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[harleync]

This might be a dumb question. But ever since I have been riding motorcycles I have aways turn the kill switch off when I shut down the bike and then turn the ignition switch off. I have notice that some people leave the kill switch on and turn the bike off with the ignition switch. Any thoughts on the correct way to shut the bike down...

[Big-T]

The only purpose that I know of is a safety issue. When you get used to turning the bike off with the kill switch it makes it more automatic to use the kill switch in an emergency. T.

[grc]

The owner's manual tells us to do it your way, by first using the RUN-STOP switch to kill the engine and then turning off the ignition.  I personally never do it that way, and have never experienced an issue caused by my method.  Assuming the ignition switch is of proper capacity and quality, it shouldn't be harmed by shutting it down directly.  The only reason I can think of for using the RUN-STOP switch is to make sure it works properly and to get the rider in the habit of using it, since it's real purpose is safety. 

Jerry

[rbaker]

I do the same, my reasoning is: I check for neutral light, fuel pump light off, the area is clear around the motorcycle.

Just gives me peace of mind.

A condition of employment where I work (phone company) is "Defensive Driving School" and we have to walk around our trucks
to check for hazards before we leave the curb.

 

[Gone Fishin']

This might be a dumb question. But ever since I have been riding motorcycles I have aways turn the kill switch off when I shut down the bike and then turn the ignition switch off. I have notice that some people leave the kill switch on and turn the bike off with the ignition switch. Any thoughts on the correct way to shut the bike down...

Your way is the correct way.

Ride safely,
Louis

[GregKhougaz]

I suggest there are no dumb questions that concern safety...  because there are no "fender benders" on a bike.  Agree, your way is the correct way.   

[Screamin]

I'm trying to think what purpose the kill switch serves. Fall over and the bike shuts off. Heading toward a crash, I'm busy working the brakes and clutch. "Runaway" motor, if such a thing should happen? I guess maybe.

[GregKhougaz]

I think the kill switch was a DOT requirement before bikes had mercury or other "tip" switches to shut off in case of a tip / accident. 

[Screamin]

I think you're right Greg. I occasionally use mine but imagine I'd do just fine w/o it.

[altugo]

I'm trying to think what purpose the kill switch serves. Fall over and the bike shuts off. Heading toward a crash, I'm busy working the brakes and clutch. "Runaway" motor, if such a thing should happen? I guess maybe.

Have you ever been on a bike that was about to catch  fire?

[altugo]

You kill it when any electric circuit starts to smoke or burn while riding.Also handy when a hose from your tank breaks and gas pours on hot engine.You dont want any sparks when that happens while your riding on a highway.It takes less than a second to shut anything electrical if you can remember it.No matter how fast you go it will shut.

[altugo]

Think of Vrod,sportster and dynas if bike starts to smoke somehow while your riding at 90mph you will be burnt by the time you stop and turn it off without a kill switch.

[Fired00d]

I do it this way also and probably is do to the fact that I read it in the owners manual.

 
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 

[Twolanerider]

I'm trying to think what purpose the kill switch serves. Fall over and the bike shuts off. Heading toward a crash, I'm busy working the brakes and clutch. "Runaway" motor, if such a thing should happen? I guess maybe.

The run-away idle or RPM problems that have been occasionally reported with the electronic throttle are an excellent reason to be in the habit of using the kill switch.  If you suddenly find yourself holding on to front brakes it's a good thing for your thumb to know where that switch is.  It's the quickest, fastest and most accessible kill from the saddle.  That's what makes it the safest. 

999.9 times out of a thousand it makes no difference on a touring model with it's readily accessible ignition switch.  But if you don't get in the habit of using the kill switch your thumb won't know where it is during a sudden fluid leak or engine run on. 

[aushog]

Good habit to hit the kill switch, so you don't have to think about it or find it if you ever need to.

I disagree about it being a holdover from the old days.  Sticking cables and carbuerators might no longer be an issue, but the bikes are more complex than ever, and computers fail in strange ways.

My 08 SEUC had a bad cruise control switch.  I was on a rural road doing about 60mph when the cruise engaged all by itself and started accellerating.  I immediately hit the kill switch and pulled in on the clutch.  As the bike slowed, i thought for a couple of seconds, disengaged the cruise switch on the fairing, turned the kill switch back on, and kept on cruising.

Use the kill switch.

And turn the cruise control off if you're not actually using it at the time.