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Old Dec 27, 2010 | 09:50 AM
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  #41  
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I usually shut down with the ignition switch. That way I don't have to worry about leaving lights on and returning to a dead battery. I always thought the idea for the kill switch was for emergency situations like if the bike went down.
 
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Old Dec 27, 2010 | 10:00 AM
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Kill switch then ignition switch. Got in the habit riding a jap bike and just do it.
 
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Old Dec 27, 2010 | 10:03 AM
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I never use the kill switch, always the ignition switch. These are the instructions given to me at the dealership when I bought the bike.
 
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Old Dec 27, 2010 | 10:14 AM
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Originally Posted by Ronp42
Kill switch, but you have to remember to turn your key switch off too or you will leave your light's on. (Dead Battery)
Kill switch for emergency only (or if I need both hands on the bars for other reasons).
Done the headlight-left-on thing before.
 
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Old Dec 27, 2010 | 10:18 AM
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Originally Posted by CHOPPIN' CHARLIE
BOOK SAY TO USE THE KILL SWITCH FOR ON & OFF
Same book says to use only Harley brand oil.
Screw that book.
 
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Old Dec 27, 2010 | 10:23 AM
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Ignition switch most of the time.
 
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Old Dec 27, 2010 | 10:32 AM
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Ignition switch off to shut down.
 
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Old Dec 27, 2010 | 10:42 AM
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I've always used the ignition switch for 25 years with no issues, on tbw bikes you need to use the ignition switch, on non tbw bikes it doesn't matter, the kill switch is basically a safety feature and they tell you to use it because that protects their *** in case you do something stupid
 
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Old Dec 27, 2010 | 10:55 AM
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Originally Posted by 1931jamesw
I have been using the kill switch because that's what I used on my carbed bike, however, I have read where you should not do that with a fuel injected bike. The reason given was that the weight of your hand on the throttle, even just slightly can keep the throttle open very slightly and after doing it several times, the ECM "learns" that the slight opening is the closed throttle position when actually it isn't. Over time it causes an increased idle speed. I'm now trying to get in the habit of using the key ignition switch using my right hand so I have to take my hand completely off the throttle to shut the bike off.
That actually makes sense. I think I'll try to develop that habit as well. On my Kawasaki, it had a kill switch in the stand so I just pulled up and dropped the stand and it would kill the engine then I would turn off the switch.
 
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Old Dec 27, 2010 | 11:05 AM
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Originally Posted by Clint55
I rarely use the kill switch. Maybe if parking on a hill and want to leave the bike in gear.

Also, I never come back to my bike to find a dead battery.
What he said. Kill switch only when parking on a hill.
 
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