Kill Switch or Ignition Switch ?
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,140
Likes: 17
From: Wisconsin
I called the local dealer to get the "real" scoop. They told me to always use the kill switch and never shut it off with the ignition switch because it says so in the manual. They also told me my warranty was now void because they had me on caller ID and I had admitted to shutting off my bike with the ignition switch.
It's never been the kill switch for me, always the ignition. I was taught many, many years ago the kill switch was an "emergency" option to kill the engine when all else failed.
It's never been the kill switch for me, always the ignition. I was taught many, many years ago the kill switch was an "emergency" option to kill the engine when all else failed.
Novice
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
From: Open road, but I have a bed in NoVa
I use the Ignition switch only. I kept having problems with the idle going up to 2K+ on my 08 ultra, think I read somewhere in here that using the kill switch caused it. I stopped using it, and the random high rev at idle went away. Now to get the starter to stop engaging everytime I pull the clutch in after the bike gets wet.
Novice
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
From: Open road, but I have a bed in NoVa
All seriousness, I have tried the different Trans lubes as well, didn't seem to matter. it stills whines in fifth, so I go faster, up shift, and it quits whining. Guess I was going t slow for the bike....
Last edited by slkepple1; Jul 17, 2009 at 12:31 PM.
Road Captain
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 642
Likes: 0
From: Haslet, Texas
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.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 3,698
Likes: 11
From: Longview, Washington
My reason to use the kill switch
I'll venture a bet that most of the people who shut down using the ignition switch also search and find neutral before they shut down. This is a practice that I quit using because I hate to see the bike roll on the kickstand.
It makes much more sense to just stop and kill the bike immediately in gear without taking my hands off the bars. I then reach up and shut off the ignition. This way there is no rolling.
When I start it, I turn on the ignition, pull the clutch, hold the brake, find neutral, and hit the starter. Occasionally I'll just pull in the clutch and start the bike in gear. I know it's a little more strain on the starter die to the clutch drag so I avoid doing this too much.
I know this might sound back-asswards but it works for me. I've developed a habit that is SAFER for me. The bike no longer rolls backward or forward on the kickstand.
BTW, I had a mechanic tell me years ago that using the ignition to shut off the bike causes an electrical arc in the switch that can eventually burn up the contacts. I think this might of been true in the old days but I think it's BS for our newer bikes.
Just my 2 cents.
Steve
It makes much more sense to just stop and kill the bike immediately in gear without taking my hands off the bars. I then reach up and shut off the ignition. This way there is no rolling.
When I start it, I turn on the ignition, pull the clutch, hold the brake, find neutral, and hit the starter. Occasionally I'll just pull in the clutch and start the bike in gear. I know it's a little more strain on the starter die to the clutch drag so I avoid doing this too much.
I know this might sound back-asswards but it works for me. I've developed a habit that is SAFER for me. The bike no longer rolls backward or forward on the kickstand.
BTW, I had a mechanic tell me years ago that using the ignition to shut off the bike causes an electrical arc in the switch that can eventually burn up the contacts. I think this might of been true in the old days but I think it's BS for our newer bikes.
Just my 2 cents.
Steve
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Advanced
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 99
Likes: 0
From: Joplin, Mo
Using the kill switch goes back the the first Delphi Fuel injection systems. You were supposed to turn the bike off with the kill switch then the ignition switch. Reverse the order for starting. It allowed the computer to initialize before starting and get a read off of the sensors before starting. They say it doesn't matter now but I still use the same procedure and have never seen an error code.
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 282
Likes: 0
From: Michigan NE LP
I have a friend who uses the kill switch all of the time because the manual sez to do so. I don't.
I have, however, hit the kill switch inadvertently once while going down the highway. Sceered the ch*t out of me. Took a few seconds to figure out the problem. I have never told anyone that before. Isn't that special?
Walt MI/USA
I have, however, hit the kill switch inadvertently once while going down the highway. Sceered the ch*t out of me. Took a few seconds to figure out the problem. I have never told anyone that before. Isn't that special?
Walt MI/USA