Correct way to turn off the bike

[groundhog]

I can't believe there's a debate about this ? Surely it has to be key every time. As said by others there's no danger of leaving the ignition on, or leaving the key in the bike.

 

[JRE]

I wonder how FredBGG would do it? ::017::





(Too soon?) ::015::

 

[AVGeek]

I use the kill switch, partly because I updated my right side cluster to the 2013 FJR style, with the integrated kill/start switch (long before it made it to the ST line). Since I also usually pull my tank bag, it's when I pull the key, after parking on the center stand and setting the handlebars to full lock right. YMMV

 

[PHX 10]

According to MSF, its good muscle memory to use the red engine shut off switch on the right side of the handlebar to kill the engine. This habit is taught so you will be able to shut the engine down in event of a runaway eng or such emergency. In the 1970's that red switch was mandated on all motorcycles sold in the United states to create a form of standardization so a rider can shut down any eng in a hurry as the switch is at that point always in the same location and always red.

If you ever have taken a gun safety course you will know not to put your finger in the trigger guard until you are ready to fire the gun. It's the same principal, hit the red switch then turn off the key. This habit will make you a safer rider and therefore is the proper way to shut down a motorcycle.
PHX

 

[groundhog]

In the event of an incident where you need to use the kill switch how likely are you to be sat comfortably in your normal riding position ? The switch may be in the same location but in an emergency, the chances are rider would not be ! And if you can't remember where that big red button is then...............

 

[Don in Lodi]

My crash had my right leg pinned beneath the bike, the red switch was right in front of my nose. And no, the tip over switch did not work as advertised.

 

[shrekonwheels]

Dammit, I knew I was going at this all wrong. I have been just laying Fancy on her side (so she can rest!) and then let her choke and gag to stop.

The ten automatically shuts off if you lay her down, no sense acting like the green river killer with modern bikes. ::004::

 

[Ramseybella]

My crash had my right leg pinned beneath the bike, the red switch was right in front of my nose. And no, the tip over switch did not work as advertised.

Happened to me once last time I laid it down on a trail, I was thinking why didn't it shut off like the previous time.

I use the key as I know I will forget it, and the next day your freaking out because your bike won't start because you forgot to put the switch back to on position.
I know a lot of you folks have done this.. ;D

 

[AdvToorer]

Urban legend! This comes up on other forums as well but something has been lost as its been passed from campfire to campfire over the years (many, many years).
No one can ever relate exactly what problem this shutdown method caused. Certainly no problem today.

 

[Nooner]

I mostly use the sidestand switch, it reminds me to put the bike in neutral before putting her up on the centerstand.

 

[PHX 10]

http://www.msgroup.org/Tip.aspx?Num=117

 

[ace50]

I completely agree with the "muscle memory" thought on using the cutoff switch. ::017::

 

[Goldwing]

OMG..........Really

::021::

 

[BravoBravo]

I wonder how FredBGG would do it? ::017::





(Too soon?) ::015::

Now that is funny! I don't care where you're from!

 

[scott123007]

I'm surprised in the 33 replies previous to this, that no one mentioned that the ONLY way to turn off the "bike" is by the ignition switch, as any other method only turns off the engine. Regardless, I, and I'm sure the rest of us, know what the OP meant, but since this board, by and large, banters on and on about the most trivial minutiae, I thought I'd add this final straw.

 

[Magdump]

I prefer gently tugging the plug wire off the spark plug. Works ever time!

Keys and ignitions get worn out with all that on and off, key in and out, stuff method that most people stupidly use. I guess they enjoy replacing worn out ignitions and/or keys ever year! I will have you know that I have not yet had to replace a worn out key or ignition so my method is proven superior.

 

[bigbob]

I thought I'd add this final straw.

Ya right. with this group you thought you had the final?

 

[Mtbjay]

Ride her hard, put her away wet, and don't call her for months on end?

 

[Raptula]

It's been raining so much in South Florida that the bike has not left the garage in several days. No need to worry about the kill switch. I got in the habit of using kill switch from motocross bike. However the true MX guys don't even use that they just stall the bike. Not sure why, but KTM Factory guys do that.

 

[RockyDS]

When I started riding at least the first four bikes I had didn't have kill switches and I never got into the habit of using them, hence I use the key. Same goes for the side stand switch. Of course I did get caught out recently trying to start my dirt bike with the kill switch off when I had inadvertently knocked it into the off position, so I really do need to get into the habit of checking and maybe even using it. ::001::