Kill switch then key?
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 2,509
Likes: 437
From: South Florida
RE: Kill switch then key?
Actually, the kill switch is connected to a relay. The relay deenergizes and caused the bike to stop running. The system stays powered for this sequence. Once the bike stops turning, the voltage regulator removes the power from the stator field, and the bike is no longer generating electricity. On newer bikes, as opposed to older ones, the power is conditioned by the battery. This prevents the electronics from being exposed to surge power. When you shut down the computer, you are supposed to use the shut down feature instead of simply powering it off. You can damage the electronics on newer bikes or cause problems if you do the same, simply pulling the plug. Shovels and previous had no problems with it. The bikes could run right off the alternator, but then, the electronics were different.
Actually, during the starting sequence, the proceedure is reversed. You power on with the ignition switch, and after the boot up proceedure, which takes about 4 seconds, you should then place the run switch to run and start the bike. Bikes with EFI and on board systems are particular about this sequence.
So, there you have it. The proper start up sequence. And hopefully, an explanation for why. Will you FUBAr your bike if you don't? Hard to say. Cops need to be able to immeditely start their bikes, and sometimes don't wait for the boot sequence to complete. Can it cause issues? Yes. But cop bikes are fleet bikes. You own yours. Treat it right.
Actually, during the starting sequence, the proceedure is reversed. You power on with the ignition switch, and after the boot up proceedure, which takes about 4 seconds, you should then place the run switch to run and start the bike. Bikes with EFI and on board systems are particular about this sequence.
So, there you have it. The proper start up sequence. And hopefully, an explanation for why. Will you FUBAr your bike if you don't? Hard to say. Cops need to be able to immeditely start their bikes, and sometimes don't wait for the boot sequence to complete. Can it cause issues? Yes. But cop bikes are fleet bikes. You own yours. Treat it right.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 11,317
Likes: 11
From: Tucson, Az
RE: Kill switch then key?
I've read alot of: If I do this, when I do this, yeah, but, maybe- - - - I tend to keep things simple. I always (key word being always) leave my bike in first gear when I use the kill switch to shut off the engine and then turn off the key. Seems this way I don't have to remember if I thought I parked on a slope or whatever!!!
Stopping and starting procedures are always the same.
Stopping and starting procedures are always the same.
Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 531
Likes: 1
From: S.C.
RE: Kill switch then key?
I always stop the motor with the kill switch THEN turn off the ignition - I alway start my bike in reverse order, turn on the ignition, engage the kill switch and hit the starter.Always leave the bike in whatever gear it was when I stopped and pull in the clutch prior to hitting the starter button.Had to think about this as this happens out of habit at this point. Been doing this way for as long as I can remember (Been riding 37 years).... Never had a dead battery from this process, never had a switch failure, never even thought about either event happening......gotta stop reading these pages as I'm beginning to worry about everything I do now........
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,739
Likes: 1
From:
RE: Kill switch then key?
ORIGINAL: Stretchman
Actually, the kill switch is connected to a relay. The relay deenergizes and caused the bike to stop running. The system stays powered for this sequence. Once the bike stops turning, the voltage regulator removes the power from the stator field, and the bike is no longer generating electricity. On newer bikes, as opposed to older ones, the power is conditioned by the battery. This prevents the electronics from being exposed to surge power. When you shut down the computer, you are supposed to use the shut down feature instead of simply powering it off. You can damage the electronics on newer bikes or cause problems if you do the same, simply pulling the plug. Shovels and previous had no problems with it. The bikes could run right off the alternator, but then, the electronics were different.
Actually, during the starting sequence, the proceedure is reversed. You power on with the ignition switch, and after the boot up proceedure, which takes about 4 seconds, you should then place the run switch to run and start the bike. Bikes with EFI and on board systems are particular about this sequence.
So, there you have it. The proper start up sequence. And hopefully, an explanation for why. Will you FUBAr your bike if you don't? Hard to say. Cops need to be able to immeditely start their bikes, and sometimes don't wait for the boot sequence to complete. Can it cause issues? Yes. But cop bikes are fleet bikes. You own yours. Treat it right.
Actually, the kill switch is connected to a relay. The relay deenergizes and caused the bike to stop running. The system stays powered for this sequence. Once the bike stops turning, the voltage regulator removes the power from the stator field, and the bike is no longer generating electricity. On newer bikes, as opposed to older ones, the power is conditioned by the battery. This prevents the electronics from being exposed to surge power. When you shut down the computer, you are supposed to use the shut down feature instead of simply powering it off. You can damage the electronics on newer bikes or cause problems if you do the same, simply pulling the plug. Shovels and previous had no problems with it. The bikes could run right off the alternator, but then, the electronics were different.
Actually, during the starting sequence, the proceedure is reversed. You power on with the ignition switch, and after the boot up proceedure, which takes about 4 seconds, you should then place the run switch to run and start the bike. Bikes with EFI and on board systems are particular about this sequence.
So, there you have it. The proper start up sequence. And hopefully, an explanation for why. Will you FUBAr your bike if you don't? Hard to say. Cops need to be able to immeditely start their bikes, and sometimes don't wait for the boot sequence to complete. Can it cause issues? Yes. But cop bikes are fleet bikes. You own yours. Treat it right.
Tourer
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 295
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Kill switch then key?
Easy there, Strechman is just giving us the facts, it's up to you to disseminat them as you please. It took 87 post for someone to know what the hell there where talkin about. Calling BS is a strong statement, are you sure youmean that?
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 21,949
Likes: 6
From: My house
RE: Kill switch then key?
ORIGINAL: whaap
I've read alot of: If I do this, when I do this, yeah, but, maybe- - - - I tend to keep things simple. I always (key word being always) leave my bike in first gear when I use the kill switch to shut off the engine and then turn off the key. Seems this way I don't have to remember if I thought I parked on a slope or whatever!!!
Stopping and starting procedures are always the same.
I've read alot of: If I do this, when I do this, yeah, but, maybe- - - - I tend to keep things simple. I always (key word being always) leave my bike in first gear when I use the kill switch to shut off the engine and then turn off the key. Seems this way I don't have to remember if I thought I parked on a slope or whatever!!!
Stopping and starting procedures are always the same.