Lost Key.

AZBigDog

Member
Title says it all. Key is lost.

Can I buy a key and cylinder and replace the one that's there?

The bike had a cylinder key, not a flat one. Compufire ignition and Thunderheart box under seat. not sure if any of that matters.
 

woodbutcher

Mr. Old Fart member #145
Staff member
previous owner may have changed it to a Sporty key cylinder. might want to check out a nearby H/D dealer.
 

woodbutcher

Mr. Old Fart member #145
Staff member
i was meaning if it is a sporty switch, they may be able to help you out with a replacement key. if not, a new switch & key.
 

bearman

Active Member
not sure if your 04' has the key in the coil cover or not.
If it does, you can replace the key with a switch from Tractor Supply store.
The issue is that the barrel of the switch has to be skinny enough and long enough to fit the coil cover, not many will work in the stock coil cover, but the one from tractor supply (or ebay) that fits an old ford tractor will bolt right in, you just need some spade terminals for the wires.

Tisco Switch Assembly, 8N3679C - Tractor Supply Co.

If you have a modified coil cover then you may have other options. Others here have put all manner of switches on ther Dog but had to have the coil cover machined so the new switch will fit.
 

WhiskeyBent

Member
Just saw on ebay last night that you can pick up a set of factory replacement keys. You just have to get the number off of the top of your ignition (key) cylinder. They have every number of key available and can make you as many as you'd like. Search "big dog motorcycles" on ebay. You might even be able to narrow the search a little more. Thinking about picking up a couple extra myself! Hope this helps!

Crap... Just read your post again... If you don't have the factory BDM cylinder then everything I just said above probably isn't helpful at all. I'm going to leave this up just in case anyone else is looking. Sorry. BUT, if HD is putting numbers on their cylinders it might do you some good to call a Harley dealership with that number?
 

BWG56

Guru
not sure if your 04' has the key in the coil cover or not.
If it does, you can replace the key with a switch from Tractor Supply store.
The issue is that the barrel of the switch has to be skinny enough and long enough to fit the coil cover, not many will work in the stock coil cover, but the one from tractor supply (or ebay) that fits an old ford tractor will bolt right in.

Tisco Switch Assembly, 8N3679C - Tractor Supply Co.

.
I just installed one of these 6 weeks ago:up:
 

BigDogRick

Well-Known Member
I have replaced my key cylinder at least four times. Ultimately with a barrel switch purchased from a common automotive supply. The billet coil cover does prevent a large switch body but a dremel fixes that in a hurry. If defacing the rough cast backside of a billet housing bothers you, then stick with the OEM that has a super short key. I do not remember when the ignition key changed but my 2000 had the recurring issue of being able to fall out of the cylinder when I was not looking. I opted for the new switch and only replaced when it wore out. The barrel keys have not fallen out.
 
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