Ducati red key

[boom boom]

can someone in the know explain the red key situation to me.

I'm getting a different answer from everybody DNA, local dealers , sellers e-bay guys, Ducati.ms etc...

I was looking at a 999 in Fla, went to see it but no red key.
Guy on e-bay is selling "programmable silca kw i7t5 keys" does this replace a red key?
Is the red key only used to program a new black key if both black keys are lost? Or does it allow access to the ECU for upgrades and such???? Is the red key used to clear codes from the gauge cluster....please enlighten me.......

[Ben710]

Keys with transponder



The immobilise keys are not all
identical; specifically there is one red
key and two black keys.
Red key:
- the red key contains the secret
code for programming the
immobilise and allowing the engine
to be started;
- this key is also used for
programming, deleting and
reprogramming the BLACK keys;
- the key head (including the
electronic circuit for transmission
of the stored secret code) can be
removed and fitted to a different
key body if motorcycle locks and
ignition switch are changed;
- it is recommended the red key be
used only for programming the
immobilise system. Use the black
keys to start the engine. Keep the
red key in a safe place.
Black keys:
- the black keys are normally used to
start the engine.
- the key head (including the
electronic circuit transmitting
stored secret code) CANNOT be
removed.
The transponder is fitted inside the
key head and consists of a power
supply circuit, a ROM (Read-Only
Memory) and a transmission circuit.
The transponder is supplied with
power by the magnetic field
generated by the antenna which is
enabled as soon as the instrument
panel is switched on. Since the
transponder is very compact and
needs no external battery power
supply, it is moulded permanently
into the key head.

[motoxxx79]

one quick ammendment to the above response....
the black keys can have the key body removed! you need to remove the ducati emblem sticker, then push out the roll pin to do so. This means, if you can find a dash with a matching red key you are in luck. Use your existing ignition, and just get a few new black keys. I think someone has found a way to disengauage the immobilizer function in the ECUs so that is no longer an issue. What you need to find is a DASH, RED KEY, and the CARD with the matching numbers. With these 3 components, you will be good to go!

[boom boom]

thanks for the quick replies guys...really appreciated

Having said that... would the lack of the red key prevent you from buying?

[motoxxx79]

not if i could source a red key and matching dash. The dash is the same for a 749 or 999, it doesn't matter which one it came off of. Also depends on the price. I would easily deduct $500 from the asking price due to the fact that is the going price for a dash/key set off ebay

[boom boom]

thanx again....clears things up....

[oconnor]

Silverback performance in Minnesota will reflash your ECU to DP specs and remove the immobilizer.

SilverBack-HomePage

[canalroadracing]

Do 1098 / 848s have red keys?

[huit]

No!
paul

[canalroadracing]

Good, because I have one of each, and no red keys....

[oconnor]

Ducati seems to have stopped the practice after hearing from many irate customers faced with replacing expensive components because there is no way to replace the red key. I still find that hard to believe. WM deletes the data after making the keys?