Using the kill switch - mandatory?
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 2,706
Likes: 14
From: Near Frankenmuth, MI
Well, when I originally posted this question, I never expected so many widely varied answers and opinions.
The one thing I've found, though, is that if the manufacturer recommends something in the owner's manual, then there must be SOME reason for it (and if anybody knows the absolutely definitive answer as to why they stress the use of the kill switch, please speak up!).
I'm wondering if it's all nothing more than just going along with MSF guidelines and doesn't really matter, otherwise.
Thanks to all for your responses and opinions.
Ride safe, y'all,
JP
The one thing I've found, though, is that if the manufacturer recommends something in the owner's manual, then there must be SOME reason for it (and if anybody knows the absolutely definitive answer as to why they stress the use of the kill switch, please speak up!).
I'm wondering if it's all nothing more than just going along with MSF guidelines and doesn't really matter, otherwise.
Thanks to all for your responses and opinions.
Ride safe, y'all,
JP
I think you may have missed post # 49.
...
This information came directly from the Service Manager:
"The new bikes are like a computer, actually a laptop on wheels. There is a sequence to shutting your Rushmore model's down and it starts by using the Kill Switch to stop the engine, then the the ignition switch. Without using the Kill Switch correctly you risk damage to the computer system much like pulling the plug out of the wall to shut off a computer."
The reason I found this out was because on 2 occasions, including tonight, my Infortainment Center would not power up. I asked what the trick is and he asked "How do you shut off your bike?". Then he explained all of the above.
It made sense. I rolled my bike out to the driveway and started it up with the radio playing. I pulled up to where I shut it down so the wife and I can get ready to ride and on this occasion I remember shutting it off with the ignition switch. When we headed out (second time in 500 miles this happened) the Infotainment Center did not come on. I stopped at the next corner and shut off the bike with the ignition switch, 5 separate times on the way to the dealer, and still the Infotainment Center did not power up. I got to the dealership and this time I shut the bike off with the Kill Switch. I immediately turned it back on and the Infotainment Center powered up like normal.
I walked right into service and asked about it and learned why the Kill Switch is the only way to shut off the bike and not negatively impact the computer systems.
If your luck has allowed you to operate without using the Kill Switch then you are an anomaly.
This information came directly from the Service Manager:
"The new bikes are like a computer, actually a laptop on wheels. There is a sequence to shutting your Rushmore model's down and it starts by using the Kill Switch to stop the engine, then the the ignition switch. Without using the Kill Switch correctly you risk damage to the computer system much like pulling the plug out of the wall to shut off a computer."
The reason I found this out was because on 2 occasions, including tonight, my Infortainment Center would not power up. I asked what the trick is and he asked "How do you shut off your bike?". Then he explained all of the above.
It made sense. I rolled my bike out to the driveway and started it up with the radio playing. I pulled up to where I shut it down so the wife and I can get ready to ride and on this occasion I remember shutting it off with the ignition switch. When we headed out (second time in 500 miles this happened) the Infotainment Center did not come on. I stopped at the next corner and shut off the bike with the ignition switch, 5 separate times on the way to the dealer, and still the Infotainment Center did not power up. I got to the dealership and this time I shut the bike off with the Kill Switch. I immediately turned it back on and the Infotainment Center powered up like normal.
I walked right into service and asked about it and learned why the Kill Switch is the only way to shut off the bike and not negatively impact the computer systems.
If your luck has allowed you to operate without using the Kill Switch then you are an anomaly.
The question has been definitely answered.
Last edited by JohnnyC; Apr 16, 2015 at 06:54 AM. Reason: added further details
Thread Starter
|
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 4,867
Likes: 268
From: People's Republic of Boulder Colorado
Re. #51: The manual says a lot of things and I respect that, but it doesn't explain the consequences of just turning off the main ignition switch when shutting the bike down. If it did, then my question would indeed be "definitely answered". It apparently doesn't, so the question remains unanswered.
Maybe I should have asked "WHY is it supposedly mandatory to use the kill switch to kill the engine?"
Last edited by jpooch00; Apr 16, 2015 at 08:05 AM.
I was told by a SM that not using the kill switch causes issues with the ignition switch contacts over time. There was no mention about causing infotainment issues. Nevertheless, I am using the kill switch now. Won't hurt any to use it, lol.
Tourer
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 312
Likes: 4
Re. #49: Yeah, like I'd believe ANYTHING that a Harley dealership SM had to say on any subject! Over the years I've heard so much ridiculous BS stated as fact by them that now I totally disregard anything they have to say. Also, when I rented a Limited for a day, I never used the kill switch (because I forgot to) and the Boom Box worked fine every time.
Re. #51: The manual says a lot of things and I respect that, but it doesn't explain the consequences of just turning off the main ignition switch when shutting the bike down. If it did, then my question would indeed be "definitely answered". It apparently doesn't, so the question remains unanswered.
Maybe I should have asked "WHY is it supposedly mandatory to use the kill switch to kill the engine?"
Re. #51: The manual says a lot of things and I respect that, but it doesn't explain the consequences of just turning off the main ignition switch when shutting the bike down. If it did, then my question would indeed be "definitely answered". It apparently doesn't, so the question remains unanswered.
Maybe I should have asked "WHY is it supposedly mandatory to use the kill switch to kill the engine?"
Thread Starter
|
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 4,867
Likes: 268
From: People's Republic of Boulder Colorado
One of them told me that all Harleys now come from the factory with welded cranks and another one said that they no longer came with ambient temp and oil pressure indicators because they were too inaccurate - he didn't know about the Info button on the right-side switch cluster. When I remembered it and showed him, he said that he had been to the training for the Boom Box system, but didn't pay any attention to what was said (in other words, he just made something up to cover his ignorance)!
These are only a couple of instances, there are many more.
AFAIC, they're all just a bunch of worthless, lying hacks. Other opinions may vary, and that's fine, but this is mine, based on personal experiences.
How about this for a solution...
If you like to use it, use it.
If you don't, don't... but dont' bitch when your Boom! won't boot right up.
The computers on these bikes, while leaps and bounds ahead of the odels 10 years ago, aren't nearly as sophisticated as those in modern cars and trucks. I'm not taking any chances. It's right there next to your thumb... how hard is it? easier than moving your hand all the way to the center, then back to the grip when you lean it over on it's stand.
Y'all have fun in this thread!
I'll go ahead and add this to the ever-growing list of reasons I won't buy a used bike as my primary ride.
If you like to use it, use it.
If you don't, don't... but dont' bitch when your Boom! won't boot right up.
The computers on these bikes, while leaps and bounds ahead of the odels 10 years ago, aren't nearly as sophisticated as those in modern cars and trucks. I'm not taking any chances. It's right there next to your thumb... how hard is it? easier than moving your hand all the way to the center, then back to the grip when you lean it over on it's stand.
Y'all have fun in this thread!
I'll go ahead and add this to the ever-growing list of reasons I won't buy a used bike as my primary ride.
Road Master
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 839
Likes: 6
From: Virginia
No option, on my 2014 CVO RK there is no ignition switch, only the kill switch. When the bike got delivered, the kill switch was faulty and wouldn't switch the engine off. Spent 5 weeks having to stall the bike to switch it off 
Took that long for a new switch to be delivered to the UK. Felt a right numpty.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 2,706
Likes: 14
From: Near Frankenmuth, MI
There are those who will argue anything and everything.
I certainly have much better things to do... Like Ride!
Carry on ...
I certainly have much better things to do... Like Ride!
Carry on ...
Last edited by JohnnyC; Apr 16, 2015 at 10:23 AM.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 1,357
Likes: 91
From: Michigan
That's what I love about this forum, here I have never really paid attention to how I turn the bike off, sometimes using the kill switch other times the ignition switch, I really didn't see the correct procedure in the owners manual.
But after reading many of the posts here I guess I best be using the kill switch from here on in, darn computers! Thanks All that contributed
But after reading many of the posts here I guess I best be using the kill switch from here on in, darn computers! Thanks All that contributed