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
Account Retired
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 3,245
Likes: 12
From: Here
I can't imagine why you would ever need to use the kill switch unless the motor was racing out of control and it was a quicker alternative to the ignition switch, or if the ignition switch wouldn't turn the ignition off, both of which being very low probabilities. I see friends first hit the kill switch then the ignition switch as a ritual, which is redundant, although I don't put anyone down for doing it. Personally, I don't recall ever using the kill switch for anything.
Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 43
Likes: 0
From: Arkansas
I use the kill switch when shutting down the engine to keep both hands on the bars till it quits running. Then I can shut off ignition switch. Have owned 3 Harleys over the last 15 years and never had a kill switch failure.
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 136
Likes: 0
From: NY
One use I can think of is if your stopped along a road at night you can hit the kill switch and shut the bike off while leaving your lights on to be visible to passing motorist.
I always use it as that's the way I was taught by the guy who sold me my first motorcycle 35 years ago.
I always use it as that's the way I was taught by the guy who sold me my first motorcycle 35 years ago.
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1,945
Likes: 4
From: Victoria, Australia
Two reasons I use the kill switch:
1- I always park the bike in first gear even on a flat space and it's just easy to come to a stop in 1st gear and press the kill switch; and
2- It creates familiarity with the switch if needed for any reason. I agree it's redundant but...
I also turn it back on before I leave the seat so it's ready to go without that "Doh!" moment when I get back on....
1- I always park the bike in first gear even on a flat space and it's just easy to come to a stop in 1st gear and press the kill switch; and
2- It creates familiarity with the switch if needed for any reason. I agree it's redundant but...
I also turn it back on before I leave the seat so it's ready to go without that "Doh!" moment when I get back on....
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 11,615
Likes: 50
From: Baton Rouge, LA
Safety issue iclick, I asked this very question some years ago while taking the advanced Rider's course. The instructor stated it was to protect against accidentally losing control of the motorcycle. He said you are never supposed to remove your hands from the handle bars until the Engine is shut off.
He gave an example! You stop your motorcycle and take your hand off the right grip to turn the ignition switch off. something happens causing you to lose control of the bike and it falls over. You have a potential fire hazard that could result in bodily injury or even death. Where have we heard that statement before? It's all through the owner's manual! JMO
Anyway, if the bike falls over the bank angle switch in the TSSM would shut the ignition off automatically.
Road Captain
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 501
Likes: 8
From: Central Florida
On my 6th bike.. 5 of them have had on/off "kill" switch and all 5 manuals suggested I use them so I have and still do. No reach involved, it's right there.
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Thread Starter
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Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,406
Likes: 5
From: Sunnyvale, Ca.
Ya know, ALL European (M/C) Harley Modles have a "Kill Switch" built into the kick stand, too.
Works just like my Honda's... if your in a gear, kick the stand out and off the engine goes........
Works just like my Honda's... if your in a gear, kick the stand out and off the engine goes........
