Locked keys in trunk
- toanogreen
- Posts: 174
- Joined: Sun Mar 06, 2011 6:59 am
- Location: Toano, Va
- Motorcycle: 2007 GL1800 with NAV and ABS, level 3
Previously Owned:
1999 GL1500 Goldwing SE
1989 GL1500 Goldwing
Locked keys in trunk
I just bought a 1800 with the remote fob and all the other bells and whistles. Still trying to figure out everything. Guess what? When you unlock the trunk using the fob and put the keys in the trunk, the trunk is still locked!
You guessed it... I locked the keys in the trunk. I looked through Goldwing docs and didn't find anything on unlocking the 1800 trunk, and didn't know if the 1500 procedure was the same.
So I fiddled around with a screwdriver, worried, and prayed (yes, I'm a minister). Then I remembered I had an old Slim Jim that I used to help people unlock car doors. I slid it in under the trunk latch and pop, it worked. God does answer prayers!
You guessed it... I locked the keys in the trunk. I looked through Goldwing docs and didn't find anything on unlocking the 1800 trunk, and didn't know if the 1500 procedure was the same.
So I fiddled around with a screwdriver, worried, and prayed (yes, I'm a minister). Then I remembered I had an old Slim Jim that I used to help people unlock car doors. I slid it in under the trunk latch and pop, it worked. God does answer prayers!
- Viking
- Posts: 3709
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- Location: North Bay, Ontario, Canada
- Motorcycle: 2009 GL1800 AD
1987 Harley Softail Custom
1974 Harley FLH (sold)
1965 Harley FLHE (sold)
1957 Harley Chopper (sold)
Re: Locked keys in trunk
Good to know. I do not have the remote fob on my key ring. I keep it in my jacket pocket.
- toanogreen
- Posts: 174
- Joined: Sun Mar 06, 2011 6:59 am
- Location: Toano, Va
- Motorcycle: 2007 GL1800 with NAV and ABS, level 3
Previously Owned:
1999 GL1500 Goldwing SE
1989 GL1500 Goldwing
Re: Locked keys in trunk
I never thought about that. Thanks for the idea!
- Steve F
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- Motorcycle: 1976 Honda CB750F Cafe' (sold :>( )
'03 GL1800
DARKSIDE RIDER
Re: Locked keys in trunk
I had a spare key made and keep it in my wallet.
Oh, and here's a little tidbit of info......good 'ol Mother Honda decided they were going to "keep things safe for us" and after unlocking using the remote, the trunk will re-lock in about a minute if you don't start the bike before that. I wish there was a way to bypass that really annoying "feature".
Oh, and here's a little tidbit of info......good 'ol Mother Honda decided they were going to "keep things safe for us" and after unlocking using the remote, the trunk will re-lock in about a minute if you don't start the bike before that. I wish there was a way to bypass that really annoying "feature".
"To ride is the reason, the destination's the excuse."
- Viking
- Posts: 3709
- Joined: Wed Sep 29, 2010 6:59 pm
- Location: North Bay, Ontario, Canada
- Motorcycle: 2009 GL1800 AD
1987 Harley Softail Custom
1974 Harley FLH (sold)
1965 Harley FLHE (sold)
1957 Harley Chopper (sold)
Re: Locked keys in trunk
I think I am going to do that before next riding season. I have never locked my keys in anything, but talking about it tends to bring on the curse, dontcha think? Hahaha.Steve F wrote:I had a spare key made and keep it in my wallet.
- joeincalif
- Posts: 847
- Joined: Sat Nov 22, 2014 10:39 am
- Location: Fresno, Ca
- Motorcycle: 1997 Gold Wing SE
Re: Locked keys in trunk
I always have a spare key but I hide it on the bike. Several places you can hide it without needing a key to get to it. I have taped one to the post black metal bracket that holds the battery in, I have taped one to the top on the inside of a passenger pouch, or just put one in the bottom of the pouch and cover it.

IF YOUR BORN ONCE YOU WILL DIE TWICE
IF YOUR BORN TWICE YOU WILL DIE ONCE
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Re: Locked keys in trunk
I didn't know that a slim jim would work. Valuable info. Thanks. I had that happen once about 75 miles from home and the wifey had to bring the spare. I have read that there is some way to trip it but it may have involved taking off one of the saddlebags, I just can't remember.
- toanogreen
- Posts: 174
- Joined: Sun Mar 06, 2011 6:59 am
- Location: Toano, Va
- Motorcycle: 2007 GL1800 with NAV and ABS, level 3
Previously Owned:
1999 GL1500 Goldwing SE
1989 GL1500 Goldwing
Re: Locked keys in trunk
Probably a good old coat hanger would work as well. I don't plan to have the chance of finding out! Spare key in secret place now.Red Ron wrote:I didn't know that a slim jim would work. Valuable info. Thanks. I had that happen once about 75 miles from home and the wifey had to bring the spare. I have read that there is some way to trip it but it may have involved taking off one of the saddlebags, I just can't remember.
- offcenter
- Posts: 807
- Joined: Sat Sep 22, 2012 2:10 pm
- Location: Lake Hopatcong, New Jersey
- Motorcycle: 99 Gl-1500 SE
76 GL-1000
77 Honda Trail 90
Re: Locked keys in trunk
When I got my bike, it only came with one key.
So the first thing I did was have a couple of spares made.
One hangs on a hook at home and the other is hidden on
the bike....just in case.
So the first thing I did was have a couple of spares made.
One hangs on a hook at home and the other is hidden on
the bike....just in case.
George in Jersey.
99 Goldwing GL-1500 SE
76 Goldwing Gl-1000
77 Honda CT-90 "Trail 90"
99 Goldwing GL-1500 SE
76 Goldwing Gl-1000
77 Honda CT-90 "Trail 90"
- 702scottc
- Posts: 358
- Joined: Tue May 15, 2012 12:12 am
- Location: Las Vegas, Nevada
- Motorcycle: 1980 GL1100 Interstate (sold)
1990 GL1500 Aspencade (sold)
2005 GL1800
Re: Locked keys in trunk
I put a piece of Velcro on my remote and just leave it in the left fairing pocket. Take it with me if I need to lock it up.
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- Posts: 1
- Joined: Mon May 14, 2012 7:12 pm
- Location: Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands
- Motorcycle: 2005 gl1800a
2012 BMW R1200RT "Camhead"
1998 Virago 1100 Special
Re: Locked keys in trunk
The solution I use is I duct tape the spare key and lock fob in the front top of my boot. Many of us use the Sidi type higher boot and the shin protector top part doesn't fit tightly against the shin (at least not me) and I tape it there at the beginning of each trip. I also invested in a "D" clip that I have the working key/fob attached to, and I've made it a habit to hook it in a belt loop of my riding jeans every time I pull the key out of the ignition to the point where it is automatic now.
I'm not going anywhere without the boots on. Very rarely after settling in for the night do I have to go for food on the bike (I use boat shoes or sneakers for dinner walk). I try to avoid that anyway I can as I'm tired, and don't like riding in the dark when I'm spending 10 hours a day on the road for 7-10 days at a clip, just asking for trouble. Plus, 24ozs of ice cold draft bud light is so appealing after the dehydration of riding all day, food is optional. Whoops! I digress....
Scott
I'm not going anywhere without the boots on. Very rarely after settling in for the night do I have to go for food on the bike (I use boat shoes or sneakers for dinner walk). I try to avoid that anyway I can as I'm tired, and don't like riding in the dark when I'm spending 10 hours a day on the road for 7-10 days at a clip, just asking for trouble. Plus, 24ozs of ice cold draft bud light is so appealing after the dehydration of riding all day, food is optional. Whoops! I digress....
Scott
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Re: Locked keys in trunk
Another good place to hide a key is behind the license plate on one of the mounting screws. Somebody has always screw driver.
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- Motorcycle: 1977 GL1000
1981 Gl1100 Interstate
1982 GL1100 Interstate
2006 GL1800
Re: Locked keys in trunk
I also keep my spare key hidden on the bike. I don't carry my FOB and always lock the trunk with the key to avoid problems. I have considered using double face tape and securing the FOB to the top of the passenger storage compartment and just reaching in to push the buttons.
Have Happy and safe New Year
Have Happy and safe New Year
- tovsenr
- Posts: 4
- Joined: Sat Jun 18, 2011 4:08 pm
- Location: Mpls, MN
- Motorcycle: 1978 GL1000, 2003 GL1800
Re: Locked keys in trunk
Here's a device I made out of a coat hanger when a buddy locked his key in his trunk. It went straight up from the release and popped it open.
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- Joined: Sun Dec 07, 2014 1:02 am
- Location: Willows, California
- Motorcycle: 2001 GL1800
Re: Locked keys in trunk
Postby Steve F » Sat Dec 03, 2016 7:25 pm
I had a spare key made and keep it in my wallet.
Oh, and here's a little tidbit of info......good 'ol Mother Honda decided they were going to "keep things safe for us" and after unlocking using the remote, the trunk will re-lock in about a minute if you don't start the bike before that. I wish there was a way to bypass that really annoying "feature".
I found that if you open the truck before it re-locks, it cancels the timer and will stay unlocked.....at least on my 2001.
I had a spare key made and keep it in my wallet.
Oh, and here's a little tidbit of info......good 'ol Mother Honda decided they were going to "keep things safe for us" and after unlocking using the remote, the trunk will re-lock in about a minute if you don't start the bike before that. I wish there was a way to bypass that really annoying "feature".
I found that if you open the truck before it re-locks, it cancels the timer and will stay unlocked.....at least on my 2001.
Re: Locked keys in trunk
Hello everyone!
My solution:
I disconnected the blue wire (+) that powers the trunk actuator.
The connector is located under the trunk.
Locking and unlocking remains in operation with the remote control.
Only the pop-up function is now inactive.
Be sure to check the connector and the color of the wire.
Colors may vary depending on your GoldWing model.
My solution:
I disconnected the blue wire (+) that powers the trunk actuator.
The connector is located under the trunk.
Locking and unlocking remains in operation with the remote control.
Only the pop-up function is now inactive.
Be sure to check the connector and the color of the wire.
Colors may vary depending on your GoldWing model.
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- Posts: 2
- Joined: Thu Apr 30, 2015 4:28 pm
- Location: Central City, PA
- Motorcycle: 1990 Goldwing 1500
Re: Locked keys in trunk
I have flat foot pegs the bottom cover is removed with 2 Allen screws. I keep my key in there. The allen wrenching is kept in my pouch on the dash
- toanogreen
- Posts: 174
- Joined: Sun Mar 06, 2011 6:59 am
- Location: Toano, Va
- Motorcycle: 2007 GL1800 with NAV and ABS, level 3
Previously Owned:
1999 GL1500 Goldwing SE
1989 GL1500 Goldwing
Re: Locked keys in trunk
Wow, no one would ever think to look there! And I hope you don't forget it yourselfMalbo wrote:I have flat foot pegs the bottom cover is removed with 2 Allen screws. I keep my key in there. The allen wrenching is kept in my pouch on the dash

- MikeB
- Posts: 3329
- Joined: Fri Dec 04, 2009 12:54 pm
- Location: Tacoma, WA
- Motorcycle: 1998 - GL1500 Aspencade
184K Miles
2017 - GL1800 Audio Comfort
14K Miles - Contact:
Re: Locked keys in trunk
I think that is a much better idea than disabling one of your convenience systems (trunk opener) to keep anyone from using it.Malbo wrote:I have flat foot pegs the bottom cover is removed with 2 Allen screws. I keep my key in there. The allen wrenching is kept in my pouch on the dash
MikeB
1998 - GL1500 w/184,500 miles ~ 2017 - GL1800 w/13000 miles
USAF Avionics Communications Tech - 1968 - 1986 / Flight Engineer C-130E - C-141B - 1986 - 1992. Retired
Industrial Maintenance Tech - 1992 - 2014
Retired in Tacoma, WA
1998 - GL1500 w/184,500 miles ~ 2017 - GL1800 w/13000 miles
USAF Avionics Communications Tech - 1968 - 1986 / Flight Engineer C-130E - C-141B - 1986 - 1992. Retired
Industrial Maintenance Tech - 1992 - 2014
Retired in Tacoma, WA