Leave kill switch on?
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 4,229
Likes: 10
From: Oklahoma
I never use the kill switch.
Funny story. A couple of months ago, I bought a new bike. The tech guy rode it around to the front of the dealership where the sales guy & I were waiting. Sales guy went over the features of the new scooter and asked if I had any question. I said "no, I'm good to go". I got on the bike and was ready to ride off but it wouldn't start. Took me a little while to remember the ole kill switch - the tech guy had used it when he parked the bike.
Funny story. A couple of months ago, I bought a new bike. The tech guy rode it around to the front of the dealership where the sales guy & I were waiting. Sales guy went over the features of the new scooter and asked if I had any question. I said "no, I'm good to go". I got on the bike and was ready to ride off but it wouldn't start. Took me a little while to remember the ole kill switch - the tech guy had used it when he parked the bike.
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 529
Likes: 2
From: Minnesota
I do the same.
Thread Starter
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Advanced
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 52
Likes: 0
From: Phoenix
Yeah, that's what I thought two years ago, and mostly it is. BUT every once in awhile, the sun is just right that I don't notice the light, and I've got errands and junkie stuff on my mind, and that ignition switch slips right through.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 38,293
Likes: 6,322
From: Honah Lee
Harley put that switch on the handle bars like all other motorcycles companys so the ambulance crew knows were to shut it off. Federally mandated. That is not a operator user item and should only be used in emergency.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 11,615
Likes: 50
From: Baton Rouge, LA
Well, I've done it again, cut off the King via the kill switch on the bar and forgotten to turn off the tank-mounted switch, leaving the lights on & killing my battery! 
When I bought this in '09 the salesperson told me that I shouldn't leave the bar-mounted kill switch on b/c it would drain the battery, and I needed to use them both.
When I bought this in '09 the salesperson told me that I shouldn't leave the bar-mounted kill switch on b/c it would drain the battery, and I needed to use them both.Last edited by iclick; Oct 25, 2012 at 08:52 PM.
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 51
Likes: 0
From: Chicago
+1 that's why all makes and models of bikes. Have them located in the same side, within reach of your thumb.
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 449
Likes: 1
From: The Woodlands, TX
I actually use both. It's a habit. I normally hit the kill switch with my thumb so I can coast into my garage and not be too obnoxious. Once I stop I turn off the ignition. I don't normally leave the kill switch on. My RK is an '01 which doesn't require the clutch to be pulled in. The last thing I need is for one of my kids (or myself) to be messing around and turn it on by accident. Like I said... now it's habit so I really don't even notice.
I only use the kill switch if I am parking on an incline and want to leave the bike in gear. Kill switch makes it easier to leave it in gear and shut down on a slope since you can hold both the clutch and front brake in while you shut down and have both your feet are on the ground, then release the clutch and then the front brake. Always have to remember to turn of the main ignition switch too. Almost forgot a couple of times but noticed the light still on.
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Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 205
Likes: 0
From: Albany, W.A
on my sporty i have never bothered with the kill switch. its always on/off at the ignition switch. the sporty is a 93 so stuff all electrics. on my rk i always do ignition first and let electronic display think for a sec and then light up, then flick kill switch which sets the efi pump into its whirring noise. i just feel due to the electrics doing this way is best. most probably all in my head though.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 5,142
Likes: 2,971
From: WACO
Well, I've done it again, cut off the King via the kill switch on the bar and forgotten to turn off the tank-mounted switch, leaving the lights on & killing my battery! When I bought this in '09 the salesperson told me that I shouldn't leave the bar-mounted kill switch on b/c it would drain the battery, and I needed to use them both. I mostly remember to use both switches, but on average I forget and have drained battery issues at least twice or three times a year.
Can I just leave the kill switch on and only mess with the tank-mounted, or will that really give me trouble with draining the battery??
When I bought this in '09 the salesperson told me that I shouldn't leave the bar-mounted kill switch on b/c it would drain the battery, and I needed to use them both. I mostly remember to use both switches, but on average I forget and have drained battery issues at least twice or three times a year.Can I just leave the kill switch on and only mess with the tank-mounted, or will that really give me trouble with draining the battery??
Sorry people. I just had to add. It ain't ****ing rocket science.
Last edited by OLD 96; Oct 26, 2012 at 12:25 AM.