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View Poll Results: How do you turn On/Off your Harley
I use Emergence Handle Bar On/Off Switch and Ignition/Headlamp switch
192
61.54%
I use Ignition/Headlamp Switch ONLY - leave Emergence Handle Bar On
121
38.78%
Multiple Choice Poll. Voters: 312. You may not vote on this poll

Poll On/Off Switch

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Old May 10, 2011 | 07:40 PM
  #21  
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I use them both it depends
on what the situation calls for
 
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Old May 10, 2011 | 07:45 PM
  #22  
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Originally Posted by fabrik8r
I leave both switches on all the time so they won't go bad, I just remove my seat and disconnect the negative battery teminal to shut it down.
..ok...so lets start another poll...if you shut down by disconnecting the battery, do you disconnect the POS, or the NEG...or do you disconnect both?....
 
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Old May 10, 2011 | 07:50 PM
  #23  
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I use kill switch first, then turn off the ign. switch. Why?, because it says so in the manual. I figured MOCO had good reason to tell us that. Every time in the past when I did'nt follow the rules something bad happened.
 
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Old May 10, 2011 | 08:06 PM
  #24  
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I use the kill switch the way the manuel says too. Not because I'm some hard core rule follower, but that's what I started doing when I started riding it. It's a routine thing. Just like putting in neutral. No suprises.
 
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Old May 10, 2011 | 09:16 PM
  #25  
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1. What is a emergence switch?
2. If you keep doing that you will go blind.
3. If you keep making that face it will stick.

Btw I always use the kill switch. Just a habit! Wish I had one on my 72 Kawasaki H2 when the one of the carb slides stuck open. Now that was exciting!
 
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Old May 10, 2011 | 09:33 PM
  #26  
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Good habit to use the kill switch because if you drop it it's a reflex to kill it.
 
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Old May 10, 2011 | 09:39 PM
  #27  
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I always use the kill switch first and then turn off the ignition. It just makes sense to do it that way. It will also help you remember where that switch is in an emergency if you use it every time you shut down your bike.
 
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Old May 10, 2011 | 10:02 PM
  #28  
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Harleys like all modern bikes have tip switches that will cut the engine so no worries there. If it was a runaway condition my impulse would be to pull the clutch in rather than fumbling for a small switch.

AMA still teaches it based on old MC technology to develop muscle memory in case of emergency. Harley is slow to change - we still have a cover to change the points!

Kill switch use is the leading cause of dead batteries with the 50+ year old guys I ride with.
 
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Old May 10, 2011 | 10:09 PM
  #29  
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I use whatever my hand is closest to when I decide to turn off the bike. I really don't think it matters. Never had a problem either way.

If one does go bad from too much use, it really isn't a big deal to repair anyway. My 2 cents.
 
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Old May 10, 2011 | 10:31 PM
  #30  
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I work on Redstone Arsenal and use the kill switch when I stop to present my ID to gain access. My feeling is that it is there, so why not use it.
 
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