Valet Key?

spacetiger110

Fashionably sensitive, but too cool to care.
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Hey guys,
Yesterday, I decided to ride to work. I couldn't find the key I've always used (I assume the kids got ahold of it because it wasn't where I keep my keys or on my rolling stool or my toolbox). No big deal, grabbed my spare and headed out. I knew I needed gas, and I actually had to switch to reserve to even get out of the driveway. Got to the Wawa up the road, swiped my card, and the key would not open the gas tank.
Is this a thing? Did these bikes come with a spare that won't open the tank the way cars used to come with a valet key that wouldn't open the trunk and glove box? Or is my spare key or maybe my gas cap fucked up?
I'm sure the main key opened it a couple weeks ago when I was checking the fuel level.
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Never heard of a valet key for an XS. I think your spare key is just poorly cut.
 
Hmmm. I did get on my XS1100 with my XS650 key. I started the bike and rode to my destination. Started it again and stopped for gas. Gas cap would not open. Even though the fobs are entirely different, it was then I realized I had the wrong key. I think the '83 key shouldn't even fit in the '80 lock.

My XS650SK came with two keys. Both fit the ignition, helmet/seat lock, fuel tank, and security chain. I know nothing of a valet key. I've had the bike from new.
 
Does your spare have a key code stamped into it? If not, it did not come with the bike and was cut at a latter date.
 
Even though it says "Yamaha" on it, by the shape of the plastic head, I'm pretty sure that's an aftermarket key blank. It looks like it may be cut uneven, not as deep on one side as the other. Even though these keys are 2 sided, only one side does the work. The two sided deal is simply for convenience, so you can insert the key either way. So, maybe try the key flipped around so it's using the cuts on the opposite side, maybe it will work the tank lock that way.
 
So, did you try your other key flipped around? Like I said, it may not be cut deep enough on one side, and that may have been the side you tried.
 
So, did you try your other key flipped around? Like I said, it may not be cut deep enough on one side, and that may have been the side you tried.
I did. Still didn't work. I'm assuming it was just a shotty cut all around. Double checked this one too make sure it wasn't the gas cap and it opened right up.
 
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