Understanding Harley Davidson Tubular Locks And How To Get Replacement Keys

Many Harley Davidson motorcycles use tubular locks and keys, and have since 1993. Tubular locks are called tubular because the pins used in the lock are lined up around a circle, and the key blade inserted into the lock to operate the lock is round to match the location of the pins. Each lock contains 7 pins with 7 cuts in the key. There are 7 different pin lengths used in Harley Davidson tubular locks with 7 possible cut depths for each cut in the key. Knowing which cut to use in each position on the key can be difficult for Harley Davidson owners because only Harley Davidson can decode their tubular lock key codes.

The easiest way for a Harley Davidson owner to get a replacement tubular key in a all-keys-lost situation is to take your key code to a Harley Davidson dealership and get a new key from them. Locksmiths and key shops can't decode Harley Davidson key codes because the Motor Co. won't make their key code information public. However, there is a work around.

Accessory locks used on Harley Davidson motorcycles such as the saddle bags can be easily removed, disassembled, and the lock pin lengths recorded for each pin in the lock. With this information you can determine the depth for each cut in the key, and any locksmith or key shop that cuts tubular keys can use this information to make a key for you. See video.

One thing a Harley Davidson owner can do to protect themselves from a all-keys-lost situation to have your tubular key duplicated, and those keys stored in a safe place. This can save you a headache if you do, in fact, lose your keys.