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Keep leaving key in motorcycle. Suggestions f

Hangin_Low

Hangin_Low

Often underestimated.
Joined
Sep 3, 2010
Location
Oakland
Moto(s)
250 Nighthawk
Short story: cuz the key is on the side, not on the handlebars.

Detailed version: All my previous bikes have had the ignition right in the middle of the handlebar. My new bike, however, has the ignition on the left side of the bike, out of view, sort of near the choke lever.

The issue I'm experiencing is that though the bike is a good size for me, my arms are too short to reach for the key without worrying I'm gonna tip the damn bike over or my helmet knocking against something. I'm a tiny person, so don't laugh.

A routine I've got in to is to turn the bike off using the kill switch, kickstand down, and then both feet on the ground reach over and take the key out. Or walk around upon dismount and take it out.

Two times now, though, in the past month I've left my key in my bike, and given I'm ADD (seriously, diagnosis and all), I'm racking my brain trying to figure out a way to remember to take the key out of the bike. Visual aids aren't gonna work, because the visual aid would be out of sight. Again, ADD here, so I'm the kind of person who has to attach things to my body with chains and retractable cords or else I'll lose them.

I'm trying to think of a way to run a retractable cord from the key to the handlebars, kinda like disc locks, but it doesn't seem safe to ride like that.

Any suggestions? I'd be deeply appreciative.
 
Stop using the kill switch to turn of your bike and only use the key.

Get a giant ridiculous fluorescent fuzzy key chain that you cannot possibly miss.

I wouldn't attach anything to your body and your keys. At best you will mess up the key input when you forget and go pulling it off. At worst you will pull your bike over.
 
Yeah, I'd used the key to kill the bike. It is much harder to walk away without the key from a bike that is running than one that isn't.
 
Maybe borrow the idea of the T-CLOCS acronym for pre-ride inspection, and invent your own acronym for a post-ride routine. Like KKK for Killswitch, Kickstand, Key. :)

BTW I have forgotten that second K before, much to my embarrassment. :|
 
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I'm with papa911. Write "key" on a piece of tape, tape it to your handlebar, gas tank, wherever. Or use a marker to write "key" on your gloves.

Failing that, go to a computer store and get a " ! Password Protected" sticker, and put it on the gas tank where everyone can see it. After my bicycle was stolen, I put that sticker on its replacement. I still have the bike, three years later. I don't even have to use a lock anymore.
 
1). If you keep bumping your helmet on the bike taking the key out, take your helmet off first.
2). Put a note inside your helmet saying "Don't forget key!"

Problem Solved!
 
Try the suggestions above...if they don't work,...Sell the bike ASAP.

I hear that 250 cc starter bikes have a great re-sale value.

Now You know what You need in the next bike. At least having the key where You can reach it, and see it.

If this doesn't work, sell that bike ASAP...
 
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I'm ADD and I develop little mantras I say to myself out of habit, usually in threes. E.g. when I leave the house "keys, wallet, phone,"... when I go skiing "skis, boots, poles."

Try "switch, stand, key." Keep saying it to yourself. You'll build the habit eventually.
 
You just need to get serious about it. As some suggested, a Mnemonic phrase, or just a repetitious procedural pattern will work, you just have to practice it.

I fly airplanes. Flight ops in the cockpit are chock full of patterns that are commonly taught by mnemonic phrase or left to right / right to left scans while touching every instrument whether an adjustment is made or not. It's amazing how quickly you'll learn if you just sit there and do it over and over. Not performing these scans can and will prove hazardous to ones health.

I wouldn't suggest changing your current pattern of using the kill switch. It's a perfectly acceptable and recommended measure. Just alter your shut down scan starting with Kill switch, Key, Fuel (petcock, if you have) Kickstand. It's right to left and down. A flowing physical pattern.

Unless your working off a physical checklist, adding notes or messages to your routine are completely worthless. They have to be added to the flow of the scan. So you'll do this now? Kill / Read Reminder Note / Key / Read Reminder Note / Fuel.....you get the idea. What's to make you remember to read the notes or placards?

Due a physical scan pattern and touch every thing. Left to right and down and PRACTICE!
 
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I got the same problem, I used to hit my helmet on the mirrors every once in a while
grabbing for the key.

I find the secret is to have a routine, so here is mine to avoid reaching for the key while on the bike and to never forget the key.

The short version: if the key is in, the lights are on, I never put the key in the "Off" position.

When I get off my bike, I turn it off and grab the key, every time.

The lights help me to not forget the key, but I have read some threads
here that doesn't always work, and then you have a dead battery too.

When starting I do the reverse, I put the key in before I get on the bike,
turn it on and do my light check, I can't see my rear lights if I am seated.
 
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