Either way, you are stopping the electrical current. The thumb switch is just there for quick, emergency use without removing one hand from the handlebar. Simple as that.

 

There is always a chance you might forget to tun off the key switch if you walk away. At the kill switch, the headlights are still on...kills the battery.


I think the kill switch is a good secondary device...but isn't necessary.

 

I agree it really makes no difference to the bike, off is off. Having just attended a MSF "Basic Rider Course" so I could get my base stickers I can tell you they preach using the kill switch so you don't have to remove your hand from the bars before the bike is shut down. Its a safety thing.

 

"Failure to use the kill switch could lead to loss of control, resulting in death or serious injury."

 

Don't think my kill switch has been in the stop position on any of my Harleys more than a few times over the course of the last 20 years. I actually use it on the Uly fairly often since it's easier than the key.

 

The bike doesn't care what you use, as previously mentioned the end result is the same with either switch. Most rider training classes stress the kill switch, I think mainly so you are in the habit of useing it should ann emergency arrise.

 

I always wondered why the owners manual says use the kill switch. It's got to be a safety thang............should have known!!

 

What's the diff?????

 

I agree it doesn't really matter either way. I use the kill switch just because that's the way they said do it. Now it's just a habit. How about this though? I think if you use the kill switch and if you're lazy like me then it adds another layer of protection in case you want to run into the convenience store real quick and you don't feel like pulling your key out and locking the ignition switch. You never know when one of those people who are always lazing around outside the store might get a flashback or a wild hair and jump on your bike and takeoff. If the kill switch is on they might not be able to figure it out by the time you look outside and notice something. Most people don't even know what the kill switch is for. Paranoid maybe? Just another reason for the kill switch use. Secretly i wish it had a keyed ignition that the key stays in all the time while the bike is running. You get off and turn off the ignition with the key and then remove it and walk away, too simple.

 

Does it make a difference to the bike? No. Does it make a difference at all? I think so. Its mainly a safety thing. If you ALWAYS use the shut off switch when you want to kill the engine, then it becomes second nature. The best thing about it being second nature is that if something happens and you need to kill the engine in a hurry, you don't even have to think about it or panic, you just do it. If you never use it, in a panic situation, you'll fumble around. Here's the proof...how many times have you ever tried to use the horn, and end up just hitting the left signal instead?