Are Harley keys like Cat keys

[messed up]

Just happened to try keys from boy's 04 sportster and one from either my 86 flh or 84 softail. They both worked in both the ignition and fork locks on my 02 softail. Are these  one key fits all or is there just a lot that overlap and work?

[harleyjt]

As far as I know, the only one-key-fits-all lock is the fuel door on the FLHT bikes.  I have also seen where a key might open a lock due to the high wear of the key and the lock.  Had a friend that could use the same key in 2 different cars, but they were older and the key was very worn.  The cylinder seemed to have some slop as well.  Other than that, I think you just happened to see some overlap.  Maybe you should head to the casino tonight!   
jt

[Wicked]

Must be a fluke between the 02 and the 04. 86 and 84 both had flat keys from the factory so who knows....

[bladerunner]

 Back in 1977 my brother and I both had superglides  . Mine a `77 and his an `80 ?   The keys were exactly the same .
.............bladerunner

[messed up]

These were both round keys maybe they both came off the 04 sportster that my son totaled.
Couldn't remember that the keys on my 1980 bikes were flat but thinking back  you're right. oh well got lots of spare keys.

[rbabos]

Good to know. If someone steals my bike at least I can bs the insurance since I never lock it.
Ron

[truck]

Not a Harley lock but the same as.
U-Lock Bic Pen Trick

[Rags722]

I'm too old to trust my memory and say this is fact, but I seem to recall back in the day with flat keys H-D only had something like 7 key combinations, unlike the auto world that had something like 30.  Odds of finding 2 guys with matching keys were pretty good.  Then again, could just be my mind slipping a notch.

A long time ago when construction equipment all had barrel keys and nothing else did, my B-I-L worked construction and said all CAT's had the exact same key so workers could go from equipment to equipment and just use their personal key.  All the barrel key did was stop kids from starting stuff at night and going for a back hoe ride.

[Billy]

Good to know. If someone steals my bike at least I can bs the insurance since I never lock it.
Ron

So, where do you park that thing?   

[06roadglide]

Good to know. If someone steals my bike at least I can bs the insurance since I never lock it.
Ron

Same here. Except I usually forget the because of my CRS, oh, and the fact that I could care less if it came up missing. I look at it as a good reason for a new one.   

[Tsani]

Doesn't matter, pickup truck with a mattress and a couple of guys = gone.

[rbabos]

Doesn't matter, pickup truck with a mattress and a couple of guys = gone.

True. In the case of my v rod , two bertha women can carry it away.
Ron