Kill Switch
Club Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 21,642
Likes: 22,567
From: North Carolina
I have always been trained that you want to use the kill switch. It is right where your hand is and in our emergency you don't have to take your hand off the bars to kill the engine.
That said back with my 2008 and 2010 if you had your hand on the grip you could easily reset the throttle position causing idle RPM to change. I did start using the lock switch every time I cut those bikes off.
Now with the CVO the only option is the kill switch on the bars so I am back to where I began and it feels right!
That said back with my 2008 and 2010 if you had your hand on the grip you could easily reset the throttle position causing idle RPM to change. I did start using the lock switch every time I cut those bikes off.
Now with the CVO the only option is the kill switch on the bars so I am back to where I began and it feels right!
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 1,240
Likes: 170
From: Wisconsin
I was told by the sales person to use the kill switch first,then ignition switch. This is important on Rushmore bikes, to prevent voltage spikes that might harm the electronics.So, I have made it a habit.Always use kill switch ,then ignition.
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 1,926
Likes: 193
From: ohio
I was told the same by my dealer
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 1,191
Likes: 233
From: North East, MD
I don't know about that but "real HD bikers" thing but I am pretty sure I'll never be caught by the "turn off his kill switch" prank again.
Advanced
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 92
Likes: 12
From: Louisiana
Rwven, don’t feel bad I pranked myself one day when I stopped for gas. I hit the kill switch by mistake. Took about 15 minutes before I realized what I did. I have never used the kill switch. The thing about it is between me and 2 friends that were with me that day we have over 80 years of riding experiences and it took that long to figure out. We still laugh at that one.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 28,842
Likes: 16,580
From: Wisconsin, USA
I always hit the Kill switch. Then I turn front wheel to lock, and move ignition switch to lock. All one habit.
The one time I dropped my bike.and needed the kill switch it happened so fast the tilt switch killed the engine before I did.
The one time I dropped my bike.and needed the kill switch it happened so fast the tilt switch killed the engine before I did.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 28,842
Likes: 16,580
From: Wisconsin, USA
I always hit the Kill switch. Then I turn front wheel to lock, and move ignition switch to lock. All one habit.
The one time I dropped my bike.and needed the kill switch it happened so fast the tilt switch killed the engine before I did.
The one time I dropped my bike.and needed the kill switch it happened so fast the tilt switch killed the engine before I did.
Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 137
Likes: 22
Be nice to your electrical system - use the kill switch.
...and be nice to each other while playing keyboard cowboys.
Rather than provide further technical explanation - enough has been provided already - just do it - I am not here to convince the misinformed that like to do it the other way.
I can't believe people want to argue about the correct operation of a motorcycle.
...and be nice to each other while playing keyboard cowboys.
Rather than provide further technical explanation - enough has been provided already - just do it - I am not here to convince the misinformed that like to do it the other way.
I can't believe people want to argue about the correct operation of a motorcycle.
Last edited by ADVNTR; Nov 19, 2017 at 05:33 AM.