Rotax 500 Country - switching off the engine

[Uralwurzel]

This may seem a silly question but the guy who sold my bike to me told me to switch off at the ignition (engine continues to run) then hit the kill switch.

I have done it this way but it has not been ridden much yet.

I have seen other posts today basically saying you can get problems "if you don't use the valve release lever to shut down the engine".

So is there a certain preferred way to switch off the engine? Is the valve release lever what I would call the decompression lever on left hand side, just above the clutch lever?

Thanks in advance

[DAVID THOMPSON]

there is a sprag clutch in the starter system the motor can run backwards for a bit if you turn off with the key switch
or kill on the right handle bar // by using the compression release on the left the engine does not hammer the Sprag
then turn off the key
the Sprag is a very expensive repair and over time you will get longer life out of it

also never back down a hill with the engine off using the clutch to hold you back
as it makes the sprag in to the brake and that is what it does break your pocket book

do not ask how i know ..just look in my empty pocket book
dave

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sprag_clutch

as the motor runs and you turn it off with the key it can come up against the compression stroke...
if it stops or backfires against the piston and then it can run the motor back wards you may hear it as a loud bang
even as loud as a shotgun
and it may start but will probably be spreading broken metal parts threw the engine
if a bike has a compression release i always use it to start the bike as well as stop it

also while we learn ...read this for that fire breathing beast you want to ride
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slipper_clutch

[Uralwurzel]

Thanks David - glad I asked. Guess I will be spending out in future as he operated it this way from 1996 to about 2013!!!!