Kill Switch Vs Ignition Switch
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Kill Switch Vs Ignition Switch
During the handover process of my new FXDI35 the shop informed me that it is better to use the kill switch to shut the bike down and not to use the main ignition switch. I was told the main reason was that the ignition switch was not designed to handle the current loads during normal operation and it was also far cheaper to replace the kill switch as opposed to the main ignition switch. This I tend to believe as my ignition switch has been changed due to a manufacturing fault and when the ignition switch is changed you must also have the steering lock changed so you have matching keys. Very odd. I have posted this as I have just read a post where someone mentioned that the kill switch is for emergencies only?????? The steering lock has not been changed as yet so I now have one key for the ignition (no spare) and two keys for the steering lock, (one being a spare).
Any thoughts
OZ Rider
Any thoughts
OZ Rider
Big Kahuna HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 23,881
Likes: 34
From: USA
RE: Kill Switch Vs Ignition Switch
On starting a fuel injected bike the instructions I had were very emphatic about turning on the ignition key. Check for neutral, Turn on the kill switch, wait until the fuel pump primes the engine and engine light goes out,pull in clutch lever, hit the start button.
shut down: stop, shift to neutral, shut off kill switch, turn ignition off, put down jiffy.
My dealer went over this 3 times which I thought was a little unusual but told me the exact same reason you just listed. So this can't just be a coincidence.
shut down: stop, shift to neutral, shut off kill switch, turn ignition off, put down jiffy.
My dealer went over this 3 times which I thought was a little unusual but told me the exact same reason you just listed. So this can't just be a coincidence.
Road Master
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,115
Likes: 4
From: Central GA
RE: Kill Switch Vs Ignition Switch
Yes, Kill switch always. When I have used the ignition switch by mistake, the next time I start the bike the electronics are messed up. I mean, the lights on the tach and milage indicator and the tach dosen't come on, so I have to shut down and start over, using the kill switch first. Sounds a little strange, but my dealer said the electronics can't handle the load using the ignition, just like Klagair said in an eariler post.
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RE: Kill Switch Vs Ignition Switch
Thanks heaps guys, when you pay $30K for a machine it is nice to know you are doing it right. I have only once turned off with the ignition switch and have had no probs with the electronics .....Yet.
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2006
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From: I been around
RE: Kill Switch Vs Ignition Switch
I never use the kill switch. NEVER. And I have had zero problems with any electronics on any of my bikes.
I don't see any merits to doing it one way or another, just thought I would offer my habits and experiences.
I don't see any merits to doing it one way or another, just thought I would offer my habits and experiences.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2004
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From: Bloomfield, NM
RE: Kill Switch Vs Ignition Switch
If I'm not mistaken, the rider safety courses always teach using the kill switch. If you always use the kill switch it will be such a habit that you will automatically use it in case of an emergency instead of fumbling for the ignition. On bikes with newer electrical systems it might also be a mechanical issue.
Regards,
Bill
Regards,
Bill
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Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,828
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From: Central Jersey
RE: Kill Switch Vs Ignition Switch
I always use the kill switch...I couldn't remember if there was a reason why until the last post which mentioned the MSF course..which I took when I first started riding. That was why...and since then, I've only ever used the kill switch to shut down the bike (my Harley, and my previous metrics) It's always worked for me, so I think I'll keep doing it that way.
Todd
Todd
Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 110
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From: Gulf Coast Mississippi
RE: Kill Switch Vs Ignition Switch
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?