The owner's Quick Manual says to shut off the engine by turning the key to the off position. It warns to not use red kill button unless in an emergency and "use it with extreme caution especially if the motorcycle is moving at speed". Until now I have been shutting off the engine by using the red button when the motorcycle is stopped, in neutral, and then I turn the key off. I can't see why my normal way of shutting off the bike is bad but the manual says otherwise and I will abide.
Whatever floats your boat man! I think it tends to work however you learned it when you first started riding and/or from an MSF course. Count me as one of those that never, ever uses it and only goes for the key. If, by chance, the red button gets flipped I usually will be confused for a bit trying to figure out why my bike doesn't start. This Safety Nanny device (along with the kick stand switch) are more hassle than they're worth IMO.
I think the key may be a better option regardless of what the manual says. This way you conserve battery because the headlight immediately turns off. On the trail, it is not uncommon to turn the bike off to take pictures or look at a map or gps. Hitting the red kill-switch doesn't turn off the headlight...
One of motorcycling great puzzles, along with: - synthetic or dino - which brand of synthetic or dino - which windshield - which seat - how do I check the oil level - ruglyde, windex, or soapy water When teaching beginning riders here in Oregon, we say use the kill switch, then the key. The idea is that the kill switch can be used without removing your hands from the bars, has a considerably better response time, and that by using it every time it's second nature. So, when your lying on your side and your scarf is caught in your chain pulling you toward the front sprocket you instinctively press the kill switch with your thumb just in time. But, more realistically, whenever you remove one hand from the bar, your no longer able to completely control the bike. When something unexpected happens while your reaching for the key, it's great that the engine is already off. I don't think it's an either or, instead use both. Turn it off using the killswitch immediately followed by the key, every time. It's second nature if your consistent.
I was taught to use the kill-switch as well. The manual alarmed me with its bold-lettered warnings concerning not using the kill-switch except for emergencies. Sounds like this is all personal preference and the person who wrote the manual had their own.
Italian - English translations in motorcycle manuals are often poor, compared to German or Japanese bikes. The kill switch on the TR650 is straight out of the BMW parts bin, and fitted to the G650GS. This is what the G650GS rider manual says about the kill switch. ============================= Emergency off switch (kill switch) Operating the kill switch when riding can cause the rear wheel to lock and thus cause a fall. Do not operate the kill switch when riding. The emergency off switch is a kill switch for switching off the engine quickly and easily. - Switch in normal position: run position - Switch actuated: engine switched off You cannot start the engine unless the kill switch is in the run position. =============================
It seems like it doesn't matter where I stop when I ride the TR. I'm always pointing uphill and the low side is to my right so I'm always putting my right foot down and rolling backwards! After reading all this, I'm going to go back to the kill switch first, then the key using 1st gear to keep me from rolling back. What's the worst that can happen? Power surge to the ECU, loss of all data, no dealer with a MOSS device to reprogram??? That would be just my luck!!! Best regards, Rey.
I often just stop the bike in gear on a hill to stop it rolling when I take a photo. One problem though, on singles, is that I guess if the engine cycle is just past top dead centre, the bike can creep downhill in gear until there is sufficient compression to stop the wheels turning, and on a steep enough hill, with a rider and luggage, the bike can keep wanting to roll even in 1st gear. I think the warning in the manual is that you risk compression lockup, loss of control, crash, bodily injury, etc.
Ok, so no worries about destroying internals? I can't remember if my Terra came with a manual or not. If it did, I never read it.
