Cut-out switch or key?

[thehairysmite...]

Probably a stupid question, but whats the difference in switching off the engine using the switch versus turning the key?

I've read differences of opinion online. I usually turn my off using the switch then take the key out. Is it pointless or beneficial?

[MarJay]

[Monkeywrenche...]

[.Bishbash.]

Key, kill switches can fail if overused.
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Current bike - GSX-R1000 k8

[WD Forte]

Kill switches are located near the riders hand for quickly stopping the engine.
Sometimes in the event of an emergency, but sometimes for convenience if say you still want
to use the lights indicators and stuff.
The ignition switch is the main power switch and in most cases turns on/off all power to the bike.

there are two main types
1
12v ignition bikes use the switches in series so ignition on and and kill switch closed (Run) allows
power to the ignition and the engine to run and vice versa.
2
Many AC CDI powered bikes have the switches open to run and stop the motor by shorting source coil output to ground
so the igntion and kill switches are in parallel where either can do this.

the switches on DC CDI bikes will probably work as in case 1.

Which one to use?
It's up to you depending on circumstances.
'You re not supposed to' or 'it might wear out' is nonsense as long as the switch equipment
is fit for purpose.
If your bikes got a cheap shit kill switch, it probably has cheap shit ignition switch too.
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bikers smell of wee

[The Shaggy D.A.]

If I use the kill switch I can keep the lights on in the garage, however I kill the engine with the decompressor
____________________
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Currently : Royal Enfield 350 Meteor
Previously : CB100N > CB250RS > XJ900F > GT550 > GPZ750R/1000RX > AJS M16 > R100RT > Bullet 500 > CB500 > LS650P > Bullet Electra X & YBR125 > Bullet 350 "Superstar" & YBR125 Custom > Royal Enfield Classic 500 Despatch Limited Edition (28 of 200) & CB Two-Fifty Nighthawk > ER5

[G]

Seen a lot more failed ignition barrels than kill switches ☺.

[Undinist]

The myth that a kill switch is best left alone is dangerous bollocks. If you never use it, it's more likely to corrode, and when you or a passer-by really need it after an accident it won't work. MarJay, where did you get the idea that some kill switches are designed to give up? Are they built to different quality standards than an indicator switch which is used thousands of times a year?
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Current bike: K1100RS. Previous: CD200, GSX250, GT550, VFR750, K100LT, K1100LT, R1100GS, R1150GS, ZZR1100, Hayabusa, RSV Mille, MV F4 750S, R1, ZX-10, KTM Adventure 950S

[rubyhorse2]

always just use the key, not for any particular reason, just seems logical.

[MarJay]

[Rogerborg]

I'd assume it's Tefanecdotal bollocks.

[P.addy]

Always killswitch, such backfire, very pop.

[blue_painted]

Always the key.

No practical reason other than a vague belief that the kill switch is an emergency device and the side-stand switch (soon to be removed) is a safety device ... whereas the purpose of the ignition switch is to switch the ignition.

I've been told that it's kinder to an engine to stop it by fuel exhaustion rather than removing ignition but that might just be for aero engines and isn't really an option.
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GP-100 -> CB250RS -> CBX550F2 (pause) KR1S -> RD350YPVS -> ZX6-R (pause) CD200 ->Mash 400 -> T100 (current) & (R1100RT scrapped pile o' shite) (CB250 Nighthawk - SORN in shed) Meteor 350 (current)

[mudcow007]

kill switch for me

[Undinist]

[weasley]

I was also taught "killswitch only in emergencies" and being a car driver I always tended to use the key anyway. However now I tend to use the killswitch, largely because I have an alarm/immobiliser and when I switch the ignition off the clock is ticking before it arms. So I stop the engine with the kill switch and then manouevre and faff at my leisure, then take the key out when I am going to walk away from the bike.

Oh how I laugh when I go to start it the next time and nothing happens.

Every.

Fucking.

Time.


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Yamaha XJ600 | Yamaha YZF600R Thundercat | KTM 990 SMT | BMW F900XR TE

[chickenstrip]

Surely they're all just switches, so whichever you use most, wears out first? Never worn any out myself though. I usually use the key to switch off, always have done.
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[monkeybiker]

I've heard this whole kill switch thing too and when you stop and think about it..it don't make no sense. Tuning the key or hitting the kill switch how is it any different?

I've been flicking the kill switch for years and it's been fine. One benefit is it switches off the engine but the headlight stays on so I can see the garage lock late at night.

[The Shaggy D.A.]

[monkeybiker]

[wednesday]

um... neither, I just whack the side stand down when its in gear. In my defence its not my bike its a training school one. If it were mine I like to think I'd use the key but that will probably last about a week

[Lone-Wolf]

[UnknownStuntm...]

[monkeybiker]

[Fladdem]

I just throw the bike down on its side until it stops running. Works for me.
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Current:1991 Honda MT50 (Soon to be a H100/MTX/MT5 hybrid), 1976 Honda Cub C70, 2005 Honda Varadero 125, 1993 Yamaha TTR250 Open Enduro , 2010 Road Legal Stomp YX140, 1994 Honda CRM 250 MK III, 1999 Cagiva Mito 125, 1992 Honda CB400 Super Four, Stomp T4 230, 1984 Honda H100s, 2009 Sym XS125K
Past:2003 Aprilia RS125, 1982 Kawasaki GPZ550(FREE BIKE!)
I'm having more fun than a well-oiled midget.