I have to give credit to John Bates on this idea.

I myself just turn the key and sometimes forget to remove the f*cker from the ignition.

the switch is there for a reason

I know...  I know...  John Bates pointed out in another thread that creating a habit of using the kill switch is a good idea.

It isnt bad for the bike to constantly just kill the engine with the switch?  (well I guess not since I have one on a leaf blower)

Like MSF always says, "Thumb, key, valve."  Well, in our case, no valve.

Quote from: seaheifer on July 10, 2006, 07:00:11 PM
It isnt bad for the bike to constantly just kill the engine with the switch?  (well I guess not since I have one on a leaf blower)

Not bad.  Both (ignition key switch or kill switch) accomplish the same thing.  They break the power to the ignition ckt.  But you must remember to turn the ignition key off, otherwise the lights will stay on and drain the battery.

SEARCH, N00BCAKE!!!!!!!!!

Haha.... just like the MSF says... use the kill switch, so you don't have to take your hands off the bars..

Quote from: NiceGuysFinishLast on July 10, 2006, 08:36:36 PM
SEARCH, N00BCAKE!!!!!!!!!
Haha.... just like the MSF says... use the kill switch, so you don't have to take your hands off the bars..

I don't know what MSF course you're referring to, but the one in Illinois states to use the key only.  The thumb switch is there more for emergency purposes than to be used as a day-to-day way to shut off the bike.  Not taking your hands off the handlebars?  That's just plain silly.  You're shutting off the bike anyway which implies you're going to get off of it, and that involves.... yup, taking your hands off the bars. 

The downside of using the switch is the potential for forgetting to turn off the key, which could lead to a dead battery or, worse, someone riding off with your bike since you were kind enough to leave the key in it.  The upside is.. well, I'm not sure what the upside is.

Anyway, how a person turns off his own bike is his business and I couldn't care less what method anyone else uses.

Quote from: TheFleshRocket on July 10, 2006, 08:46:03 PM

Quote from: NiceGuysFinishLast on July 10, 2006, 08:36:36 PM
SEARCH, N00BCAKE!!!!!!!!!
Haha.... just like the MSF says... use the kill switch, so you don't have to take your hands off the bars..

I don't know what MSF course you're referring to, .....................

MSF Basic Rider Course Handbook.  In my 2003 year copy it's on page 19.

Section C, Starting and Stopping the Engine

"To stop the engine, move the engine cut-off switch to OFF.  Do this every time so you can reach the switch quickly if you need to.  Turn the ignition switch to OFF. ......"

Kill switch, key then I put the key in my pocket. . . sometimes

man you guys really take your training courses seriously
like john says either will do the job but you have to turn the key off anyway

In one smooth motion, with the bike on the kickstand and the bars at full lock left, I turn the key through the off position and into the lock position.

Yep ... Kill Switch, key to "Lock" position, key in pocket.

I've never been very worried about my bike being stolen, but I have often wondered if using the Kill Switch might actually foil less-intelligent thieves?

For me, I just kick the side stand down which takes care of the motor, then do like Alpha does... ignition straight to lock in one movement just before I jump off

MSF instructor told me to always use the kill switch also.  Said ignition and kill switch may need to be replaced over time due to normal use.  It's cheaper to replace the kill switch.

Plus, I like to clutch it in, kill the engine, and coast to a stop in my desired parking position. Then remove key. Put key in pocket. Remove gear. Spend a minute looking for key. Find key in pocket. Go inside. Come out. Gear up. Realize key is in pocket. Fish around for 2 minutes with gloves on to get key out of tiny key pocket in pants. Woohoo!

Quote from: NiceGuysFinishLast on July 11, 2006, 04:40:47 AM
Plus, I like to clutch it in, kill the engine, and coast to a stop in my desired parking position. Then remove key. Put key in pocket. Remove gear. Spend a minute looking for key. Find key in pocket. Go inside. Come out. Gear up. Realize key is in pocket. Fish around for 2 minutes with gloves on to get key out of tiny key pocket in pants. Woohoo!

You must be my long lost twin brother.

I was taught by MSF to use the kill switcha and it just became my habit.   And yes some of us do take our beginner classes very seriously. But its also just easier to thumb the kill switch with gloves on then reach over and turn the key.

Since I park my bike in neutral (odd since I leave my stick shift cars in 1st gear but thats another thread) when I hit the kickstand it doesn't kill the engine.

I hit the kill switch.  I think keeping both hands on the bars until the engine is killed is a good thing.  It might not do much on the GS, but if your clutch fails or it slips out of your grasp while you're reaching for the key, you might wish you had both hands on the bars.   

Quote from: MarkusN on July 11, 2006, 04:57:45 AM

Quote from: NiceGuysFinishLast on July 11, 2006, 04:40:47 AM
Plus, I like to clutch it in, kill the engine, and coast to a stop in my desired parking position. Then remove key. Put key in pocket. Remove gear. Spend a minute looking for key. Find key in pocket. Go inside. Come out. Gear up. Realize key is in pocket. Fish around for 2 minutes with gloves on to get key out of tiny key pocket in pants. Woohoo!

You must be my long lost twin brother.

Bwahaha.. the clutch in/coast thing? Or the key in the pocket thing?