Kickstand kill switch
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Road Captain
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 544
Likes: 61
From: San Diego
My son's 86 Yamaha has multiple interlocks, including one on the side stand. It was a bitch digging thru 30 year old wiring and schematics trying to diagnose the no-start. So many circuits interacting and terminating into black boxes. Kinda glad my Harley isn't quite so complicated. Easier to fix when it breaks.
Tourer
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 309
Likes: 39
From: Southlake Texas
I do a lot of my own work, and frequently have to start or run the bike to accomplish something. I feel certain I'd eventually disable such an interlock. Just because you have a safety interlock doesn't mean it is any more safe. Some are..but some are not.
The old airliners (1960's vintage) originally came with an interlock that buzzed and yelled "LANDING GEAR" every time the pilot brought the power to idle below 18,000feet. The problem was, to get a plane down, you have to come to idle frequently below 18000 ft! The pilots got so used to hearing the bogus warning that several dozen airliners over the decades landed with no gear. When asked, they swore the warning never sounded. When the recorder was pulled, the warning was screaming the whole time. They had gotten too used to it to even pay attention. And that was dozens of incidents. The system was eventually updated to only work below 500 feet...and gear up landings are almost unheard of today in the airlines.
I am not so sure a stand interlock would really be safer. I've never heard of a bike taking off on it's own...has anyone else? I do need to run my bike occasionally without me in the seat.
The old airliners (1960's vintage) originally came with an interlock that buzzed and yelled "LANDING GEAR" every time the pilot brought the power to idle below 18,000feet. The problem was, to get a plane down, you have to come to idle frequently below 18000 ft! The pilots got so used to hearing the bogus warning that several dozen airliners over the decades landed with no gear. When asked, they swore the warning never sounded. When the recorder was pulled, the warning was screaming the whole time. They had gotten too used to it to even pay attention. And that was dozens of incidents. The system was eventually updated to only work below 500 feet...and gear up landings are almost unheard of today in the airlines.
I am not so sure a stand interlock would really be safer. I've never heard of a bike taking off on it's own...has anyone else? I do need to run my bike occasionally without me in the seat.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 11,448
Likes: 2,299
From: NW Ohio
True. I had mine running in gear on the jack just the other day. Was checking functions after a chain and brake conversion. Jiffy stand was down so I could get the jack against the frame.
A lot of the machine troubleshooting and setup I do at work requires me to disable or override safety systems. This particular machine is widely regarded as the most dangerous machine in the plant and gives EHS heartburn because it's nearly impossible to fully guard during normal production operation. Operator safety training is quite serious. I'm happy to say we've never had a trained operator seriously injured in the 20 years I've been working on them. Have had one or two amputations of untrained operators, tho. They weren't my people and I didn't agree with manufacturing putting them on the machines. They eventually listened to me and started paying the 2x-3x wage for real operators. No more injuries.
All those jobs went to Mexico. I've heard they are seeing injuries again. Big surprise.
Can't protect against stupid.
A lot of the machine troubleshooting and setup I do at work requires me to disable or override safety systems. This particular machine is widely regarded as the most dangerous machine in the plant and gives EHS heartburn because it's nearly impossible to fully guard during normal production operation. Operator safety training is quite serious. I'm happy to say we've never had a trained operator seriously injured in the 20 years I've been working on them. Have had one or two amputations of untrained operators, tho. They weren't my people and I didn't agree with manufacturing putting them on the machines. They eventually listened to me and started paying the 2x-3x wage for real operators. No more injuries.
All those jobs went to Mexico. I've heard they are seeing injuries again. Big surprise.
Can't protect against stupid.
Last edited by cggorman; Jun 3, 2016 at 12:01 AM.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 1,832
Likes: 67
From: Phoenix
"Should" as in doesn't work right, or as in that should be a feature?
Thread Starter
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Road Captain
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 544
Likes: 61
From: San Diego
Wasn't sure. It does that on my last bike (metric) but now I know it isn't something HD does for domestic modles.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 21,032
Likes: 12,559
From: South Carolina
My 27 year old Softail doesn`t have a clutch interlock switch, a neutral interlock switch or an automatic fuel shutoff.
Get on bike
Raise jiffy stand
Turn on fuel valve
Turn on ignition
Neutral
Start
Simple...
Forget to raise the jiffy stand?
You develop these habits just like riding.
Get on bike
Raise jiffy stand
Turn on fuel valve
Turn on ignition
Neutral
Start
Simple...
Forget to raise the jiffy stand?
You develop these habits just like riding.
Last edited by Dan89FLSTC; Jun 3, 2016 at 12:31 PM.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 11,448
Likes: 2,299
From: NW Ohio
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Club Member
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 11,458
Likes: 8,288
From: Inland NW
I am sure many (maybe all?) of my big sport bikes had it. I really couldn't say. I know I shut the Triumph off one day putting the stand down for some reason.
Just part of the habits you develop. No real reason for me to have a feature like that.
Just part of the habits you develop. No real reason for me to have a feature like that.
Club Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 15,420
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From: Beyond Fucital
My 94 has a carb, that needs to warm-up a bit before she's happy and willing to move. That being said, it would be a real PITA to sit there for 5 minutes, on the bike, holding it up until it's ready. In those 5 minutes I'm gearing up, not waiting twiddling my thumbs.