Still using the 'Kill Switch'?
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,140
Likes: 17
From: Wisconsin
I used to, but now I run WD-40 in my engine. It does take a lot of time to spray all those cans in there but it's worth it, I have no problems with moisture in my oil ever again and the engine runs ohhhhhhh so quiet. 
I also use it to lubricate my kill switch, even though I rarely use it.
I also use it to lubricate my kill switch, even though I rarely use it.
Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,301
Likes: 7
As we rode our new ride thru CO last month I stopped my ride at a Indy shop where I used the thumb switch to shut the engine off as I had done for the majority of the last rides I have owned; a tech close to me saw me do that and stepped over to offer some advice, DON"T use the kill switch as a routine shut off.
His reasoning for the info was at MoCo school he was informed this has a potential to damage the ECM if done as a routine, it has to do with power flows into and out of the module and can not only be damaging to the module it can during regular use reset the logic to base parameters leaving the engine in a poor run mode until it can re-learn the parameters for clean operation.
I have stopped the use of the switch, fuel mileage is up, engine is more responsive and as to date seems to be quite correct in the advice. Anyone else hear this??
His reasoning for the info was at MoCo school he was informed this has a potential to damage the ECM if done as a routine, it has to do with power flows into and out of the module and can not only be damaging to the module it can during regular use reset the logic to base parameters leaving the engine in a poor run mode until it can re-learn the parameters for clean operation.
I have stopped the use of the switch, fuel mileage is up, engine is more responsive and as to date seems to be quite correct in the advice. Anyone else hear this??
This is the dumbest thing I have heard in awhile. Its in the manual for a reason, and its not to break **** to get more business.
Sounds to me like these 2 morons are trying to impress you with all their deep. secret knowledge that no one else has.
I bet next they will tell you your gigahurtz generator needs calibrated becase the factory does'nt know how to do it right.
I got a pound(sorry Dollar) says it ain't
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles
I'm thinking of not using it cause I'm afraid the extra second it takes to turn the other switch off might drain the battery a bit with my running lights on, my headlight on brights, and a pair of fog lights on all the time.....same with starting the bike....heard that on cold starts it's more of a drain on the battery having all the lights on while starting the bike.
Also I was told not to start the bike until after the orange engine light turns off on the speedo...
any thoughts?
Also I was told not to start the bike until after the orange engine light turns off on the speedo...
any thoughts?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 5,140
Likes: 2,963
From: WACO
Never have and never will use the kill switch. Just like any other kill switch on any other piece of machinery it is there in case of an emergency. Thanks to God I have not had that much of a case of emergency. I turn off the ignition switch. Just like I did before there was a "kill switch".
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 2,553
Likes: 13
From: Sussex, South of England