Topic: Kill switch or not

[eigenvector]

I ran into a problem on my BMW this afternoon, where I couldn't start the bike - the start switch/kill switch wouldn't depress.  Now, I managed to manhandle it down sufficiently to start the bike, but it got me thinking as I took it apart tonight.

Do you guys stop your bikes with the kill switch/ignition switch or do you rely on the key alone to do that?

I've always done both, pushed the kill switch, then turned the key off.  But looking at the design of the kill switch on this BMW, it's clear they really don't want you using it except in emergencies.  It is quite possibly the worst design I've ever seen - for something that has been around for decades.

It really pissed me off, a 2014 motorcycle, a 2014 BMW of all things with a defective kill switch? 

[faux fiddy]

I broke a clutch cable today and definitely used it as a rev limiter to pace traffic.  Not sure what I was thinking coasting  about coasting in gear, but I timed the lights pretty good.

I guess if you were pouring gasoline all over the place they might be handy.



I actually did pretty good in traffic, had just replaced the bulbs out of the old parts and  had a working  green light, so  that helped to get it to the shop without stopping in gear.   

[cougar]

Kill switch, YES !!! Take that puppy back to the dealer and make them fix it, PERIOD !   Pitiful 2014 Beemer and already broken            ...cougar...

[eigenvector]

It's definitely going back to the dealer, but once I have some time to do so.  It's not like I can just pop in and have them take care of it on the spot, it will likely be there for a week (pretty busy dealership). 

It just struck me as annoying that something so basic and simple would be designed so badly - like maybe I shouldn't be using it on a regular basis.

[dave500]

with a kill switch you can switch off the engine while still in gear holding the clutch in,like parking on a hill.

[Green1]

I never use my kill switch when some joker pushes it when its parked in town I get as confused as hell.
The starter motor got stuck on on my dads Triumph when I borrowed it once thank god I had a way to kill it.   

[dave500]

the stock honda kill switch wont stop the starter motor cranking,if the solenoid or start button gets stuck itll crank but not fire.