An Italian bike manufacturer pioneering bike electronics is always a scary thought. Think they should concentrate on either fixing what they have, or making what they have more robust. Fix for four way flashing anyone ?
I don't need to use those keys,but as it started to rain heavily I decided to move those electronic remote control keys into my waterproof inner Rukka pockets, I unzipped zips,but they weren't pocket zips,only the winter lining zips, put those keys into what I thought was my pocket,but was infact in between winter and jacket linings,so,they fell out as I mounted the bike and rode of.I was able to start the bike as the key was on me at that time. Just like Phantom fighter I have also left the keys there too! Never happened with my ST4, maybe it's also the senility factor as we need to move from sports bike riding positions to multi type positions as age catches up with old injuries etc? Only kidding!
Without being doom and gloom, I also have started to wonder why I choose to cram the pockets of my leathers with items that are guaranteed to cause the most harm in an off. I have a smartphone which would probably splinter into glass fractures and perform the initial incisions. Then I'd follow that up with the keys to drive a nice metal fragment(s) through the underlying flesh. Top that off with coins, credit cards and the like - all nicely rammed inside my D30. I have the Kriega waist pack which I must start using, for safety if nothing else.
Why bother for a few quid extra you can get the genuine Ducati Black key blank from any Ducati Dealer.
Just goes to show what a waste of time keyless ignition is ! Another gimmick for the showroom. First thing I did was get a blank key cut. Problem I have is if I ride the Mutley for a few weeks then jump onto my FJR, stop for a cuppa and walk off leaving the keys in the ignition. Oops.
Pete, surely that is operator error, not the fault of the bike. A bit like driving a diesel car all week and then filling up your wifes petrol car with diesel at the weekend Keyless ignition is just fine, as is the keyless filler. The only reason I have a spare key is so the wife can get her handbag out of the top box without disturbing me while I'm talking bollox with the other guys, or getting in the panniers while I'm in the bar Count, I spread the stuff about. House keys in trouser pocket, phone in one jacket pocket, bike key in the other. Nothing is big enough to do any serious harm. If you got hit by something able to push a key into you or fold your phone in half, chances are whatever it was has made a mess of you anyway.
If it was a 'gimmick', that would mean it would be dropped for future models of Ducati and other makes, never to be seen again. Whereas I suspect electronic transponder keys are actually here to stay, and will eventually become universal on all models. The details of the designs will change as technology develops and new ideas are invented, of course. But I really do not believe all bikes will go back to traditional metal keys, keyholes, and mechanical locks as in days of yore. Do you?
Good point re carrying stuff about your person..............but a crammed waist pack could still be the cause of harm ;-) Ruck sacks with anything solid in are a real no no as well - I knew a guy who had an off with very minor injuries...........apart from a broken back!....caused by the contents of the ruck sack he had on!! (can't remember what he was carrying now....it was a few years ago). I designed my own rear rack around a steel plate so I can use either of the small or medium size magnetic tank bags I have had for years.....
I think I need to utilise things like the cubby box thing which has been empty forever. Maybe the Kriega waist pack or even just the neat wallet they do which I use for touring duties. I agree with @Pete1950 in that the keyless systems are here to stay, do improve things and we are just early adopters working out the quirks. The next gen MTS will, I'd guess, be totally keyless for seat, fuel, panniers and pizza box which will be a lot easier. A credit card transponder in the wallet and no key would be neat.
I'm afraid you are probably right. My FJR has a coded key for security, its sealed so is waterproof and the one key does all you need from starting to fuelling and locking / unlocking panniers. Its also smaller and lighter than the Ducati key. The key does not require batteries and there is no need of emergency start procedures with PIN codes. Both approaches work but the keyless approach is more complicated with more to go wrong. Sorry but where is the benefit. Bear in mind I'm a grumpy old git.
There are benefits: Firstly, no chance of walking off and leaving the key on the bike. At any point in Box Hill car park, I could ride off on at least half a dozen bikes on most Sundays. The physical key locks are easy to force or bypass, the transponder is an immobiliser as well. I find the ease of use way more benefit than I thought I would - just turn up near the bike and you're good to go. I wish I'd gone for the fuel cap as well now. There is probably a design benefit, the lack of a key jangling around causes less crap flying around the front of the bike and let's be honest, it's a bit cool. Of course, you can be a grumpy old git but it is the future. We are probably the last generation to enjoy polluting big engined bikes so I can imagine your chagrin when the hybrid litre bikes are the only option with silent running.
Low Battery Key thread reminds me I better take a spare battery with me when I go to Germany. This is what pisses me off. Still a great bike.
There is no need to take a spare battery. Read the manual. Just place the key on the nose of the bike at the bottom of the screen, and it will work passively the same as the red key does. Count, how's this sound. You buy the keyless filler and I will fit it for you, for free. Done in an evening, easily.
The problem with a transponder key on a modern bike, car or truck is that there is no way you will get it started without the physical key being in or around the keyhole, this means you are stuffed if you are a long way from home without your spare if you lose your key. Like you I am suspicious of the technology but do like the advantage of the PIN number function although cars with keyless don't have this, my wife's golf doesn't even have a slot in the door to put a key in, god knows how you would get in it Iftar battery went flat. I think I just lost my own argument
Let's face it, when the key first arrived for motorbikes, there was probably some old fart telling tales of gloom on how keys break in locks and get lost and then you can't start the bike any more. I'm pretty sure modern electronics are fine, even with a Ducati design in play. The override with the PIN is a backup and if I was stuck with no key, no fuel etc. etc. then it's time to take a moment and not carry on with my Long Way Down weekend away.
Good idea poorly implemented, your either Keyless or your not. Anywhere in between negates the concept.
