-coded key tag. No immobilizer section in Honda's 2017 North American owner's manual.
2013-2014	CB1100	cut key; check for a HISS indicator	varies	Honda's manual for the same model in other markets describes HISS. Look at the instrument panel for a HISS light, and we confirm from the VIN when you call.
Varies	CB1100 built for Europe and other markets	transponder key (HISS)	yes	Comes with a key number plate. Honda's manual says a duplicate has to be registered to the HISS system with the motorcycle present.

Plain key or HISS: sort this out first

Honda built the air-cooled CB1100 for several markets and did not equip them all the same way. The North American owner's manual for 2017 treats the key as a simple item. It lists two ignition keys and a key tag, tells you to keep the tag with the spare, and never mentions a coded chip. The manual Honda published for other regions reads differently: it has a HISS indicator among the warning lights, a troubleshooting entry for an engine that will not start with the HISS light on, and instructions to bring the spare key, the key number plate and the motorcycle to a dealer to register a new key.

Do not assume which version you have. Turn the ignition on and watch the instrument panel. A HISS light means a chip key. No HISS light, plus a key tag rather than a key number plate in the paperwork, points to the plain-key version.

Need a key for your CB1100?

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

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Four places the CB1100 key goes

Under the seat you will find the tool kit, a second helmet holder on the right, and the document bag on the underside of the seat itself.

Ignition switch, which also sets the steering lock: bars fully left, key pushed down and turned to LOCK
Fuel fill cap, under a lock cover; the key stays in the cap until the cap is pressed shut and locked
Seat lock: turn and hold the key clockwise, then pull the seat back and up
Helmet holder on the left side below the seat: open its lock cover, turn the key clockwise, hang the helmet on the pin and push the pin in

Things CB1100 owners should know about these locks

The seat latches on its own when you press it down. Honda's manual warns you not to lock your key in the underseat compartment, which is easy to do when you set the key down to put the tool kit back.

The helmet holder and fuel cap cylinders both sit under small lock covers. Honda's steps for both end with closing the cover after you take the key out. If either cylinder starts to feel stiff, have it cleaned and lubricated rather than forcing the key.

Honda also points out that a metal key holder can damage the area around the ignition switch. On a bike bought largely for its finish, a fabric key fob is the kinder choice.

Replacing a lost CB1100 key

For a plain-key CB1100, we verify ownership with photo ID and the registration or title, cut a key to the locks at the bike, and test it in the ignition, fuel cap, seat and helmet holder. Honda's manual says that without a key or the key tag, a dealer will probably have to remove the ignition switch assembly to get the key number. Cutting to the lock on site avoids moving the bike.

For a HISS-equipped CB1100, cutting the blade is only half of it. Honda's manuals for HISS models say that if every key and the key number plate are lost, the PGM-FI unit or ignition control module has to be replaced by the dealer. If you have one working key left on a HISS bike, get a spare made and registered now. Tell us which version you have when you call and we will say plainly whether it is a job for us or for the dealer.

Where to find the key code

North American CB1100s came with a key tag that carries the key number and a bar code. CB1100s for other markets came with a key number plate. In both cases Honda says to store it away from the bike with the spare key. If it is lost along with every key, Honda's North American manual says the ignition switch assembly will probably have to be removed to read the number.

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)

Honda CB1100 key FAQ

Does the Honda CB1100 have an immobilizer?

Some do. Honda's 2017 manual for the US and Canada has no immobilizer section, while Honda's manuals for the CB1100 in other markets describe HISS. A HISS indicator on your instrument panel settles it for your bike.

Can I get a CB1100 key copied at a locksmith?

Yes for the plain-key version. Honda's North American manual itself says to take the spare key and key tag to your dealer or a locksmith. On a HISS bike the new key also has to be registered to the motorcycle, which Honda's manual assigns to the dealer, so call us first.

What does the little keyhole on the left side under the CB1100 seat do?

That is the helmet holder. It has its own lock cover and takes the ignition key. You hang the helmet on the holder pin and push the pin in to lock it.

I locked my key under the CB1100 seat. Is that a big repair?

No. Nothing is broken; the seat simply latched with the key inside. The seat lock needs to be opened by a locksmith, and then you have your key back.

The immobilizer system on this bike

Honda HISS Immobilizer: Keys, Lost Keys and the Warning LightHISS, the Honda Ignition Security System, is Honda's chip-key immobilizer: the engine only starts when the bike recognizes a coded chip in the key.

More Honda models

Services for this bike

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.
Motorcycle Immobilizers Explained: HISS, KIPASS and MoreA motorcycle immobilizer is an anti-theft system that only lets the engine start when it recognizes a coded chip in the key or a paired fob.
Locked Your Keys Under the Motorcycle or Scooter Seat?Keys get locked under the seat because most seats latch shut with a push and need no key to close.
Trike and Three-Wheeler Keys: Harley, Can-Am, TrunksKeys and locks on trikes can be replaced, but who does which part depends on the machine.

Where we come to you

Sources

Page last updated November 14, 2026.