Kill Switch Vs Ignition Switch
Road Captain
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 661
Likes: 0
From: Goose Creek, South Carolina
RE: Kill Switch Vs Ignition Switch
Yep....the MSF teaches to use the kill switch. Just took the class today!! The reason is related to repetative motions so that in an emergency you will do it without having to decide to do it. In an emergency, you don't want to remove a hand from the handlebars to turn off the ignition switch. I have always used the kill switch w/out any trouble.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 5,256
Likes: 5
From: Concord, CA
RE: Kill Switch Vs Ignition Switch
Kill switch cause its safer as people have mentioned.
Clutch in on neutral cause them lights say "N" but don't always mean it. Course you can roll the bike to be sure as well.
Clutch in on neutral cause them lights say "N" but don't always mean it. Course you can roll the bike to be sure as well.
Road Captain
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 679
Likes: 1
From: The Sunshine State
RE: Kill Switch Vs Ignition Switch
I also use the kill switch unless I am working on the bike or warming it up then I will just reach over and turn the key switch off. Never had a broblem with it.....(were is that wood to knock on?) I agree that it is good practice to get in the habit of using the kill switch, for emegency situations.
Big Kahuna HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 23,881
Likes: 34
From: USA
RE: Kill Switch Vs Ignition Switch
ORIGINAL: Rocket Man
Use the kill switch. I read a letter in American Iron magazine where a guy was having electronic problems using the ignition switch and they replied that the kill switch should be used. I never heard about pulling in the clutch when starting when in neutral. I know cop bikes you have to. Is there an advantage to pulling in the clutch, or is just for safety reasons?
Use the kill switch. I read a letter in American Iron magazine where a guy was having electronic problems using the ignition switch and they replied that the kill switch should be used. I never heard about pulling in the clutch when starting when in neutral. I know cop bikes you have to. Is there an advantage to pulling in the clutch, or is just for safety reasons?
Safety, developing a safe habit that's all. Just forget once and start that sucker in gear and you'll be pulling the clutch in foreever.
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Kill Switch Vs Ignition Switch
Earlier 06 Dynas (produced in 05) had a problem with false neutral (did a recall). That is probably why they tell you to use the clutch when starting. Killswitch every time.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 119
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Kill Switch Vs Ignition Switch
Failure to pull clutch while the motorcycle is obviously in neutral can cause serious injury or death. Failure to utilize run/kill switch when turning off your bike will cause serious injury or death. Changes in the upcoming 2007 owner's manual.
Road Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,014
Likes: 34
From: Ca
RE: Kill Switch Vs Ignition Switch
This is the most surprising string I've ever seen. I've never heard of anyone using the kill switch on a regular basis. As for the MSF telling us to do it regularly, it sounds like they've been preaching it so long, they've bought into it. They have always taught to practice using the kill switch so you'll do it when you need to...ok, personally the last thing I'd be concerned about in an emergency is killing the bike. But I know the kill switch is there, on all 8 I've owned, and the half dozen I've borrowed or rented. Used it only when I went down in dirt riding and the bike was laying there running. Maybe the kill swich is now designed for regular use, but it doesn't make sense. On none of the bikes mentioned have I ever had an ignition problem, but I can sure see that the kill switch would wear out regularly, and even potentially damage other parts. If the bike forces you to use the kill switch, there's a wiring problem.
Last month when the dealer went over all the controls of my '06 Wide Glide, he pointed to the kill switch and said 'don't use it for turning the bike off' with a concerned look on his face. I said 'never have' in my knowing, much experienced voice. Now I want to tell him about this string, and opposite recomendations. [&:] He is in sales though; the only one who knows is the mechanic specializing in the electrical system.
Last month when the dealer went over all the controls of my '06 Wide Glide, he pointed to the kill switch and said 'don't use it for turning the bike off' with a concerned look on his face. I said 'never have' in my knowing, much experienced voice. Now I want to tell him about this string, and opposite recomendations. [&:] He is in sales though; the only one who knows is the mechanic specializing in the electrical system.