Kill Switch or Ignition Switch ?
Club Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 5,481
Likes: 4
From: Georgia
I think it's to stop a runaway engine if the throttle somehow got disconnected from the fuel control.
I use the kill switch then turn off the ignition switch. Turning on the bike I turn on the kill switch and turn on the ignition. Works for me.
I use the kill switch then turn off the ignition switch. Turning on the bike I turn on the kill switch and turn on the ignition. Works for me.
Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 102
Likes: 0
From: Tucson, AZ
A while ago, I used to use the kill switch until at night with gloves once I hit the starter while it was running to produce that ugly noise. I floated your same question and found that most just use the ignition switch. that's where I am.
Banned
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 3,719
Likes: 1
my 2˘ worth... I've been a mechanic most of my life, industrial, automotive, marine, doesnt matter. A combustible engine works under the same principle in each field. The kill switch cuts power to engine components. The ignition switch provides power to all components. When you cut the engine off either way it still rotates til it comes to a stop. I remember how condensors work in the old point/condensor systems. The excess power is obsorbed by the condensor to keep from burning the points. No we no longer use that system, but I can't help think that just cutting power totally could leave some radical protons bouncing around so I use the kill switch.
Oh yeh, also, I was raised in the military so I was taught not to question procedure just procede as instructed and don't waste the time of the instructor by making him/her explain the minor details, the result is the same whether you understand or not. Sometimes the understanding comes a while after the instruction.
Although I do agree that some things must always be questioned, there are some things which shouldn't be, especially if the only accomplishment is to save physical energy avoiding another push on a button. If I save 2 seconds each time I shut down my bike, how long would it take me to get enough time saved for another ride? you do the math, i'm tired now.
Oh yeh, also, I was raised in the military so I was taught not to question procedure just procede as instructed and don't waste the time of the instructor by making him/her explain the minor details, the result is the same whether you understand or not. Sometimes the understanding comes a while after the instruction.
Although I do agree that some things must always be questioned, there are some things which shouldn't be, especially if the only accomplishment is to save physical energy avoiding another push on a button. If I save 2 seconds each time I shut down my bike, how long would it take me to get enough time saved for another ride? you do the math, i'm tired now.
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,575
Likes: 179
From: N.E. OHIO
I have always used the kill switch first, then the ignition. Like others said, there will be no hesitation if you need it in an emergency. It has to do with safety as much as anything. Your hand is still near the brake and the memory thing. I can't remember why it's better for the bike, something to do with the electronics probably.
I helped a guy one time who couldn't find his kill switch. He rammed his EG into a car and it was stuck into the fender with his bike doing a burn out! I had to do it for him. I don't use my horn all the time and sometimes I miss it. Same with the kill. It's just habit now.
I helped a guy one time who couldn't find his kill switch. He rammed his EG into a car and it was stuck into the fender with his bike doing a burn out! I had to do it for him. I don't use my horn all the time and sometimes I miss it. Same with the kill. It's just habit now.
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 1,942
Likes: 7
From: guntersville, al
the owners manual says to use the kill switch. I find that many times i use the kill switch and have to walk back to the bike to turn off the ignition. i back into parking so i can leave easily. i shut the engine off when backing so there can be a lapse between the kill switch and the ignition which allows my 62 year old brain to forget the ignition. LOL.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 2,671
Likes: 1
From: Virginia
I'm mechanically inclined.... I can screw anything up!
I use the kill switch, figgering that if it wasn't needed, it wouldn't be there...
I use the kill switch, figgering that if it wasn't needed, it wouldn't be there...
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