The Honda Rebel has four separate locks … all utilizing the same key: Ignition, Gas cap, Steering lock pin, and Helmet lock. Many of us have either lost our keys over time or purchased a used bike without them, but almost any locksmith can create a new key for you utilizing the KEY CODE stamped behind your ignition, and it takes just a moment to get to that code.
Locksmith prices generally vary between $20 - $45 for this, but those prices tend to fluctuate from person to person within the same shop, and even from day to day ... so call around to find the best price! Some Honda dealers will also order a new key based on your code, but two of the three I contacted only offered to sell me a new lockset. Far less expensive and quicker to just have a key cut locally. I zipped downtown and had my replacement key less than 20 minutes after first touching a wrench to my ignition. :thumb:
The key code for older generation Rebels is comprised of three characters. (That may still apply for current Rebels as well, since Honda used the same series of codes for more than 20 years.) It begins with a letter, followed by 2 numbers, and is the last 3 digits of a longer identification number stamped into the back of your ignition housing.
To get your ignition code, first unscrew the speedometer cable;
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Next remove the two 8mm bolts holding your ignition plate in place, rolling it and the speedometer away from you and out of the way so you have access to your ignition housing;
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Using a #3 Phillips or JIS Screwdriver, remove the two screws holding your ignition in place; Hey – you’re almost done already!
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Tilt the ignition housing over and remove the plastic, protective plate from the back of it (often you can just hook the edge of your fingernail under it where shown, or just pull back one of its corner tabs to release). This is actually easier from the front of the bike due to short cables.
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Bingo! The arrow shows where the identification number is located on your ignition. Write down the last 3 digits which should be a letter and two numbers.
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Here’s a close-up of the housing showing my number (last two digits are purposely altered in photo). Give this code to your locksmith together with Year and Make of your motorcycle and they can cut a new key for you. One word of caution based on previous experience: Other manufacturers also use the same codes, but their key blank and the number of “cuts” for that code are determined by manufacturer. Be sure your locksmith knows you’re keying a Honda. For example – a Kawasaki owner with a key code of C25 may have four notches. A Honda owner with code C25 may only have three.
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Ahh … great success! Back on the road again with my first-gen Rebel 250 (and I’ve owned it since ’85).
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Final Note: There's also a code printed on that rear cover plate itself ... usually beginning with an "H". This is NOT the ignition key code! Safe riding!
Locksmith prices generally vary between $20 - $45 for this, but those prices tend to fluctuate from person to person within the same shop, and even from day to day ... so call around to find the best price! Some Honda dealers will also order a new key based on your code, but two of the three I contacted only offered to sell me a new lockset. Far less expensive and quicker to just have a key cut locally. I zipped downtown and had my replacement key less than 20 minutes after first touching a wrench to my ignition. :thumb:
The key code for older generation Rebels is comprised of three characters. (That may still apply for current Rebels as well, since Honda used the same series of codes for more than 20 years.) It begins with a letter, followed by 2 numbers, and is the last 3 digits of a longer identification number stamped into the back of your ignition housing.
To get your ignition code, first unscrew the speedometer cable;
