Ask 10 people this question, and 5 will do it one way, 4 will do it the other and the last one will say "what handlebar switch"

 

Both.
Ignition switch then the kill switch. Just what I always do. No particular reason why.
Ratkiller

 

Just depends on my mood and the situation. I use both, but usually its the ignition switch. I know what the manual says, but.......works either way.

 

The kill switch is redundant in a modern motorcycle.

 

I used it on my 98 wide glide from 98 to 2010 never a problem. On my 10 street glide I use the kill switch.
I had read that earlier bikes if the throttle was open when shut off it set that as zero. So I think many started using the ignition so the hand was not on throttle when turning off.

 

I leave both switches on all the time so they won't go bad, I just remove my seat and disconnect the negative battery teminal to shut it down.

 

I always use the kill switch and have on every bike I've ever owned in the last 35 years. This leaves both hands on the bars until the engine stops.

I just looked at my manual and it says to always use the engine stop switch at all times.

 

I use the ignition switch only. Why? To make sure my hand is not on the throttle for one. And, why take a chance, if the handlebar switch does go bad you're stranded. Rather wear out 1 switch than 2.

 

1. you should know where your hand is

2. i guess i'll just ride wheelies - better to wear out one tire instead of two

i use the kill switch. if it breaks, i'll fix it. if i'm stranded, i'll call AAA or hump it to a gas station. BFD.

 

My Dealer said the same thing and made a big deal about it too. Service guy said something about just using the ignition switch is hard on the newer bikes electrical system, it was all new to me.