Topic: Kill switch or key?

[Peterengland]

As I drive cars for a living I am used to switching them off with the key and I have been doing the same with my 550. Just recently I have been using the kill switch but I have no idea why! Is there some reason the kill should be used instead of the key? ( a couple of times I have tried to start the bike with the kill still off and felt a right muppet)

[750K]

Using the kill switch is good habbit, if you need it in an emergency stituation it's second nature. Depending on where your key is located you might not be able to reach it if you go down and your bike is on top of you, kill switch is right there. Get used to using it, it's a good thing to have.

[LesterPiglet]

I always use the key. It is an "emergency" kill switch. Use which ever way you prefer.

[evanphi]

I got in the habit of using the key. Park. Put into neutral. Turn off key with left hand. That also helps me remember my key so I don't drain the battery.

[Duanob]

You know in retrospect it's probably a good idea to use the key since kill switches at 35 to 40 years old get brittle and go bad. Plus the controls are expensive to replace. I've had to replace 2 of them so far on 2 bikes and would prefer not to spend $100 a pop. I think I might just use the key from now on unless someone can come up with a really good reason not to?

[Deltarider]

I think I might just use the key from now on unless someone can come up with a really good reason not to?

I prefer to use the key with one exception. My key is the old style located under the tank and when you turn the ignition off whilst still riding, key can fall sideways out of it's lock. It happened to me once in Normandy when I was decending a meadow with hay on it towards the spot near the clif were I camped out wild. Luckily, I did find the key.