Kill Switch Question
Tourer
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 343
Likes: 0
From: Michigan
I just asked my buddy that and he said with the ECM he's got it's needed to "gracefully" turn off the engine and retain settings. This only applies to newer models. I still use my main switch from time to time though...
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,212
Likes: 1
From: Maryland
If by chance a throttle cable would hang, or some other anomaly would occur, the kill switch would shut the motor down safely, instead of pulling in the clutch on a stuck throttle cable and blowing the motor.
BTW, I always use my kill switch to shut the bike off, before I turn off the ignition. I might be the only one here to actually wear a kill switch out by the sound of things.
BTW, I always use my kill switch to shut the bike off, before I turn off the ignition. I might be the only one here to actually wear a kill switch out by the sound of things.
5th Gear
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: Youngsville, NC
Okay, how many of you have taken a motorcycle safety course? I'm talking about the advanced course. One of the first things they teach is to turn off the bike with the kill switch. The reason? Is to start a habit. Get into the habit of turning it off with the Kill switch so that in time of emergency you do it out of habit. You don't have to think about it, you just do it. Just like all habits.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,395
Likes: 25
From: St George, UT
I use the kill switch when I intend to park the bike in gear, like on a hill. This reminds me to put the trans in neutral before starting. But I just learned the other day my bike won't start in gear if the clutch isn't disengaged. So, I don't even need the kill switch for that! My 02 would lurch forward trying to start it while in gear.
So, I'm one of those who seldom use the kill switch.
So, I'm one of those who seldom use the kill switch.
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,750
Likes: 2
From: Bucks County PA
Yikes!!! I use it once in a blue moon, like when I am on a hill and want to kill the bike without removing my hands from the bar and keeping it in gear at the same time... I really am not worried about the switch malfunctioning from lack of use.
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Road Master
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 878
Likes: 0
From: Tellico Plains, Tenn.
Even though I used my kill switch it still went bad and would cause the engine to die at the worst possible times. The switch would cause just a brief interuption in the ignition circuit and cause the engine to die and would never trigger a fault code. Changed out the switch assy. & presto! no more engine dieing on me. So I guess that didn't help much with the contacts on mine. Course at the time it did have over 100,000 miles on the bike! Ride Safe!
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 878
Likes: 0
From: Tellico Plains, Tenn.
Even though I used my kill switch it still went bad and would cause the engine to die at the worst possible times. The switch would cause just a brief interuption in the ignition circuit and cause the engine to die and would never trigger a fault code. Changed out the switch assy. & presto! no more engine dieing on me. So I guess that didn't help much with the contacts on mine. Course at the time it did have over 100,000 miles on the bike! Ride Safe!
Last edited by Avmech97; Aug 29, 2008 at 01:17 AM. Reason: duplicate message,computer glitch