Modern Vespa

Maybe a dumb question: Do you turn off the engine on the 250cc with the key or with the kill swich?

I was looking at one today and the owner said that she allways uses the kill swich to turn off the engine, a bit starnge to me but maybe Im wrong.

I always use the key.

The key for sure for the MP3.
If the key is left in the on position, you can inadvertantly unlock the tilt-lock.

Yeah, I´ve even heard that it´s bad for the engine to stop it with the kill swich.

Not necessarily bad for the engine, but will definitely wear your killswitch contacts out. Then, when a true emergency arrives, your killswitch will fail...

Good point there.

Kill switch, then key.

Just key. You want to turn it off, not "kill" it.

https://modernvespa.com/forum/topic49829?highlight=kill+switch

Key for me as well.

Its like deja vu all over again... this has been discussed at length here methinks and clearly folks come down on both sides. I was trained early on to always use the "kill switch" to stop the engine, and always have. Even the TeamOregon trainers here teach that method, the idea being "this is how you stop the engine" so you always use that method, emergency or no. Personally I think keeping the switch in use means it will work when needed (or at least should, Piaggio switch reputation notwithstanding). A typical snap-action contact switch like the kill switch should have a mean-time-between-failure rate in the tens of thousands.

I suppose a good argument could be made for either method of stopping, but I do recognize mjm50cal's comment as having value given the uniqueness and nature of the tilt-lock release being tied into the ignition circuit... I commented on this in gopam's thread on her misfortune recently, specifically to chaos101's post there, and now I gotta think more on it!

Key...for all above stated reasons...

Trained by MSF to use kill switch first. I use a standard operating procedure on all bikes I ride. No different depending on clutch or CVT, etc. One process means ingrained habit.

+1000

Yes, I was trained the same by MSF and it never made sense to me. They also tried to convince me to buy a Harley but that never made sense to me. I don't do either of those. I've read on another thread where someone using the kill switch couldn't get it off kill. Emergencies only for me.

I also was taught in MSF to use the kill (cut off) switch in order to instill "muscle memory".....something my instructor repeated throughout the course. Now, after reading many opinions on the forum from similar posts, Key not Kill switch should be used. To each his own....me thinks Does make sense though, that using the kill switch each turn-off, will kill "IT" that much sooner. Piaggio will love those that do! Wonder how costly the switch is....ou....and the install, If you are not handy

The kill-switch itself is cheap, and it is oh so easy to install. prise the old one out, change over, push new one back in. But it's a bitch when it has given up the ghost because of over-usage. Emergency only we are taught - turn off with key, as then you'll remember to turn that key off AND remove it. Turn off with the kill-switch and one or both of those steps might be forgotten.

Individual choice of course, but I go with the 'pre-empt the human factor' logic.

Just my 2 cents here...

I personally used the kill switch because that is how I've always been trained (including many MCs), but I personaly find on the Piaggio that it is better to use more so BECUASE of the tilt-lock...

With the kill switch I can shut down the engine but still have access to the tilt lock, which means I can "take my time" to square up the bike and not worry about accidentally blipping the throttle or knocking off the tilt lock while reaching for the key and then having to turn the key back on to reset the throttle lock.

Like JimC I have the attitude that the kill switch is a minor component to replace if it fails, and is incredibly simple to clean and even repair if necessary; the key system is definitely not. I also think this is exactly the reason why some folks complain that their kill switch didn't work or wouldn't turn on after being turned off: lack of use on any switch (but especially one that's exposed to the elements) will result in corrosion build up and reduced reliability. I've never had a kill switch reliability issue on any of my MCs, FWIW.

Zang

there is a kill switch?

Read the manual (didn´t have one when I posted this because I didn´t have a MP3 then)

The manual says that your supposed to turn off the engine with the key

MSF teaches students to use the kill switch, this is to help them learn where it is located and how to use it. While on the range riding it lets the instructors know the bike can not be started when parked. After your knowledgable with the proper operation you should revert for use in an emergency situation only. You should also check it for proper operation once a month, just like checking your tire pressure. thats it.

You check your tire pressure every month?

no usually prior to every ride because I don't ride it daily sometimes it may be a week or more . But most should check at least every month.

Key....and take it out....

I am guessing the reason MSF instructors emphasise the kill switch is because most of their riders will be on geared bikes, so using the kill-switch is an efficient way of switching off even if still in gear. This doesn't apply to scooters, and here most of those taking the CBT (our equivalent of MSF) will be on scooters. Just another take on the dichotomy.

+1 jimbo, use the effing ignition on an mp3, mjm50cal is totally right too. You can inadvertanly knock off the suspension lock and drop your baby. It has happened. Anyway, to add, IMHO the kill switch is there in case you dump and need to shut her off quickly. Not for "normal" on and off use.

And yes this has been discussed to death.

Still useful though for new members to read and assess what their personal action should be (rider's choice after all). Unlike the 'what oil should I use' topics, this one does have some safety and security angles.

I have to say, I switch off my GP800 and X9 by using the side stand - both of which have cut-out switches deployed in series with one side of the kill-switch - so in some ways I'm on both sides of the fence!

sounds like your straddling the fence, please take care as you don't want to hurt anything down there, could be painful

My habit has always been to use the key to stop the engine, but as the modern bikes come with kill switches on the kickstands, and as old habits being what they are, I end up killing the engine by putting the kickstand down. Now on my old bikes that don't have kill switches wired to the kickstand, habit is to put kickstand down and turn the key same as with my modern bikes but in this case the engine is still running. My habit is the same as it's been for some time, its the bikes that are changing. 8)

Based on all the comments in this and other threads here regarding key or killswitch I have - at least so far this week - reversed my habit of killswitch before key. When shutting down I now make a point of key off after toggling the tilt-lock, and leave the killswitch untouched. I'll use the killswitch once or twice a month to ensure functionality.

As an aside, I want to add that I have had absolutely no issue with Loretta since she came to live with me in June (with the exception of an early-on and annoying stalling problem and a couple drops of coolant leaked - these have gone away). I read here of lots of folks having issues and I imagine something is bound to occur, but I tend to ride pretty hard when I can and so far she has not let me down!

I'm stubborn...I use the Kill Switch...I will continue to use the Kill Switch. If I drop it because I released the suspension lock, I deserve it for being so clumsy - I always assume I need to be ready to support the weight of the bike, even when locked.

BTW, I have had no negative issues with my bike since picking it up in April '08. Lucky, I guess...I suppose now I am due...

If JimC is on the fence then I figure we are all OK to do as we please on this one.