Using kickstand as the kill switch...

[Nalian]

I was directing that more at the OP. I can understand not wanting to forget to put the kickstand down - but the other reason (looking silly trying to start the bike with it off) just seems silly to not get in the habit of using the killswitch when it's there.

That being said I do sometimes just turn it off with the key.

[rapidblue]

2) It might break.

that's like saying don't ever turn on a light for fear of it exploding in an deadly rain of glass shards.

I always just use the key, like I do i a car. I think of the kill switch as only being used in an emergency. Plus, when the key is in the run position all my lights are on, so I have to turn the key anyways. The bike won't start unless the key is in run. So using the killswitch is just an added useless step.

[jonnythan]

that's like saying don't ever turn on a light for fear of it exploding in an deadly rain of glass shards.

I always just use the key, like I do i a car. I think of the kill switch as only being used in an emergency. Plus, when the key is in the run position all my lights are on, so I have to turn the key anyways. The bike won't start unless the key is in run. So using the killswitch is just an added useless step.

Hey, I was just listing the reasons given in response to Mintbread's smartass post.

I use the kill switch.

[Gummiente]

Do you think it'd do any damage to the bike to not use the kill switch?

The sidestand switch was designed to prevent you from starting the bike (and riding off) with the sidestand down. Using it as a kill switch won't damage the bike, but it detracts from its purpose. Better off to use the kill switch itself to shut the motor off, as explained in all CSC and MSF courses. The idea behind using the kill switch is familiarity by repetition - ask any soldier how many times theyve had parade practice and weapons drill and you'll understand the reasoning. It becomes second nature, the same as turning on the fuel tap before starting (if your bike is so equipped) and pulling in the clutch before selecting a gear. If you ever do really need it, your thumb will automatically and instinctively hit the kill switch because you've used it so many times when starting and shutting down the bike. BTW, the use of the kill switch on a fuel injected bike does not affect anything in the circuitry or programming.

If you decide never to use it except in an emergency, then you'll waste time fumbling around for the unfamiliar location of the switch - if you remember it in the first place. Also, if it's never been used before there's a good chance it'll be useless anyway because the contacts have corroded.

[Sev]

My MSF told me not to use the kill switch.

[jonnythan]

My MSF told me not to use the kill switch.

Why not?

[9000white]

1) You might forget to turn it back on before you start the bike.

2) It might break.

3) Using the kickstand instead means you'll never drop your bike cause you forgot to put it down.

i dont think i will forget to put it down.

[t_bonee]

why not just turn the key off like on everything else.i have done this for 50 years and i have never had any problems.

On my bike it is inconvenient to use the key to turn off the bike because it is located underneath the backside of my left leg. I'd have to put the bike in neutral then reach down to turn it off. Just super easy to push the sidestand down to kill it then turn off the key.

[NorthernPete]

I use the kil switch, when the engine is off I flip it back to where its supposed to be... your thumbs allready there....

or I'll use the key, but with it being down and to the front of the frame, I dont like the idea of bending down and being a bit off balance.

the whole kickstand idea doesnt appeal to me, in that I have to keep the bike in gear and release the clutch for it to kill, and that just leaves to many things to go wrong and me to go roaring up on the sidewalk or bink of the curb and fall over.

[ZooTech]

the whole kickstand idea doesnt appeal to me, in that I have to keep the bike in gear and release the clutch for it to kill, and that just leaves to many things to go wrong and me to go roaring up on the sidewalk or bink of the curb and fall over.

Eh? Do you have a Polish motorcycle or something? Why must you release the clutch for it to shut off? Mine simply will not run if it's in gear with the stand down. I use the kickstand 95% of the time.