Side stand as shut-off

I've been using the side stand as a shut off (down while the bike is in gear) on my GS LC. i've asked a couple of techs and have gotten very different responses "no problem, doesn't hurt anything", "don't do it, it use the key". I'm liking my system because it leaves the bike in 1st and more secure. Any input on this issue would be appreciated

I've been doing that on the last 8 BMW's I've owned. I think it's the safest way to park a bike, period!
3 R1200GS's
2 HP2's
2 S1000's
G650X

Never had a problem with any of them.

Cheers,
Schlim66

Some pretty fine references

Since you put the sidestand down every time you park I fail to see the harm in it. It is not like the kill switch.

I use it often on my bike as well.

A great idea and much more intelligent than using kill switch.

I don't see the harm but handle bar switch gear can be pretty flakey at best and if not used can be really flakey if not used often enough. The KILL switch is a good thing to know is working if needed. If it doesn't work and your laying under your 500 lb crashed bike and the back tire is sawing your leg off you're REALLY gonna wish that the kill switch would have worked. I would at least use the kill switch often enough you know you can count on it.

Thread ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~>

I usually us the side stand shut down method when I park my bikes, been doing if for years and never had an issue, except.....
....
...
when I then forget to turn off the key and run down the battery!
Good thing I always carry jumper cables.

Paul

I must be old school because I never would even consider to use the sidestand kill OR the handlebar mounted kill button. I reach up and turn the key off, then pull the key out of the ignition, thereby ensuring I have the key out of the bike and in my pocket with all the electrics off. Seems to be more goof-proof than the other shut-off methods.

I've always used the sidestand on both bikes. I have admittedly walked off without the key, but only a couple times the last decade.

This sorta made sense except that the key is 4" away from the kill switch, can also save your leg.
Really, I don't understand the need for a kill switch at all. :huh

Always good to get some consensus on the answer you were hoping for. Thanks all

I have always used the kill switch to shut off the engine. Reason is, if I were to need to shut off the engine for some emergency reason, I would instinctively go to the kill switch.

Sometimes I coast down the last 50 feet of my drive into the garage after turning the engine off, leaving the engine turning in gear then declutch as I come to a stop in the garage.

I typically use the sidestand when I need to keep the bike in gear and hold the brake. No hand left to turn the key, and it is easier than balancing on one toe to free up a hand and use the foot brake. Tall people may not have this issue.

But you are old, and instinct is all you have left. Your memory is long gone!

I always use the sidestand but don't see where it would matter much with any of the methods mentioned.

Do what you like and feel comfortable with

I use the side stand to cut the engine so I know it is safe to get off the bike.
Learned that from my bro in law with an LT.
850 LBS & trying to get off the bike without the side stand down could cause an embarrassing moment!

I always disconnect the side stand switch it drives me crazy with all these safety needs.

This!!

when offroading , will usually kill the bike with the sidestand , whilst in gear.

more secure

Some earlier posts implied there is something wrong with using the kill switch. What would that be?