Kill switch or console switch
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 764
Likes: 42
From: Pensacola, FL
At the recommendation of the salesman I bought the bike from back in 2003, I have never touched the kill switch, always using the console switch to turn the bike off and have NEVER experienced any issues. However that was until 2 weeks ago when I took the MSF Experienced Riders course where they instruct you to use the kill switch. Now I'm back to using the console switch only.
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,692
Likes: 22
From: Denham Springs, La
That, and probably also to get you used to turning off the bike with the kill so that in an emergency you don't fumble for the ignition.
However, more impotortantly, when riding, always lean to the left to fart. This way, your gas is expelled to the right, away from the spark plugs reducing the risk of an explosion!
However, more impotortantly, when riding, always lean to the left to fart. This way, your gas is expelled to the right, away from the spark plugs reducing the risk of an explosion!
...and that could cause serious injury or death!
The only time I use the kill switch is when I pick it up from the dealer. I always have to turn it back to "run".
Cecil
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 2,183
Likes: 4
From: Fennario
Don't be a f***in' ***** -- stand up on the boards when you gotta fart.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 4,618
Likes: 290
From: Johnstown, PA
On my last bike (Honda VTX) the kick stand killed the engine, I kinda miss that feature, but since I got the new ride, I have been using the kill switch, just seems easier to me. I don't think it matters though.
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 314
Likes: 1
From: Mass.
Starting: Ignition>Run switch, wait for initiating leds out.
Stopping: Run>Ignition switch
Helps reduce in-rush currents to the electronics.
I've had a few customers who had issues due to just using the ignition switch. Albeit, only a few.
Stopping: Run>Ignition switch
Helps reduce in-rush currents to the electronics.
I've had a few customers who had issues due to just using the ignition switch. Albeit, only a few.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 2,600
Likes: 7
From: Minnesota
I believe the sole reason has nothing to do with anything mechanical, electrical, which switch will ware out first, or purging fuel. The reason that Harley and the AMA recommends using the kill switch is muscle memory. What ever you normally do - you will do in an emergency.
It is my opinion that this recommendation is outdated because modern motorcycles have bank angle sensors that will cut power to the motor if the bike reaches a certain angle. You could argue that a kill switch is needed in a runaway condition but I think this argument fails considering that a riders muscle memory would be keyed to pulling in the clutch to stop a runaway condition.
Harley is slow to change - they still have timing covers and push rods !
I have a friend that uses the kill switch. He does not know why he does it other than that what they taught in his motorcycle course. If I had a nickel for every time I have said, Danny you left your lights on I would have a new RG with a 120R, welded and trued crank, Timken bearings and more.
Old guys especially should not use the kill switch - its hard on the battery.
It is my opinion that this recommendation is outdated because modern motorcycles have bank angle sensors that will cut power to the motor if the bike reaches a certain angle. You could argue that a kill switch is needed in a runaway condition but I think this argument fails considering that a riders muscle memory would be keyed to pulling in the clutch to stop a runaway condition.
Harley is slow to change - they still have timing covers and push rods !
I have a friend that uses the kill switch. He does not know why he does it other than that what they taught in his motorcycle course. If I had a nickel for every time I have said, Danny you left your lights on I would have a new RG with a 120R, welded and trued crank, Timken bearings and more.
Old guys especially should not use the kill switch - its hard on the battery.
Last edited by Potato_Potato; Apr 8, 2011 at 10:34 PM.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 4,598
Likes: 14
From: navarre ohio
when you turn the switch on it sends power up to the kill switch then back to the ignition..it makes no difference..like flipping the switch at the top of the stairs over the downstairs switch.. both interupt the same power wire loop
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 5,413
Likes: 17
From: eastern oklahoma
i never use the emergency handlebar switch to turn off my bike. that crap comes from the 70's and 80's honda and kawasaki crowd. i always use the ignition switch. maybe it's because i grew up riding bikes that didn't have that kill switch on the bars.
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 160
Likes: 1
From: San Fernando Valley
Riding dirt for 10 or so years, my only option to kill the engine was the kill switch on the right thumb... So, I guess force of habit makes me use the kill switch. Either way, an open circuit is an open circuit. I can't see one being any more efficient than the other.