ignition or kill switch
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 832
Likes: 6
From: Vermont
RE: ignition or kill switch
ORIGINAL: sifularson
When I bought my first Harley, an XL, I was told to always use the kill switch. The salesman said that there is a small electrical arc within the ignition switch if you use it to shut off the bike. Eventually it would wear out the ignition switch.
This is what I was told. So I always use the kill switch first and then turn off the ignition switch.
When I bought my first Harley, an XL, I was told to always use the kill switch. The salesman said that there is a small electrical arc within the ignition switch if you use it to shut off the bike. Eventually it would wear out the ignition switch.
This is what I was told. So I always use the kill switch first and then turn off the ignition switch.
Also, the Owner's Manuals say to use the kill switch. The first step for "STARTING THE ENGINE" in the '07 Touring Models Owner's Guide is to turn the ignition/headlamp key switch to the IGNITION position. The second step is to turn the on/run switch to RUN postion. The steps are reversed for STOPPING THE ENGINE.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 2,241
Likes: 7
From: Daytona, Fla.
RE: ignition or kill switch
ORIGINAL: sifularson
When I bought my first Harley, an XL, I was told to always use the kill switch. The salesman said that there is a small electrical arc within the ignition switch if you use it to shut off the bike. Eventually it would wear out the ignition switch.
This is what I was told. So I always use the kill switch first and then turn off the ignition switch.
When I bought my first Harley, an XL, I was told to always use the kill switch. The salesman said that there is a small electrical arc within the ignition switch if you use it to shut off the bike. Eventually it would wear out the ignition switch.
This is what I was told. So I always use the kill switch first and then turn off the ignition switch.
In the long run it's just personal preference. Killin' the spark the way that is most convenient for the rider is the right way. The only inconvenience I find is when someone else rides my bike & uses the kill switch. It still takes me a few seconds to figure out why the bike won't start when I get back on it since I never use it & have to remember to check when nothing happens............
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 2,002
Likes: 4
From: toontown
RE: ignition or kill switch
I have found that when I use the kill switch, the motor stops, I take off my gloves, helmet and get off the bike. Then, when I realize the headlight is still on I go back and shut off the ignition. I try to use the ignition and avoid the embarassment.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 3,746
Likes: 0
From: Southeast Louisiana
RE: ignition or kill switch
ORIGINAL: Peppa1
I can't believe there will be an issue either way. If you can't use the kill switch why is it on the bike !!! I always just turn off the ignition and never think about the kill switch.
I can't believe there will be an issue either way. If you can't use the kill switch why is it on the bike !!! I always just turn off the ignition and never think about the kill switch.
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Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 588
Likes: 2
From: Naugatuck, CT
RE: ignition or kill switch
If you go by the MSF recomendations they say to use the kill switch. Since i,m one to question validity on most anything that is not explained, I asked at the last ERC I took. The instructor a seasoned PD Motor officer explained that "its a getting used to thing" for emergencies. They teach in the BRC that if you ever lose breaks, lose control Hit your KILL switch.
I for one have never used the kill switch and honestly never even think about it. (Guess thats why they teach it) Mines like an alarm. If I turn the ignition switch and the bike dont start, that means someones been messin with my scoot.
I for one have never used the kill switch and honestly never even think about it. (Guess thats why they teach it) Mines like an alarm. If I turn the ignition switch and the bike dont start, that means someones been messin with my scoot.
