Kill Switch

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Nov 13, 2017 | 04:17 PM

#11

HarleyBP

Road Master

Joined: Dec 2016

Posts: 813

Likes: 101

From: Ancaster, Ontario, Canada

I didn’t until I checked the manual. Recommended way to shut off bike, kill switch then ignition.

Nov 13, 2017 | 05:33 PM

#12

Oko

Club Member

Joined: Oct 2016

Posts: 4,540

Likes: 5,865

From: Syracuse NY

Kill switch first.

Nov 13, 2017 | 07:28 PM

#13

lrcormier

Cruiser

Joined: Jun 2008

Posts: 160

Likes: 40

From: San Diego

I always use it and it's also very convenient to just do so. Also for the person who indicated that by using the kill switch you may forget to turn the ignition switch off; another good habit to develop is to always lock your bike even if you are only going to be a short distance away. I was only about 20ft away from bike in 1974 when my 1973 flh was stolen, grant it there was a wall in between me and the bike so I could not see what was happening and a lot of people watched it happen. All I ever got back was a striped frame.

Nov 13, 2017 | 07:39 PM

#14

rcrankin

Tourer

Joined: Jan 2010

Posts: 257

Likes: 48

From: Katy, Republic of Texas

Kill switch and a look back while walking away to make sure I got the ignition too.

Nov 13, 2017 | 07:54 PM

#15

JerseyGuy

Cruiser

Joined: Feb 2015

Posts: 137

Likes: 6

From: new jersey

Kill Switch-Every Time

Nov 13, 2017 | 09:22 PM

#16

Weeboy1

Stellar HDF Member

Joined: Mar 2015

Posts: 2,947

Likes: 996

From: Winnipeg

just curious , even if the manual suggests it. is there any detriment to only using ign switch. Or is there a reason to use KS and then Ign.

Nov 13, 2017 | 09:27 PM

#17

skid_pimp

Road Warrior

Joined: Jul 2012

Posts: 1,996

Likes: 417

From: Cranbourne, VIC Australia

Quote:

Originally Posted by son of the hounds

I do not. It was placed there so if you crash in front of me, I can shut off your motorcycle quickly by locating the right handle bar. I do not have to search your entire bike for the ignition key location. Who wants a redlined Harley next to you when you are trying to apply pressure to a wound and trying to talk to the rider?

Also they fail,just like kick stand switches. When they fail, you have a very heavy push bike. I had a R75/6 with a failing kill switch. I've been on the road when others have been unable to make the kill switch contact due to corrosion and or grit.

Some brands the contacts are barely large enough to handle the current. As they wear, they become more troublesome.

So I will not, but if you do, so be it.

Things do occasionally fail, sure do. I had an ignition switch fail once as well, so I just pull my plug wires, then disconnect my battery, works every time...

Nov 13, 2017 | 11:15 PM

#18

68 XLCH

Road Warrior

Joined: Mar 2014

Posts: 1,973

Likes: 158

From: East Coast

Been using the kill switch since '68 without issue, use to be a kill button built right into the handle bar. Kill button on the right and and a button that looked the same on the left was the horn.

The XLCH, didn't have a battery so no issue leaving any electric on, but today (non cvo) after shutting down with the kill switch you want to remember to turn the ignition off.

Last edited by 68 XLCH; Nov 13, 2017 at 11:19 PM.