KTM 350 EXC-F and 500 EXC-F Key Replacement

Quick answerKTM's street-legal EXC dual sports can carry two different small keys. The 2025 US 500 EXC-F manual shows an ignition lock beside the dash and a separate steering lock on the steering head, each with its own key. Neither is a chip key, and the fuel cap and seat need no key at all, so a lost key is a cutting job.

KTM 350 EXC-F and 500 EXC-F key quick facts

The 2025 US 500 EXC-F manual places the ignition lock to the right of the combination instrument and has the rider turn the ignition key before starting.
The steering lock is a separate lock on the left side of the steering head, and its key number is stamped onto the key connector.
The fuel tank cap opens with a release button and the seat is held by a screw, so neither uses a key.
The 2010 manual for the 450 EXC and 530 EXC USA describes the steering lock and puts the key number on the KEYCODECARD.
KTM's 2025 manual for the 350 EXC-F lists the steering lock as fitted to EU and AR models, so not every market's bike has one.

KTM 350 EXC-F and 500 EXC-F key types by year

Years	Models	Key type	Chip	Notes
2010	450 EXC USA, 530 EXC USA	steering lock key	no	Steering lock on the left side of the steering head. Key number on the KEYCODECARD. The 2010 manual has no ignition lock section.
2025	500 EXC-F US, 500 EXC-F Six Days US	ignition key plus a separate steering lock key	no	Ignition lock to the right of the combination instrument. Steering lock key number stamped on the key connector.
Other years	350 EXC-F, 450 EXC-F, 500 EXC-F	varies by year and market	no	Some versions have only the steering lock, some have an ignition lock as well. Look for a key switch beside the dash and a lock barrel on the steering head.

Two locks, two jobs

A dual sport that shares its frame with a race bike does not have a car-style ignition. On the EXC models the lock most owners know is the steering lock, a small barrel on the left of the steering head. KTM's manual has you turn the bars fully right, put the key in, and push and turn it to block the steering. It also tells you never to leave the key in that lock, so the key travels in a pocket or pack and is easy to lose on a ride.

The US 500 EXC-F adds a second lock. Its 2025 manual shows an ignition lock to the right of the instrument, and the starting procedure begins with turning the ignition key in that lock before you press the start button. The same manual says to turn the key back when you stop. So on that bike there is one key to make it run and another to lock the bars.

Need a key for your 350 EXC-F?

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

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

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What does not need a key

Because the bodywork comes from the competition bikes, most of it is keyless in the plain sense of the word.

Fuel tank cap: press the release button and turn the cap counterclockwise.
Seat: held by a screw, removed with a tool.
Starting: a start button and kill switch on the bars, with the ignition lock in between on bikes that have one.

Finding the key number

KTM has moved the number around. On the 2010 450 EXC and 530 EXC USA it is printed on the KEYCODECARD in the paperwork. On the later EXC-F manuals, including the 2025 US 500 EXC-F, the number for the steering lock is stamped on the key connector, the small tag the keys are joined to when the bike is new. If you still have that tag, keep it somewhere other than your riding pack.

Lost keys on an EXC-F

The awkward case on an EXC-F is a bike with the steering locked at full right and no key, which makes it hard to load on a trailer. We come to it, check photo ID with the registration or title, and make a key to the steering lock. If your bike has the ignition lock too and that key is gone, we make that one in the same visit. There is no transponder in either key, so nothing has to be paired to the bike.

Tell us whether you have one lock or two, and whether a previous owner fitted an aftermarket key switch or removed the steering lock. Either one changes the job.

Where to find the key code

On the 2025 US 500 EXC-F, KTM says the key number for the steering lock is stamped onto the key connector supplied with the keys. On the 2010 450 EXC and 530 EXC USA the manual puts the key number on the KEYCODECARD.

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)

KTM 350 EXC-F and 500 EXC-F key FAQ

Does a KTM 500 EXC-F have an ignition key?

The 2025 US manual shows an ignition lock to the right of the dash and tells the rider to turn the ignition key before starting. It also has a separate steering lock with its own key.

My EXC-F steering is locked and the key is lost. Can it be freed?

Yes. A locksmith can make a key to the steering lock at the bike once ownership is confirmed, so it can be steered and loaded again without damaging the lock or the triple clamp.

Is there a chip in an EXC-F key?

No. KTM's EXC-F manuals describe mechanical locks only, with the steering lock key number stamped on the key connector.

Do I need a key to open the gas cap on an EXC-F?

No. The fuel tank cap has a release button and no lock, so running low on fuel is not an extra problem when a key is lost.

More KTM models

Services for this bike

Dirt Bike and Dual Sport Keys: Which Bikes Have ThemMany dirt bikes have no key at all, so the first step is knowing which kind you ride.
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.
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.
Adventure Pannier Lock Keys: SW-Motech, Touratech and GiviAluminum panniers from SW-Motech, Touratech and Givi use small removable lock cores sold in matched sets, so one key can run every lid latch and every rack mount.

Where we come to you

Sources

Page last updated November 14, 2026.