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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May 10, 2011 | 10:47 PM

#31

iwillfixthem4u

Road Captain

Joined: Jan 2010

Posts: 709

Likes: 2

From: SO Cal

Quote:

Originally Posted by DMacLeod

I always use the kill switch and have on every bike I've ever owned in the last 35 years. This leaves both hands on the bars until the engine stops.

I just looked at my manual and it says to always use the engine stop switch at all times.

Very well said I agree on both hands on the bars. As for the failure part it seems silly JMO

May 10, 2011 | 11:59 PM

#32

vzts4q

Road Master

Joined: Apr 2008

Posts: 983

Likes: 4

From: Indiana

Quote:

Originally Posted by Potato_Potato

Kill switch use is the leading cause of dead batteries with the 50+ year old guys I ride with.

The root cause in that case is people who never LOCK the ignition switch after turning it off! If you aren't in the habit of locking it then the likelihood of leaving it on and running the battery down is much greater.
I guess the next poll should be do you lock your ignition.
BTW I always do, even in my locked garage.

May 11, 2011 | 02:54 AM

#33

emwolb

Ultimate HDF Member

Joined: Aug 2008

Posts: 5,413

Likes: 17

From: eastern oklahoma

i only use the key switch. those who use the emergency kill switch are likely used to metric bikes is all i can think. as far as i know only the younger techs at harley use the emergency kill switch, because if i have work done on my bike and go to start it, i get pissed off because i know that some rookie kid was riding my bike.

May 11, 2011 | 03:18 AM

#34

jjnoble

Outstanding HDF Member

Joined: Jul 2010

Posts: 2,727

Likes: 6

If I use the kill switch sometimes I forget to turn the ignition off. I have never run down the battery but it could happen. I quite frequently use both.

May 11, 2011 | 03:29 AM

#35

kwoozn

Road Captain

Joined: Feb 2007

Posts: 744

Likes: 1

From:

Come to a full stop....
Then just pop the clutch!
Engine dies every time, no wear on the electrical system!

May 11, 2011 | 03:43 AM

#36

karbar99

Club Member

Joined: Aug 2008

Posts: 479

Likes: 1

From: In the flatlands!

Most generally I only use the ignition switch unless I happen to park on an incline and have to leave it in gear then I use the kill switch, roll against the gear then ignition switch. Parked on level, it's left in "N"!

Last edited by karbar99; May 11, 2011 at 03:49 AM. Reason: ...

May 11, 2011 | 07:15 AM

#37

Mikekoz13

Road Captain

Joined: Aug 2009

Posts: 577

Likes: 1

From: South Central Pa.

Both of the sales guys I dealt with in the last two years told me NOT to use the kill switch.

I use the locking ignition switch only.

May 11, 2011 | 07:19 AM

#38

rkride

Cruiser

Joined: May 2008

Posts: 186

Likes: 0

From: Osan, South Korea

I tend to use the ignition switch so I don't have to worry about leaving the lights on. Two people that I ride with have had dead batteries from hitting the kill switch and forgetting about the ignition switch therefore leaving their lights on.

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May 11, 2011 | 07:26 AM

#39

JBourquin

Road Master

Joined: Feb 2009

Posts: 923

Likes: 2

From: Back in NEW YORK!!

I'm the one that gets pissed because my bike won't start. Finally figure out my kill switch was pushed. I know it wasn't me, I forgot the damn thing was even there... Of coarse the manual is gonna tell you you should always use the kill switch, it's there. Just like they tell you you should only use factory replacement parts, and only use HD oils and lubes..