Does it really matter how I turn off the bike?

[Bed Headed FREAK]

Have a buddy that insists that the only way you should be shutting down the bike is to hit the kill switch as per the manual (then he forgets to shut off the ignition on occasion). I rarely use the kill switch and just shut her down with the ignition switch. What's the big deal?

[deaththekid]

Consensus is to use the kill switch first then turn off the ignition.

(But I never use the kill switch.)

[turner25]

I just leave it in gear and pop the clutch, works like a charm........
















































J/K LOL

[sportegirl7]

I never use the kill switch. I just turn it off. Never had a problem.

[David John]

Never tried the kill switch yet. I guess I should see if it even works.

[Jino D]

No big deal.
I always use the big ugly obnoxious Ignition/Headlamp Key Switch.
Turning your bike off with the Engine Off/Run Switch with your thumb first might make you more manly and sophisticated, but I've never heard of anyone having a problem just using the Ignition/Headlamp Key Switch.
If HD says to use the switch by your thumb first , maybe they hope you'll forget the main switch and kill your battery and they can sell more batteries.

CMIIW

[♥katie]

Do whatever you are comfortable with.
Either way accomplishes the same thing.......the motor shuts off!

[Roddy]

Where on earth do these questions come from? I mean really, your just shutting off the motor, what could be different about it? spark stops, pistons quit moving, no more Vrooom Vrooom.

[stop!!!!]

If you don't use the kill switch then you will void your warranty

[SteveDenver]

It doesn't make a bit of difference.

I leave my bike in gear when I park it, so it's easiest just to hit the kill switch. Of course, then you have to remember to turn off the ignition switch.