Damn what people SAY about it: it's a low amp circuit - not like you have a titanic lightening flash in there. I only use the thumb switch for a hill, otherwise I'll always forget it's in the off position and think for a sec that something's wrong with the bike. The ignition switch is a heavy duty unit with the world's sorriest key tumbler.
But it really doesn't matter; whatever you're used to as long as you shut off the lights when you leave!
Back 'in the day' we used to say, "buy a Honda, remove the ignition switch for your bike, and throw the Honda away."

 

What would we do without this forum. Entertainment at it's finest.

 

I thought that was funny. But maybe you're serious - and then I would feel bad for laughing. It's so hard to be politically correct.

 

1. The kill switch on the Electra Glide series of motorcycles removes power to the starter relay coil and specific parts of the ECM. That's all right some of you are thinking "Thanks Captain Obvious", but it can be important more for the fact that by doing this it isolates those inputs from the rest of the bikes electrical systems when using the recomended shut down procedure.

The relays, electric motors and coil filters create something called counter emfs (reverse voltages) when you de-energize them. Counter EMF's flow in the opposite direction of the applied voltage. They are significantly higher in voltage than the applied voltage (some times on the order of thousands of times higher).

This doesn't affect humans because of it's low power factor. It's interesting to note that human beings can't feel static electricity voltages less than 2000 volts. Think of that the next time you drag your feet on a carpet during dry weather and touch your significant other's nose. I just mention that to enhance your enjoyment of the prank.

To get back to the point, electronics can't tolerate as much electricity as your girlfriends nose. Each electronic sub-component has a rating by it's designer for it's "Peak Inverse Voltage". Trust me it's a lot lower than the ones generated by the electrics on your bike. It has to be or the electronics would not be as small and efficient as they are. Your electronics probably will not fail with moderate abuse but they are going to fail prematurely (ie ECM) and be expensive to replace.

Having said that I use the kill switch to stop the engine and wave at anybody I feel like.

 

Counter EMFs scare me !!

 

I always use the kill switch, starting with my '02. Tripped a trouble code and when I went in to have it reset, the shop told me it was because I had used the ignition switch to shut down the motor.

On page 38 of the 2010 Touring Owner's Manual, it does state that 'the engine off/run switch should be used to shut the engine off'.

Can I simply use the ignition switch instead? Sure, many here do but since I had to stop at my dealer years ago to have the error light turned off, I don't see the point. Some suggest that I could leave the lights on by forgetting to turn off the ignition switch (which also means I didn't lock it either) but if I can walk away with the lights on, time for me to park the bike.

 

I was told by the dealer to use the IGNITION SWITCH !! ONLY!! Said that the kill is for OLDER BIKES! With the new bikes and their electronic systems it is the Ignition switch you should use all the time to shut it down.

 

I don't wanna park my bike. And I don't wanna push start it.

I think I'll stick with the ignition switch.

 

On all of my bikes I have always used the ignition switch. When I bought my Ultra, both the salesman (who is also the owner) and the service manager told me to always shut down using the kill switch - then turn the ignition off.

Never heard of the TBW / ECM memory issue before. I'll have to ask next time I'm at the dealership.

 

What? Can't we just lift the seat and disconnect the battery cable?