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
Club Member
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 212
Likes: 0
From: murphy nc
I always hit the kill switch first, then the ignition switch.
Speaking as a pilot, it amazes me that so many people have a hard time with this. Shutting down a small plane is MUCH more involved, & you do it in an orderly fashion. The ignition switch is the last thing you do.
Speaking as a pilot, it amazes me that so many people have a hard time with this. Shutting down a small plane is MUCH more involved, & you do it in an orderly fashion. The ignition switch is the last thing you do.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 11,615
Likes: 50
From: Baton Rouge, LA
You're right, nearly every page has a dire warning that if you don't do something you may die in flaming horror. If they eliminated just the asinine warnings the manual would be half as thick. What's more, if you believe the service manual you almost can't do any work on the bike without disconnecting the battery terminals or pulling the maxi fuse. Some of it is just plain comical.
I use the Emergency Handle Bar on/off. First off I like to kill it and coast in sometimes...and second it's darn convenient just sitting up there by my thumb. A lot of my previous bikes were...well not Harleys...and it was always recommended that you not use their switches as they would wear out or malfunction...I figured Harley makes it better so use it..plus it ain't red.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 5,149
Likes: 2,975
From: WACO
I think the result here is more like a generation gap. Ol timers did not have a kill switch on their Harleys. As I. Turn the ignition switch off to shut er down. The younger guys have grown up with a "kill" switch on the bar. Hey. If ya got it ya have to use it right? The only way I would use kill switch would be as a anti-theft device. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kill_switch
Road Captain
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 501
Likes: 8
From: Central Florida
I think the result here is more like a generation gap. Ol timers did not have a kill switch on their Harleys. As I. Turn the ignition switch off to shut er down. The younger guys have grown up with a "kill" switch on the bar. Hey. If ya got it ya have to use it right? The only way I would use kill switch would be as a anti-theft device. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kill_switch
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Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,602
Likes: 3
From: Southeastern Michigan
I only use the kill switch during those very frequent runaway engine scenarios, and when the engine is on fire! I had heard from some very reputable ignition switch reps, that using the kill switch with both hands on the handlebars will void the warranty. However, if your left foot is down, it is within tolerable limits of the switch replacement warranty when it wears out. At least that's what the kill switch reps say.
It's fact - really!!!
It's fact - really!!!