Use of Kill Switch?

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screwtop

Guest

• Jul 10, 2006

• #1

I'm almost afraid to ask, but how many of you guys routinely use your kill switch to start and shut off you bikes? I have never used mine on the GS or the RS I had before, (just used the key) and never had any ignition problems. I've always thought the kill switch was there for emergency purposes only.

Anyway, I was out riding my HD, and my friend says that the proper starting procedure is to turn the key, and then click the kill switch to "run" and then hit the starter button. He said that if you are only using the key, it is analgous to throwing a breaker (physical disconnect) under load, rather than a simple switch and could harm the ignition system. Seems to make sense, but is it really necessary?

Thanks!

 

empeg9000

New member

• Jul 10, 2006

• #2

I always use the kill switch. Its just what I learned in the MSF course years ago and I just keep doing that.

 

darrylri

Cannonball Rider #52

• Jul 10, 2006

• #3

Well, I'm not an HD mechanic -- not a BMW mechanic either -- but the kill switch is just another switch in line with the ignition switch.

I think the MSF recommends using the kill switch so you'll instinctively know where it is in an emergency, just like they tell you to practice your braking so you'll be able to do it in an emergency.

For the record, I use the kill switch occassionally, but not regularly. Sometimes it's easier to hit it with my thumb than to reach over to the key. I've never had any problems with either switch...

 

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ppaintguy

New member

• Jul 10, 2006

• #4

It is there to be used and works. The only point to really remember is to remember to turn it on before trying to start the bike otherwise you will wear that battery down trying...lol

 

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codeman

New member

• Jul 10, 2006

• #5

Kill Switch

I always use my kill switch...No particular reason I just use it....

 

kbasa

Well-known member

• Jul 10, 2006

• #6

In 35 years of riding, I can count the times I've used the kill switch on one hand.

 

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belquar

Guest

• Jul 10, 2006

• #7

Always use the switch. I never use the key. Sometimes I use the sidestand. To my understanding the kill switch and the sidestand stop the fuel pump. The key turns off the electrics.

 

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Luckies

Guest

• Jul 10, 2006

• #8

I use the kill switch and sometimes the side stand. Why? I don't have a clue, nor do I know why I started doing it. But for me now its habit, just like when I get into a cage, first thing I reach for is the seat belt. Only thing is, I know why I use the seat belt.

Dave

 

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R4RandR

Guest

• Jul 10, 2006

• #9

These bikes have a kill switch?

 

BRADFORDBENN

Slowpoke & Proud of It!

• Jul 10, 2006

• #10

I use the key on the BMW, the Run/Off switch on the VFR.

 

lkchris

Active member

• Jul 10, 2006

• #11

KBasa said:

In 35 years of riding, I can count the times I've used the kill switch on one hand.

Click to expand...

Me, too, and it's never broken, either.

 

kbasa

Well-known member

• Jul 10, 2006

• #12

lkchris said:

Me, too, and it's never broken, either.

Click to expand...

Bingo.

 

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Scootertrash

Guest

• Jul 10, 2006

• #13

On the R1200C, I use the kick stand to kill the engine. On the HD, I use the kill switch before I deploy the kick stand...

 

rich

#37829

• Jul 10, 2006

• #14

Funny this thread just came up, my 16 year old son just completed his MSF Rider Course last night. He told me the instructor taught them to always use the kill switch. He said the reasoning behind it is so that you never remove the hands from the handlbars until the engine is dead. It prevents lurches if the clutch is released while in gear. Sorry, but I am teaching him otherwise. Like putting the bike in neutral before shutting it off. And then using the key.

 

Slablog

New member

• Jul 10, 2006

• #15

Like putting the bike in neutral before shutting it off

Click to expand...

You put your bike in neutral before shutting it off? Easy way to have it roll off the sidestand on a slight incline.

Oh yeah, the kill switch is very handy for shutting the bike off quickly after falling over in sand. I know this from personal experience.

 

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easy

Active member

• Jul 10, 2006

• #16

Kill Switch

I'm with Kbasa and BradfordBenn on this one. I never use the kill switch unless I'm parking at a very steep incline or decline, and only then so I don't have to take my right hand off the grip. I've never had a problem.

Easy

 

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robsryder

Motorcycleton

• Jul 10, 2006

• #17

As indicated earlier the MSF advocates use of the kill switch all the time to get you used to using it. The idea is that in an emergency access of the kill switch will be easier.

Having said that, my practice is to periodically check the functionality of the kill switch and to clean all of the switches with some WD-40 and/or contact cleaner. (Some folks don't like the use of WD-40 to clean the switches.)

I do not use the kill switch to stop the bike. I use the ignition switch - then I remove the key and put it in my pocket.

When I was much younger I did sometimes use the kill switch on my Honda dirt bike to stop the engine (if it was still running) after crashing. Happily it has been a good little while since I've crashed. I didn't practice use of the kill switch when I had the Honda dirt bike, but I was able to find it easily.

In an emergency I'm more likely to want to find the brake levers and horn button than the kill switch. Usually I find the brakes and end up hollering inside my helmet. I confess to sometimes having muderous thoughts (briefly!), but have never considered resorting to a kill switch.

 

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screwtop

Guest

• Jul 10, 2006

• #18

Thanks all

Well, thank you all for the replies! Now I have one less thing to loose sleep over. I'll just use the damn key like I always have.

 

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Stuff2c

Guest

• Jul 10, 2006

• #19

I use the kill switch on my boxer to shut off the headlight. Wired the kill switch in the headlight to kill my lo beam. Wired the kill part straight threw.

 

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olddude73

Guest

• Jul 10, 2006

• #20

Happened one time!! Maybe never again???

While touring western states with brother-in-law. we stopped at one of the scenic Grand Canyon overlooks. Ready to leave & his Beemer would not start; we lost 3 hours trying to locate the electrical problem; then with everything else ruled out, we discovered that the kill switch (I didn't realize that he had been using it for years) had gone bad. Took it out of the system (wired direct);and the bike fired right up......No more kill switch & no more problems!!!
It's still wired direct.