Kill switch question
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,380
Likes: 9
From: Texas
RE: Kill switch question
I view the kill switch as being a safety device, allowing you to kill the engine when parking with your hands still on the clutch and the brake. To use the tank switch means you either must be in neutral to release the clutch, or you must be on level ground so you will not roll when releasing the brake(assuming both feet are on the ground).
My opinion is that using the kill switch is a good habit to get into, might save you an embarrassing moment at the end of a long ride.
My opinion is that using the kill switch is a good habit to get into, might save you an embarrassing moment at the end of a long ride.
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 975
Likes: 0
From: Michigan
RE: Kill switch question
might just be habit but i use them both too. hit the kill as i roll in the garage and then switch the tank to kill the lights and stuff and lock the bars.
would take to long to re train myself to make this change.
would take to long to re train myself to make this change.
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,750
Likes: 0
From: east cen.miss
RE: Kill switch question
From what I hear there have been more problems with the ignition switch than the kill switch.But that being said anything you use will eventually wear out.I use the kill switch personaly.
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 454
Likes: 0
RE: Kill switch question
Been shutting down as you describe for as long as I can remember......that said, I did check my manual and bar switch and it saysOFF and RUN. If something would happen and a quick shutdown is required I think a quick flick with the thumb to shut down is eaiser/safer than a reach for the tank switch. I'll duck now for the incomingposts of my stupidity.
Road Master
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 775
Likes: 2
From: OC California
RE: Kill switch question
I think I posted this before but here goes. 74' Sporty kill switch went bad on me. Didn't have any scratch so I just bypassed the switch wiring (rode the bike to work every day). As Murphy's law would have it about a month later I was passing a truck on the 605 at full throttle. Of course the throttle stuck wide open.[:@] I did not want to blow the engine so the clutch was not an option. I had to take my left hand off of the bars and find the damn ignition below the tank and turn the key off then clutch. Don't know how fast I was moving (no speedo) but it was to G&ddamn fast to ride with one hand! The kill switch works now.
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 991
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Kill switch question
Ignition Power Switch vs Kill Switch
The ignition power switch (key switch) turns on power to a few circuits when you switch it.
The Light circuit, ths Accessory circuit, and the Ignition circuit.
Two if these circuits have other control switches to control them.
The accessory circuit has the on/off on the radio and the cigarette lighter will not come on unless pushed in.
The ignition circuit will not energise the fuel pump, activate the ignition relay, or activate the run feature of the ECM, or power up the starter button, unless turned on by the kill switch.
So say you had a starter button go bad... and you have a habit of NOT using the kill switch, while you are sitting on the bike with one hand on the hadlebars(maybe) clutch not disengaged, and bike is in gear......... switch on that switch and the bike will start, and it will run till it has fallen over and the lean angle switch kills it.(And you will be picking yourself up off the ground with a really dumb look on your face)
Why did they stick that kill switch right beside the starter button?????
My guess would be, because they figured you would be done with every other before ride function before energising the ignition and starting the bike with both hands on the bars, clutch in and ready to go.
The ignition power switch (key switch) turns on power to a few circuits when you switch it.
The Light circuit, ths Accessory circuit, and the Ignition circuit.
Two if these circuits have other control switches to control them.
The accessory circuit has the on/off on the radio and the cigarette lighter will not come on unless pushed in.
The ignition circuit will not energise the fuel pump, activate the ignition relay, or activate the run feature of the ECM, or power up the starter button, unless turned on by the kill switch.
So say you had a starter button go bad... and you have a habit of NOT using the kill switch, while you are sitting on the bike with one hand on the hadlebars(maybe) clutch not disengaged, and bike is in gear......... switch on that switch and the bike will start, and it will run till it has fallen over and the lean angle switch kills it.(And you will be picking yourself up off the ground with a really dumb look on your face)
Why did they stick that kill switch right beside the starter button?????
My guess would be, because they figured you would be done with every other before ride function before energising the ignition and starting the bike with both hands on the bars, clutch in and ready to go.
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 454
Likes: 0
RE: Kill switch question
Thank you. I've always used the off/run switch because the manual said to but the manual should use your post to explain why it is good practice to use it.
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Tourer
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 361
Likes: 1
From:
RE: Kill switch question
SAFETY ISSUE.................Most all bikes have this kill switch in the same place.
When an emergency arises, our fastest responses are those that are habitual.
HD............and other manufacturers want us to be in the habit of using the kill switch.
If for some reason we need to shut down at once............the habit of the kill switch
will be the fastest. It will most likely be in that very spot should you be riding another bike.
Very good safety habit......................to be honest I don't do this, I am trying ti break this habit.
As far as the kill switch protecting other electricl devices................not true.
No electrical device (but for the switch itself) could care less from where its power is shut down.
The only arching that occurs during either/any ON/OFF switch operation is
at the switch itself.
Could we be extending the life of the tank/ignition key by using the kill switch.
Not sure, but possibly due to kill switch reducing majority of the load.
I would prefer to have to replace my kill switch than my tank/ignition switch.