Well. . .I am not swearing on my life that this is accurate, but this weekend I mentioned to my dealer that I didn't get the infamous brown tab with my key codes on it, and he told me that those are not key codes on the brown tab.
I offer this bit of information only because in case it is accurate I wouldn't want anyone to find this out the hard way. . .
I dunno. . .but I did recently hear my starter is going bald.
Funny. My dealer told me specifically to try to not even use the key with the brown tab as I might misplace it. He suggested I take it home and hang it up someplace as the brown tab is the code for replacement keys. He then went on to write down the code in my owner's manual and in my records they keep there.
I was pondering this on my way to work this morning. I think what he was saying was that it wasn't a standard locksmith code, that's the impression I got anyway. But the more I think about it, I have to wonder if it's a code that Genuine or PGO uses to identify the keys. Although if that's the case, I wonder why they wouldn't just use the VIN. Either way his point was pretty valid, the keys are an odd shape, and by the time you ordered a blank or new key, it would probably take a pretty long time. Possibly too long to be useful.
I'm no locksmith but the Buddy's keys look pretty ordinary to me. Pretty much your basic AC/DC vehicle key with no electronic, anti-theft stuff built in.
If you're nervous about the brown tag, whether it's a key code or not, here's a possible salve for your concern: take your key to your nearest locksmith, Home Depot or Lowes and ask for a copy. If they say they can't do it, you can continue to worry. If they make you a working copy, you're out a few bucks and can sleep again.
Andy
2006 Buddy 125 (orange), going to a good MB home
2009 Vespa 250 GTS (black)
2012 Triumph Tiger 800 (black)
2008 Ducati Hypermotard S, traded for Tiger 800