White key

[RykerUSA]

Anyone else think the white key looks a little funky on a black bike? Half tempted to paint it.

[QuasiMotard]

Anyone else think the white key looks a little funky on a black bike? Half tempted the paint it.

Hah, I had the exact same thought. White just doesn't match the aesthetics of the beast. I also don't like the no keyring hole issue. I know that they have the ball mount for your key ring, but it just seems too flimsy to me. I'm just not accustomed to having a watercraft/snowmobile key for a street bike. ;-)

I was thinking about trying a couple of different options on mine:

1. The whole back end of the key (opposite the claw) could be shoved into some heavy-duty heat-shrink tubing (black or whatever color you prefer). Apply a little heat (not too much) and voila... you have a ruggedized black key. The end of the heat-shrink can be cut to your desired length, heated up a bit and then flattened out. Punch a hole in the end of the flat part for your key fob, short lanyard, or whatever else suits your fancy.

2. Wrap the "neck" of the key with some thin, high-strength cordage like Lash-It or Zing-It (Dyneema, Amsteel, etc) to create your own lanyard or whatever to give more girth and purchase to the plastic.

In either of those cases, the lanyard, key fob, or keyring option would need to be low profile and not get snagged by your leg or flap around in the breeze. Both of those options are also reversible if you change your mind.

I'm used to having closed leather fobs on all of my bikes to bind multiple keys together and to keep them from scratching the triple-tree. Ryker owners that opt for the saddlebag/pannier case will also have an extra key to manage... no easy way to keep them together with the current key design.

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QM

[Chupaca]

Many did not like the sheath holder for the spyders and in short order the aftermarket guys came up with a lot of solutions. As for the color....well paint is cheap but there are other ways but I'm not carzy about its location anyway. Not to worry though... I don't have one... :roflblack:

[Bfromla]

Hah, I had the exact same thought. White just doesn't match the aesthetics of the beast. I also don't like the no keyring hole issue. I know that they have the ball mount for your key ring, but it just seems too flimsy to me. I'm just not accustomed to having a watercraft/snowmobile key for a street bike. ;-)

I was thinking about trying a couple of different options on mine:

1. The whole back end of the key (opposite the claw) could be shoved into some heavy-duty heat-shrink tubing (black or whatever color you prefer). Apply a little heat (not too much) and voila... you have a ruggedized black key. The end of the heat-shrink can be cut to your desired length, heated up a bit and then flattened out. Punch a hole in the end of the flat part for your key fob, short lanyard, or whatever else suits your fancy.

2. Wrap the "neck" of the key with some thin, high-strength cordage like Lash-It or Zing-It (Dyneema, Amsteel, etc) to create your own lanyard or whatever to give more girth and purchase to the plastic.

In either of those cases, the lanyard, key fob, or keyring option would need to be low profile and not get snagged by your leg or flap around in the breeze. Both of those options are also reversible if you change your mind.

I'm used to having closed leather fobs on all of my bikes to bind multiple keys together and to keep them from scratching the triple-tree. Ryker owners that opt for the saddlebag/pannier case will also have an extra key to manage... no easy way to keep them together with the current key design.

--
QM
Ryker fob?168948
Good fold of leather stitched together should work nicely, wonder if BRP will offer to new owners again?168949

[watertowerman]

You can take the fob off when it is running. It is needed only to start it. Check the ryker manual.

[RykerUSA]

You're exactly right and that is probly going to be my solution. Is the radio signal of this fob strong enough that you can simply leave it in your pocket and start the byke? I haven't tried that.

[QuasiMotard]

You can take the fob off when it is running. It is needed only to start it. Check the ryker manual.

Yep, I noticed that in the manual. That might become a new habit, just so I don't leave accidentally leave it on the bike. It's just odd to me to use that type of key on a road vehicle. I feel like I'm getting on my SeaDoo GTX, but the plug isn't on the bars and the floatie/tether is missing. ;-) It's just a new habit to learn... I'll adjust.


You're exactly right and that is probly going to be my solution. Is the radio signal of this fob strong enough that you can simply leave it in your pocket and start the byke? I haven't tried that.

That would be ideal, so it behaves similar to any recent keyless automobile. Sadly, I'm not with my Ryker to test the theory. My suspicion is that it is a near-proximity RFID chip that needs to be powered by an inductor/transducer in the post. Automotive keyless fobs are self-powered with a battery and use slightly higher power to operate/communicate up to ~30 feet from the vehicle.

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QM

[RykerUSA]

Well, I just couldn't take it anymore. I painted that white key gloss black and now I can sleep much more comfortably knowing that the key does not stand out like a sore thumb on the side of my tricycle. Life is once again good.

[Easy Rider]

Well, I just couldn't take it anymore. I painted that white key gloss black and now I can sleep much more comfortably knowing that the key does not stand out like a sore thumb on the side of my tricycle. Life is once again good.

If you ever walk away and LEAVE it in the ignition.......because it did NOT stick out like a sore thumb......you might change your mind. :yikes:

[RykerUSA]

I consider that before taking this big step. However, even with the key IN, I don't think anybody could figure out how to start the thing!

[IdahoMtnSpyder]

I don't think anybody could figure out how to start the thing!
Except those who have already stolen one! :roflblack:

[Jester]

I have always used Lamont’s Key knob and no one ever realized it was the actual key!

[IdahoMtnSpyder]

I have always used Lamont’s Key knob and no one ever realized it was the actual key!
You're referring to his In Plain Sight key knob, right? The Ryker doesn't use a key, just a fob that slips over a small plastic knob.

[Tslepebull]

I think I was more surprised about where the key--fob--knob grabber-- etc.. went, than what color it was.

[Nico75]

Hi all painted my key RED to match panels + top of parking brake Nico75

[poli]

Has to be attached to start. Then you can remove it if you want to.