[JayJay]

So I feel like an idiot, but ...

If you turn your engine off with the kill switch, be sure to turn the key off and remove it from the ignition before you put the bike under the cover for the day. If you don't you will get a big surprise when you come out to go home. Or rather, you won't get anything when you come out to go home.

Judging by the time that showed on the clock after I jumped it, it lasted about four hours until it went into deep sleep. I don't know how long before that there was sufficient oomph to start it. I'm sure that having the seat heater on didn't help.

Left it overnight on the Battery Tender and it started up fine this morning at about 13.5V.

Original battery, 3-1/2 years old. Probably ready to be replaced anyhow but I doubt that a new battery would have done anything but delay the inevitable.

JayJay

 

[horseiron1]

Yes, that is good advice, but I use the key to turn my bike off.

Thanks

JJ

 

[OU812]

Key, unless it's an emergency.

 

[Gaby]

I also use the key, but now and then I use the kill switch as a test it is still working...

 

[JayJay]

I also use the key, but now and then I use the kill switch as a test it is still working...

Yeah, me too, that's how I got caught - doing something that wasn't normal for me.

JayJay

 

[mcollect]

I rode a Guzzi for years and never used the kill switch, electronics were not there thing. So my question is why use one if not in an emergency. New to BMW's so help me out!

 

[Dann323]

I always use the kill switch. That's what I was told to do during my course. So you can find it quickly in case of emergency. I always put my helmet in the top case and I need my key to open it which prevents me from forgetting it.

 

[kellenbenz]

I must be different...I use the side stand to kill it , then turn the key off.

It helps me avoid the embarrassment of having to pick up the bike due to forgetting the side stand.

On the RT does the headlight not remain on with the key on?

Ron

 

[steveaikens]

No. Engine has to be running for the headlights to be on.

The only place my key stays in the bike is in my garage. I use the sidestand swtich to shut the bike down almost always.

I have never left my key in the ignition on the road.

 

[Gaby]

I must be different...I use the side stand to kill it , then turn the key off.

Besides sometimes using the kill switch as a functional test, I also use the side stand to stop the engine,
but this method is mostly unintended, as is putting the bike in first gear while the side stand is still out
I am happy to say not too many people have already witnessed these "test methods"