Best way to turn off your bike

[golfingirl]

Okay. I was reading my owner's manual and it says to always turn off my bike with the ignition switch (not with the kill switch) while my bike is in neutral. It also says to always park my bike in first. Hmmm.

Also, I'm having a tough time coordinating myself to shut off the bike using the ignition switch so I have been using the kill switch while in first then shutting off the ignition and then the fuel line. Am I going to cause any problems by doing this?

 

[Doug]

I've always seen the kill switch as an emergency device. I've heard stories about using the kill switch causing damage to the electronics but haven't been able to substantiate this.
Over the last forty-odd years I've got used to a certain sequence in most things,including,for what it's worth,putting it in neutral,switching off,turning off the fuel,stand down,key out.
I only leave it in gear if I've had to park on a slope.
Just do whatever makes sense to you,it's not carved in stone.

 

[DaveM]

I do it as the book said but I have always done it that way even before we had those books I don't think you should have any issues if you must do it your way that I can actually even think about.

 

[CarlS]

The MSF course teaches you to you use the kill switch so that you know where it is in an emergency. Every Triumph manual I have seen says use the ignition switch and not the kill switch. I have heard the same as Doug, that using the kill switch case of that happening. can mess up the ECU. I know of only one documented case of that happening and it is not for sure the kill switch caused it. Possibly Triumph is concerned about using the kill switch and forgetting to turn off the ignition. The kill switch does not shut off all circuits and leaving the ignition on will drain the battery.

I rode before there were kill switches on anything but race bikes. And I use the kill switch for emergencies only. My sequence with the Bonnie is - neutral, ignition off, fuel off, kickstand down. IF I am parking on on a slope, I put it in 1st gear.

 

[Rocky]

You have already received plenty of good advice so I don't have much to add.
I never use the kill switch, only the key as I don't have any problem reaching the key or co-ordinating my movements.
But with the key and clutch on the same side your left hand can only do one thing at a time so I can understand it being awkward for you until you develop your own system.
In the end do whatever is most comfortable for you.
I always turn off the fuel and leave my bikes in first gear except maybe in my garage which has a flat concrete floor.
Procedures in the owners manuals are carefully worded for the sake of liability, but are not wrong.
That said, I think you should try and get used to shutting down with the key. Finding neutral is pretty easy, holding the front brake, and then switch off the key.

 

[devo]

The only time my bike once refused to start was after one of my boys had put the bike away and used the kill switch to shut it down.It took me a a minute to realise why because I never normally use it.I think of it as an emergency stop.When parking at home in the garage (in the stand),I select neutral and then turn of the key. However,when parking anywhere else,while still in gear and with the clutch in,I simply kick out the side stand which shuts down the motor.I then turn off and pull the key as I dismount.When leaving again,start up is the exact reverse,turn on key,retract sidestand,pull in clutch and start.Easy as.

 

[Sea Dog]

Usually I use the key, however if I find myself in a awkward situation, I'll use the kill switch. Not a bad idea to use the kill switch occasionally, just to make sure you can operate it "automatically" and it tests it, so you know its operating correctly. As the guys say, no hard and fast rules.....do what you are comfortable with....the kill switch is there to be used.

I leave my bike in gear when using the side stand. It will reduce the possibility of the bike being rolled off it. eg If a car gives it a bump or someone sitting on the bike etc.

Hope this helps.

 

[keystiger]

CRAP! Od man out here for sure.......I use the kickstand Pull up, stop drop the stand, engine cuts off and then I turn the key off.......get off the bike take my helmet off and look around for the squid or Harley rider I just left in my dust

Been doing that for .....well years, My Speed3 had the stand cut off as did my Sprint and my Suzuki Katana hmmmm my BMW 650 also......I have been doing that for many many years, doesn't seem to have hurt the electrics of any of them. THese bikes come with "kill" switches you say....interesting.......

 

[DaveM]

Thinking about it now I cannot even recall when last I ever used the kill switch

 

[Silli]

If you don't shave, wash or brush your teeth for a couple of days........ this usually works.

 

[Rocky]

Like devo, a time or two I've accidently bumped the kill switch and wondered why a bike wouldn't start CRY

 

[DaveB]

I always (as in always) stop in first gear with the clutch in and put the sidestand down which stops the motor. I always leave the bike in first gear on the sidestand. I never use the handlebar kill switch.

 

[golfingirl]

I always (as in always) stop in first gear with the clutch in and put the sidestand down which stops the motor. I always leave the bike in first gear on the sidestand. I never use the handlebar kill switch.

I've done that too. Very convenient and that way I always remember to put the stand down. I like this order of things very much. Lotsa slopes in Atlanta and nothing is ever paved flat around here so I prefer to leave my bike in first. What's the difference between using the kill switch and popping the stand? Aren't they both emergency kills really? I just don't want to do any harm to my bike but the 'proper' order of things is counter intuitive to me.

 

[CarlS]

I am not sure what circuits the kickstand switch shuts down as I don't use it unless I am in an awkward position. I would think that as long as you turn the ignition off, it would be OK. I did a little research on using the kill switch and could not find anything definitive for specific bikes. Apparently on some bikes, using the kill switch does not allow the ECU to reset properly.

 

[BludyL]

I would say 90% of the time I use the kick stand, thus only very occasionally do I use the emergency shut off switch or ignition key.

 

[Silli]

The kill switch does not disconnect all circuits. The handbook states it is for emergency use. I often use it on my R3 'cos it enables me to switch off whilst holding both bars, but the ignition switch must be switched off too.

 

[The Seeker]

I thought that red switch labeled Kill Switch was reserved for emergencies only.....like when a cage cut you off and you wanted them dead???


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[keystiger]

No Seeker that is the trigger button for the rocket launcher.......oops, perhaps I have said to much Disregard the last post......

 

[hendo01]

i am a key man

 

[DaveM]

Here we go the electric circuit

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