Are you?

One of those that turn your bike off with the key, or the kill switch and once parked, do you leave it in gear or neutral?

 

Key, neutral on centerstand, in gear with side stand

 

Key on side stand in neutral...if you accidentally leave the key on while the kill switch is deactivated, all the electronics will drain your battery. I think the key is just safer.

 

I use the key when leaving the bike on level ground whether I use the side or center stand. If parking on a hill and leaving the bike in gear, I just put the sidestand down, which kills the engine.

 

Key, neutral.

 

key, in gear, mainly just old habit because the kill switch on my quad never worked!

 

Kill switch, neutral.
Reason for kill switch instead of key? Have always used kill switch. When I was getting my learners permit, the trainer said that it's a good idea to get used to using the kill switch so that it's automatic, in case something goes wrong and you need to shut the bike down really fast. Reflex action with the kill switch. I'm sure I'll get flamed, haha... :flame::flame::flame::flame::flame:

 

kill switch key lock steering side stand in first so it will not roll then look at it for few seconds and wished my ride was starting and not ending.

 

Clutch held in, bike into 1st Gear, side stand down, Key to off, clutch let out, dis-mount. I always keep my bike in 1st gear when I'm shutting her down, I know there's nothing wrong with nuetral while off, but I'm afraid that somehow she could roll, and hurt herself, so to mitigate that I keep her in 1st.

 

I use the key only. Parked: in neutral, mostly on the side stand with steering locked. Not too many hills / inclines to worry about in the Phoenix/Metro area.

 

Key off, neutral. I almost ALWAYS put my bike on the centerstand, so being in gear is pointless...

If I choose to use the sidestand, I'll kill the engine by putting it down while in gear. But I'll only use the sidestand on level ground.

Luckily, here at work, there is a 45' x 2' x 1/4" plate of steel on the ground and a bunch of curbing for a motorcycle specific parking area. I always use my sidestand at work becuase everyone else does... It would look silly if it was the only bike on it's centerstand...

 

Key in neutral unless on a hill.

 

I had the same instruction....

I have to admit though I have done the "Leave key on" for just a littlebit too long once..... :frown:

I tend to leave it in gear though... I've always driven standard cars and thus I have always left vehicles in gear as a habit....

 

LOL I only use the kill switch when riding in groups at stop lights on other folks bike :evil:

 

your right,

Properly & Safely is 1. kill switch, 2. neutral, then key switch.

Reason is you should work the controls closest to your hands, that way if something goes wrong, you can react faster :wink:

 

The manual for the 5th gen says use the key. That's what I do.

 

Ditto!!!!!

 

That's exactly how I got used to using the kill switch :flame: Nothing like being a noob, nervous as hell, in traffic, and having your buddy hit your kill switch and ride off.

Back on topic - I use the kill switch and leave it in gear.

Action