Kill switch or console switch
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 426
Likes: 0
From: katy, tx
put 20k on my old 06 sporty killin it with the key never had a problem and my flhtci has close to 40k on it and i turn it off with the console....never touch the lil black switch...once again never a problem.... backfires in the air breather occassionally but thats only when its 110 outside and the bike had been running and only go into a gas station for a minute and come back out to restart
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 3,350
Likes: 1,930
From: Formerly Tampa Bay, FL, Currently Western PA
Kill switches and console switches sometimes go bad. I don't think it matters which one you use. I have never used the kill switch except for if I couldn't take my hand off the clutch and front brake.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 38,288
Likes: 6,322
From: Honah Lee
Total safety issue. Engine is off same way no mater what switch you use. Harley's lawyers say use the bar off. I use the tank on/off since that turns my lights off. To me adding a switch on the list of starting procedures adds no safety. Just one more thing to think about. I use fob, tank on/off switch and neutral light. The key is some were in the bottom of the saddle bag I think. If it ever happens not to turn off with the tank switch guess the bar switch beats laying it on its side to kill it but that will work also.
Last edited by Jackie Paper; Apr 8, 2011 at 08:06 AM.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 2,241
Likes: 7
From: Daytona, Fla.
The other day some old time biker told me the proper way to turn off your motorcycle was to use the kill switch rather than the console main switch. He said if you use the console switch to turn off the bike somehow it leaves a bit of fuel in the system hence you may get a cough when restarting the bike. The book said to use the kill switch. Don’t know but it sounds a bit picky to me. Is there any truth to the old timers conclusion or just another odd ball opinion.
Kill switches were originally intended as an emergency device for machines with enough motor to override the brakes. They were randomly used in racing applications, but if memory serves, first came out on production bikes on the 750 cc. Honda.
Use whatever you want to kill the motor, but if the bike won't start when you get back on it check the kill switch before you break out the tools........
Road Master
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 855
Likes: 6
From: Riverside, Ca.
If you have to replace one or the other the kill switch ***. is about 35 bucks. The console switch with fork lock, you do want them keyed alike, is app. 160 bucks. Do the math. Functionally I don't think it matters.
