6th Gen OEM bags and their key... What to do?

Ever since I picked up my VFR I've notice some marks on the upper triple tree. Since then I've acquired the OEM hardbags and now I know what the marks are from. It is from the key that goes to the bags when attached to the ignition key as it swings around while riding. I've been trying to come up with a solution to prevent marring the triple clamp and haven't really come up with much.

I can carry the key separately in my pocket but I have a terrible habit of forgetting things when I leave (car or bike) so this won't work. I could carry it in my wallet but that poses the same problem as above since I often forget it. I could also attach the key firmly to the ignition key so that they point opposite directions but I foresee bad things happening with that. Think of it looking something like <======|)(|======>. One end in the ignition with the other pointing straight up. That doesn't sound good either. The only solution that I've come up with is to leave it attached to the ignition key via keyring and slide a length of rubber tubing over the shank of the key to prevent the metal on metal contact.

Anyone else got any bright ideas on how to prevent the key from marring up my triple? I plan on getting one of the CF covers for the triple in the future and sure as hell don't want that all scratched up either.

Thanks!

 

Badbilly had mentioned this recently as a bodywork protector for soft luggage;

Gaffers Tape - Goodbuyguys.com

Hardly elegant, but it could be trimmed to fit. Or maybe these guys;

http://www.snidersproducts.com/

Perhaps one of these is close;

58cycle Parts & Accessories Webstore

Or you could just put a short piece of clear tubing over the key.

 

I would keep it separately and then have a back up key with your registration and stuff under the seat in case you do forget it. That's what I do.

 

If you really want to hide those marks, one option available in Europe from Honda dealers, is a self adhesive carbon look bridge panel cover. You can see what this looks like in the official Honda Accessories booklet here - http://ww1.honda.co.uk/mcstatic/en/product/accessoriesPDF/2009Range/VFR800.pdf Any further marks from the key fob are hidden by the carbon weave pattern. They also sell a matching meter panel cover.

SkiMad4x4
6th Gen Militia # 218

 

Plasti-Dip Spray - Black Red Blue Yellow Clear or White - 11 Oz

Mask off the area below the switch and give it a good coat of Plasti-Dip.

 

So far the tubing is the way to go. All the other solutions provided don't keep the key from scratching anything, even if the the triple is covered. Even if I bought the CF cover it would still scratch the CF up unless covered by something.... which defeats the purpose of the CF. Thanks for the suggestions guys, keep em comin!

 

there are some out on e-bay now.

 

I had the same problem. I always wear my jacket so I just always leave the key in my jacket pocket. That way its always there with you. And it doesnt scratch the tank when u open the gas cap.