Kill Switch Question
Thread Starter
|
Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 181
Likes: 0
From: Territory of Tucson
Kill Switch Question
I did a search on Kill Switches but couldn't find an answer to my question which is: What is the purpose of using the kill switch for turning the bike off? I've been riding 40+ years and never use the kill switch for this purpose, I was always under the impression that it's main purpose was to "kill" the bike in an emergency (laying it down). The main disadvantage of using it in my opinion is that you may forget to turn off the ignition switch causing the battery to run down (which in my case it's called a "senior moment"). I noticed that in the manual of my new '08 RK it does state: "use the kill switch to turn off the bike". Is there any technical reason that one should do this rather than just using the ignition switch?
Thanks,
Ride save
Thanks,
Ride save
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 472
Likes: 11
From: Erie, PA
Well I'm not sure about this and I'm no electrical guru but I think I remember reading once that using the kill switch eliminates the load on the ignition switch thereby eliminating any arcing of the contacts in the ignition switch when you turn it off.
Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 186
Likes: 2
From: Minnesota
I have two reasons that I use my kill switch:
1. Flipping the kill switch is part of my start routine. There is always that dip stick in the crowd that like to flip the switch on a parked bike to see that look on your face when the bike doesn't start.
2. The action of using the switch helps to keep the contacts clean. If you ever need the switch, it will work.
1. Flipping the kill switch is part of my start routine. There is always that dip stick in the crowd that like to flip the switch on a parked bike to see that look on your face when the bike doesn't start.
2. The action of using the switch helps to keep the contacts clean. If you ever need the switch, it will work.
Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 173
Likes: 1
From: New York
All of the above seem to me to be interesting and valid reasons for having a kill switch mounted on the bike. I have to wonder though, if the primary reason isn't a question of liabilty and or requirement by law. Color me cynical but this seems a motivation for the various MC manufacturers to spend the money on safety features rather than solely out of the goodness of their heart. Generally speaking, it makes sense to me to have redundant safety features even something as simple as to points of egress on a cage or in a house.
Trending Topics
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 2,206
Likes: 0
From:
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider
Verdad Gallardo
Grand HDF Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 4,007
Likes: 159
From: Mount Laurel, N.J.
I use both switches as part of the shut down and re-start sequence. Just a series of steps I go thru, kinda like a habit. Same steps every time. That way, I never forget anything.
