Bonneville America Forums Forums Off Topic Discussion Forums Lounge Arrrrrrrgggggghhhhhh!!!!!

I always pocket my keys, too. Lifelong habit, and I don't often lose or misplace things.

For the first year or more I always used the kill switch - being my first bike and not knowing any better. I seemed to usually remember to shut off the ignition too, but after removing helmet, gloves and such, did find myself more than once walking off and leaving the key in the ignition. Still do that sometimes.

It was suggested by a riding buddy that I use the key to kill the engine, as the kill switch could easily wear out, so I have used the ignition switch ever since. Have another buddy that left his on and ran his battery down too - on his America.

Why wouldn't the ignition (key) switch wear out just as easily as the kill switch? I don't know. It probably will / certainly could.

I still occasionally leave the key in the switch, but at least I know it's off.