n their early 2000 models (up until recently in 2007/08), Ducati motorcycles came with keys that have a specialized anti-theft device. Similar to RFID (key-fobs, electronic strikes), these keys send a unique signal (each key blank will have it's own unique signal) to the motocycle's computer which are required for operation of the bike using the stock ECU.
Black keys are used to start the bike. When the bike turns on it will read the signal from the black key and a valid signal is required before the bike will start.
Red keys are primarily used to program the ECU to accept new signals. It's false that a red key is required for any service on your bike (unless that service is specifically programming new keys into the stock ECU).
Ducati has moved away from the red key and now only uses key cards on 08 and newer bikes.
