Should you buy a motorcycle equipped with a smart key system?

With the introduction of Smartkey locks on its mid-range models such as the Lead, Vision, and AirBlade, it's clear that the trend for two-wheeled vehicles in Vietnam is gradually shifting toward smart locks, replacing the outdated and less secure traditional key locks.

However, when compared to the Smartkey systems found on high-end models like the Honda SH, PCX, or Vario, the Smartkey on mid-range bikes is considered to be somewhat less “smart.”

As a result, many people wonder whether they should buy a mid-range vehicle that comes equipped with a basic Smartkey system, or opt for a model with a traditional key and later upgrade to a more advanced Smartkey system like those found on premium models.

1. Can Smartkey locks be broken into?

Since its introduction, the Smartkey system has significantly reduced the number of motorcycle thefts. Thanks to its intelligent recognition mechanism, if a thief doesn’t possess the remote FOB, they cannot start or take the vehicle.

In theory, it’s possible to use signal-capturing devices to detect and mimic the remote's frequency. However, in practice, such devices are expensive, complicated to use, and time-consuming. So far, reported cases of Smartkey-equipped vehicles being stolen are very rare and usually happen when the owner forgets to turn off the system or loses the remote FOB.

2. Types of Smartkey systems

Currently, Honda offers two types of Smartkey systems: a full-featured version for premium scooter models, and a simplified version for mid-range models.

The main difference is that the Smartkey systems on mid-range bikes (Lead, AirBlade, Vision) lack the sound alert feature found on the full-featured systems.

Additionally, there are slight differences in how each type of Smartkey is operated. If you're considering purchasing a Smartkey-equipped bike, it’s worth researching these differences in advance.

This lack of features is one of the main reasons why many consumers prefer to buy a model with a traditional key lock and then upgrade to a full-option Smartkey system afterward.

As Honda’s main competitor, Yamaha has also quickly adopted the smart lock trend. However, Yamaha’s Smartkey systems are only available pre-installed on genuine new models, meaning you can’t buy or retrofit them separately.

In contrast, Honda’s Smartkey systems are widely available for aftermarket installation and can be used on various types of motorcycles—both scooters and manual bikes, even from other brands. This is why aftermarket Smartkey installations often use Honda’s rotary knob design.

3. Should you add an anti-theft or anti-hijack feature to Honda’s Smartkey?

Some Honda dealerships and Smartkey installation shops offer additional anti-hijack features. As mentioned, this function is designed for emergency situations, where the vehicle owner may be attacked and unable to manually turn off the bike.

However, a critical note is that all current anti-hijack systems rely on wireless signals. Specifically, if the bike does not receive a signal from the remote (i.e., if the remote is out of range), the engine will shut off automatically.

Because the system relies on wireless signals, issues may arise in areas with interference or weak signals—such as airports, broadcasting stations, or areas with many radio waves. Therefore, you should carefully consider your living and commuting environment before adding this feature and get proper advice on how it works.

4. Should you buy a Smartkey-equipped bike?

The answer is definitely YES, especially since motorcycle theft continues to be a serious concern. Many owners have successfully protected their property thanks to anti-theft lock systems.

Therefore, if you’re making a choice, go with a vehicle that already comes equipped with an official Smartkey system. Some Honda models that support Smartkey include the SH, SH Mode, PCX, Vision, Lead, Air Blade, and Vario.

We hope this article provides helpful information for you!

Thank you for reading!