TOPIC:

Do I have to replace my lock cyl. or is there a way to have key's made using the vin like with a car?

Contact these guys and give them the number off your lock they can cut you a key. www.key-men.com
I have used them before with good success.

where can I find the number I need?

Check the seat lock it should be stamped right on the chrome face. IIRC in 77 they used a 3 digit code like 753 for example. If you are missing the seat lock you can pull the ignition switch itself out and somewhere you will find a 3 digit number stamped on it.

As noted, the seat lock has a three digit number stamped on its face. Your bike should likely be 7xx or 72x if memory serves. The number probably would tell a locksmith how to cut the key. The key is double sided; that is, it can be put in either way. Most hardware stores will not have the correct blank. Most Kaw dealers will. I think the blank is used on a wide variety of Kaw models and will be made by ILGO. I am pretty sure I have posted the actually blank numbers in the past. If you do a search, you should come up with the number. I don't keep bike keys here in my office to check.

I had to make a new set of keys for my bike, somehow the seat lock only had 3 numbers and that actually was the code for the tank. It didn't work on the ignition or the seat lock, the serial number for that is on the ignition, you'll have to take it out and read off the numbers. Its probably better to get both numbers just to be sure. I brought my ignition lock along to the locksmith as well just to check the key worked.

adri4n, Perhaps you have a foreign model Z500... the three number code on the seat lock on US models IS the ignition key code number. On most US models the key turns the gas tank "lock" but the lock isn't actually keyed... in other words ANY key will open a gas cap lock or you can use a knife blade or screwdriver...

I thought that one key should work for all the locks, but somehow that just wasn't the case for mine. I think mine is a foreign model, I'm in Australia at the moment, not too sure about the type of Z500's that were imported here. Thanks for the info though.

I don't think a Z500 or KZ500 model was ever sold here in the States... I think we got the KZ550. On most KZs, there is an ignition lock, a fork lock, a seat lock and the gas cap which really can't be considered a lock since any key will open it. As far as I know, all locks will be keyed the same on US models.

Remove the switch take it to a competent locksmith and he can make you a key.had to do the same thing myself cost me $15 and tax.

I just went through this today with my 440. All I had to do was bring the numbers that were stamped on the cylinder to a locksmith, and $15 later I was riding again.

I lost my keys several weeks ago, and I couldn't find the number stamped on the cylinder. Then I was planning on bringing the cylinder into the locksmith, and as I started taking things off, the numbers were right there.

I'm not too happy about losing out on a few weeks of great riding weather, but I can't complain about 15 bucks.

the bike seat has no numbers and the ignition numbers start with 9. is that number that starts with 9 all I need?