[mattcat1]

I just bought my lovely wife an '08 M50. Beautiful bike. Was going to buy her a custom key but I can't remember where the ignition is so I don't know whether to get a top or side loading key. Can anyone help me with either specific description or maybe even a link to a picture? Thanks all!

 

[Mort]

The key is on the neck of the bike. I don't know what a top or side loading key means. Someone will come along and answer you in short time.

 

[mattcat1]

I guess I could have described my dilemma a tad better. Is the key hole horizontal or vertical?

 

[mistressk]

the ignition goes into the bike horizontally - when the ignition is turned on, the key hole itself slants forward slightly, neither vertical nor horizontal.

i think it's about a 25* slant towards the triple trees...rough estimate, without either my bike or a protractor available to check..

cheers!

-mistress k

 

[Paul...]

Remember he's talking M50, not C50.

Paul...

 

[mistressk]

Remember he's talking M50, not C50.

Paul...

looks exactly the same to me - key in photo would be in the "off" position, straight up and down.

cheers!

-mistress k

 

[Petey2006(No)C50C]

I just bought my lovely wife an '08 M50. Beautiful bike. Was going to buy her a custom key but I can't remember where the ignition is so I don't know whether to get a top or side loading key. Can anyone help me with either specific description or maybe even a link to a picture? Thanks all!

WELCOME to the VR site, new member.

Pete

 

[TATE]

Ok, what is a top or side load key. I have 2005 "M" and it's a double cut (on both sides) key. What does top or side mean?

 

[TATE]

Does this help?

 

[Psyc0]

Top loading (vertical) switches are usually located on the handlebar mounts, headlight housing, or on the speedometer (fuel tank) console.

Occasionally, a top mounted (vertical) switch can be found near one of the side/tool box covers, i.e., as on some Royal Stars.

Side mounted (horizontal) switches can be found just about anywhere on a motorcycle.

 

[Glori]

It's a side load...

 

[TATE]

Top loading (vertical) switches are usually located on the handlebar mounts, headlight housing, or on the speedometer (fuel tank) console.

Occasionally, a top mounted (vertical) switch can be found near one of the side/tool box covers, i.e., as on some Royal Stars.

Side mounted (horizontal) switches can be found just about anywhere on a motorcycle.

I still don't understand the difference in the keys. I know the key goes into the side of the neck. But, what makes a difference in the key? The key doesn't know which way it is turned. I'm so confused.

 

[mattcat1]

I knew after I put that post in that my POOR choice of description would not help. The key itself is not really the issue, but it's position once inserted. I am having a custom key made for my wife's bike and the key head is replaced with a decorative pirate head. I needed to figure out if I wanted the key to exit the bottom of the head or the back...so it would look right. I think 2 posts ago I got my answer so THANK YOU ALL so much...and sorry for not phrasing my question better...good thing I like to work on things because I am a tool.

 

[TATE]

I knew after I put that post in that my POOR choice of description would not help. The key itself is not really the issue, but it's position once inserted. I am having a custom key made for my wife's bike and the key head is replaced with a decorative pirate head. I needed to figure out if I wanted the key to exit the bottom of the head or the back...so it would look right. I think 2 posts ago I got my answer so THANK YOU ALL so much...and sorry for not phrasing my question better...good thing I like to work on things because I am a tool.

Aaahhh, finally enlightenment! I understand now. Nice to be on the same page. Funny that my job is selling 18 wheeler parts and I have to "translate" what the customer wants all day (i.e. that thing that connects to the other thing next to the rear differential.), and I couldn't figure out this thread. No prob, brother. Glad you got the answere you needed. Feel free to ask millions of questions here, I have done the same. You will always find someone who knows the answere. And btw, WELCOME!

 

[mattcat1]

Thanks again Tate. So nice here I may even bring my Kawasaki questions...LOL.

 

[TATE]

Bring em' on. The people here are brilliant. Alot of people here have different bikes as well. You will be surprised at the amount of information here regardless of make/model.

 

[joden515]

Welcome from Western Pennsylvania!