dead man switch
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Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 46
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From: Palestine, Tx
dead man switch
I just got an '03 fat boy and I want to install a dead man switch. At least I think that's what its called. A toggle switch between the battery and ignition. Kind of a poor boy anti theft device. I know its not fool proof but it will make me feel better. This is the newest bike I've owned, has a carburetor, but I'd hate to wire it in wrong and cause myself any problems. Any suggestions on how, where to mount, best switch for the job? I'd also like some opinions on drilling holes in the factory center line wheels. I'm in West Texas and the wind never stops blowing out here! Its like having sails on my bike!
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Joined: Apr 2005
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From: SoCal
I think what your looking to do is install a basic cut off switch. A "Dead Mans" switch has to be held down or squeezed at all times to function. Once it is released (The man holding it dies) the circuit is disrupted and the engine stops. But I could be wrong.
Convenience and stealth is the key to install location. If it's too difficult to get to, you will eventually stop activating it. And you want it some place that's simple to access, thus making it easy to build the habit of using it every time you park or leave. I know one rider that had a small button type switch installed on the horn "cow bell". It was easy to switch on and off, yet partially hidden by the tank. And he got so good at it he could turn it on and off without much notice.
But like the man said, it won't do you much good if they just pick up the bike and throw it in a truck and drive off.
Convenience and stealth is the key to install location. If it's too difficult to get to, you will eventually stop activating it. And you want it some place that's simple to access, thus making it easy to build the habit of using it every time you park or leave. I know one rider that had a small button type switch installed on the horn "cow bell". It was easy to switch on and off, yet partially hidden by the tank. And he got so good at it he could turn it on and off without much notice.
But like the man said, it won't do you much good if they just pick up the bike and throw it in a truck and drive off.
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Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 46
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From: Palestine, Tx
If they roll it away or throw it in a truck I'll let the GPS do it's job. I was just thinking it would be a nice stumbling block for someone hunting a free ride. I work on the road and don't have a toy hauler for storage. Plus I stay in rv parks and you don't always have the best neighbors. I have a rotor lock and the fork lock, plus my friendly little GPS....maybe the switch would be overkill.....daddy always did say I should go the extra mile! 
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,070
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From: Lafayette, LA.
I have an 03 Fat Boy and just lock the ignition and forks when ever I am out of sight of the bike.
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Joined: Mar 2007
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From: TOAK western branch
Either wire it interrupting the stater solenoid wire or the power to the coil. Mount it somewhere its not obvious your using it like next to the odometer trip or on the bars or by the choke.
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From: North Florida
It is a extra kill switch, I have one mounted under my cow bell, it is a push on push off. It cuts everything. It activates a solenoid that cuts the main power to the main switch.
Drilling the holes out on the Fatboy is pretty easy, done that too. Put your drill press on the floor, block up the tire on the other side, drill away.
Remember the holes don’t line up so there will be twice the number of holes once you are done.
I don’t know how much relief i get from the wind, it is probably minimal, but it is a cool look.
Drilling the holes out on the Fatboy is pretty easy, done that too. Put your drill press on the floor, block up the tire on the other side, drill away.
Remember the holes don’t line up so there will be twice the number of holes once you are done.
I don’t know how much relief i get from the wind, it is probably minimal, but it is a cool look.
Last edited by Harleycruiser; Mar 20, 2013 at 05:05 PM.