Honda Sabre (VT1300CS) Key Replacement

Quick answerThe VT1300CS Sabre is a no-chip bike with a twist: Honda's 2010 owner's manual says it comes with ignition keys and separate steering lock keys. The ignition key runs the switch on the left side of the engine, the fuel cap and the helmet holder, and the steering lock on the frame neck takes the other key. Losing either one is solved by cutting a new key, with nothing to program.

Honda Sabre (VT1300CS) key quick facts

Honda's 2010 US manual for the Sabre and Sabre ABS states that the motorcycle has ignition keys and steering lock keys, and that a steering lock key number plate is supplied.
There is no HISS or immobilizer section in that manual.
The ignition switch is on the left side of the bike and has only ON and OFF positions; it does not lock the steering.
The seat has no lock. It is held by bolts reached after the side covers come off.
The helmet holder at the left rear and the fuel fill cap both use the ignition key.

Honda Sabre (VT1300CS) key types by year

Years	Models	Key type	Chip	Notes
2010	Sabre (VT1300CS), Sabre ABS (VT1300CSA)	mechanical cut keys: ignition key and steering lock key	no	No immobilizer section in Honda's 2010 US owner's manual. For a later model year, tell us the year and which keys you have and we confirm. The 2010 manual's Quick Reference page has a line for the ignition key number, and a steering lock key number plate comes with the keys.

Why a Sabre owner may be holding two different keys

Most motorcycles lock the steering through the ignition switch. The Sabre cannot, because Honda put its ignition switch down on the left side of the bike, behind a styled cover, where it only switches the electrics on and off. The steering lock is a separate cylinder at the right front of the frame, up by the steering head.

Honda's 2010 manual is explicit that these are worked by different keys. Its lost-key page begins by saying the motorcycle has ignition keys and steering lock keys, and it shows a steering lock key number plate. The parking instructions tell you to turn the handlebar all the way left and insert the steering lock key in the lock. If a used Sabre came to you with a single key, find out which one it is before you need the other.

Need a key for your Sabre?

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

Call (805) 429-8452 Text your year, make and model

Or read first: all services · common questions · about us · contact details

Lock by lock on the VT1300CS

Ignition switch, left side: ignition key, turned right for ON
Steering lock, right front of the frame neck: steering lock key, with the handlebar turned fully left
Fuel fill cap: ignition key turned clockwise; the cap snaps back into the filler neck to lock, then the key comes out
Helmet holder, left rear: ignition key turned counterclockwise to release the holder pin
Seat: no key. Bolts and collars under the side covers hold it, and the document bag is on the rear fender beneath it
Side covers: pull off by hand. The owner's manual bag is inside the right cover
Tool kit: clipped to the ignition switch case, behind the ignition switch cover

Practical trouble spots on this layout

A low-mounted ignition switch gets a different life from one on top of the triple clamp. Honda's manual recommends a fabric or leather key ring with only the key on it, because a metal ring or a bunch of extra keys can mark the ignition switch cover as you ride.

A separate steering lock key is easy to leave in a drawer and forget, especially when a bike changes hands. If your steering is locked and the key is gone, do not try to turn the bars against it. A locksmith can make a key for that cylinder on its own.

Because nothing on the Sabre hides behind a keyed seat, your papers and tools are reachable without a key, but so they are for anyone else. Keep the key number plate at home, not on the bike.

What we do when Sabre keys are lost

Tell us which key you are missing: the ignition key, the steering lock key, or both. We ask for photo ID and the registration or title, then cut the key or keys at the motorcycle. The ignition key is tested in the switch, the fuel cap and the helmet holder. The steering lock key is tested in the neck lock.

Honda's manual says a dealer without your key number will probably have to remove the ignition switch assembly to find it, and that you would need to transport the motorcycle to them. Having the key made on site skips the transport. There is no electronic step on this bike, so once the key turns, you are riding.

Where to find the key code

Honda's 2010 manual shows a steering lock key number plate supplied with the keys and tells you to store it in a safe place. The Quick Reference page at the back of the manual has a space for the ignition key number. If neither was kept, the manual suggests asking the dealer that sold the bike, who may have the number on record.

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 Sabre (VT1300CS) key FAQ

Does the Honda Sabre 1300 need a programmed key?

No. Honda's 2010 US manual for the VT1300CS describes plain ignition keys and steering lock keys, with no immobilizer. A correctly cut key is all the bike needs.

Why does my Sabre ignition key not fit the steering lock?

Because Honda's manual lists a separate steering lock key for this model. The ignition key works the switch, fuel cap and helmet holder, and the steering lock at the frame neck has its own key.

I only have the ignition key. Can you make the steering lock key?

Yes. That lock can have a key cut for it separately, at the bike. Bring proof of ownership as you would for any key.

Is this the same as the 1980s V45 and V65 Sabre?

No. This page is about the VT1300CS cruiser that Honda introduced for 2010. The earlier V4 Sabres are older plain-key Hondas with different locks.

More Honda models

Services for this bike

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.
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.
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.
Ducati Asking for a PIN Code or Showing an E-LOCK ErrorA Ducati that opens a PIN screen at switch-on is telling you the key was not acknowledged and that a PIN was stored on the bike at some point.

Where we come to you

Sources

https://owners.honda.com/assets/ownerlink/model/own_man/powersports/motorcycle/2010/10_VT1300CS_A.pdf

Page last updated November 14, 2026.