Kill switch or not?

[turbine_2]

Just when would that be? As you're being spat off? "Ooh, it might be safer if the engine wasn't running as the bike goes down the road! I'll flick the kill switch as I pass it!"

The BMW kill switch appears to be somewhat better designed than some.
When out on the boat we have a tabard that is attached to the pilot, so should the pilot go overboard the engines are stopped immediatly (rather than have a pilotless boat disappearing off into the distance with a pilot now stranded in the middle of nowhere and no means to return to shore other than to swim for it). Works quite well and the GS switch lends itself to that method quite well.

 

[Noddy]

Final word on kill switches.

This guy is pressing it, but it don't matter any more !

 

[Gas'd Off]

He`s probably been hitting it instead of using the key. We have been warned!!

 

[(RIP) maverick]

Can't even remember where the kill switch is, never use it as it is one extra step to confuse me. Hard enough keeping track in which gear I am.....

 

[Vendome 41]

Straight from my Autoelectrician.

Do you own the person in question ?

 

[Cheesy Mike]

Surely the only legitimate use of the kill switch is for kill switch backfires?

Seriously though I never use it in regular riding. I remember the kill switch on my Pegaso was really easy to knock accidentally and it would cause havock if you tried to start the bike (which it wouldn't) if the kill switch was on. Memories of burning plastic insulation live with me to this day.

Mike

 

[Spanish Bob]

Is this something specific to one model of BMW or have the dozen or more that Ive owned been spectacularly resistent given that I always switch the bike off using the switch?


???

 

[Gas'd Off]

Thanks Bob, that`s what I needed to hear!
I`ll not be changing my ways then. :sunshine

 

[y_kiwi]

It's a basic safety issue

For a company that seems pretty committed to safety, this seems like a dumb thing for BMW to recommend. (my dealer in Sth Africa also said don't use the kill switch).

Basically it is much safer to kill the engine while you have both hands on the handle bars. Take one hand off and you add interesting dynamics to the balance equation.

I've always used the side stand or kill switch on my F650's and now this bike. oh - and I've broken several keys through over-use, but never a kill switch..
L

 

[Reprobate]

I always use that kill switch that doubles as a sidestand?