Key fob ?

[DonC]

Passive RFID (No Battery): Tags contain a microchip and antenna,, which receive radio waves from a reader, converting this signal into electricity (via inductive coupling) to power the tag. They are maintenance-free, smaller, and cost-effective.

Assuming there is a passive rfid chip and antenna in the plastic key, that would explain it. I know mine didn’t activate the system unless the key was inserted in the ring antenna. I’m going to try laying the spare key on the ring antenna again and see if it works that way. But thanks for the info, that’s something I hadn’t thought of, so I appologize for my scepticism.

 

[Cu Dubh]

The BMW manual (I trust the info there more than AI) says the spare key “must be inserted “ ( in bold letters) to start the bike - I’m still waiting to be enlightened about how a plain plastic key with no electronics transmits to the ring antenna - but hey, if yours does, good on ya.

And I trust my OBJECTIVE direct personal experience more than either.

 

[DonC]

And I trust my OBJECTIVE direct personal experience more than either.

I just got educated as to rfid and that would explain it, - learning something new everyday

 

[Cu Dubh]

I just got educated as to rfid and that would explain it, - learning something new everyday

I agree with you on the learning! Once I stop learning, I stop fully living.
I hope you enjoy the R18. It's a great ride and, even with a few flaws, well worth it.

 

[BAD MIKE USA]

View attachment 20169

I can say that I have done this with my 2021 classic. It sounds awkward but is surprisingly easy and it works.