Leave kill switch on?
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,599
Likes: 7
From: Hoffman Estates, IL
What is this 'kill switch' you guys speak of?
Oh wait a minute -- You mean the "I'm picking up my bike from service and I'm wondering why my bike won't start" switch? Or the "I'm riding under a tunnel and I'm going to make the bike backfire to shoot flames out of my pipes" switch?
Granted -- I don't think the "flame backfire" thing works with the EFI's, but they'll still pop nicely. On my old blue RK, it shot flames out nicely.**
Anyway -- I never use it. Heck, on my old metrics (Yama-Hondas), even the service guys would tell me never to use it. "Remember it's there in case you need it, but don't use it" is what they usually said.
** For the uninitiated, if you're "at speed" and there's at least some drag on the motor, if you flip that switch off/on once quickly, there's a very good chance you'll get a nice "POP" from it -- If carbed, a potential "flame pop" which is fun for the guys behind you. The pop itself is great if you spot wildlife up ahead and usually sends them running for cover.
Oh wait a minute -- You mean the "I'm picking up my bike from service and I'm wondering why my bike won't start" switch? Or the "I'm riding under a tunnel and I'm going to make the bike backfire to shoot flames out of my pipes" switch?
Granted -- I don't think the "flame backfire" thing works with the EFI's, but they'll still pop nicely. On my old blue RK, it shot flames out nicely.**
Anyway -- I never use it. Heck, on my old metrics (Yama-Hondas), even the service guys would tell me never to use it. "Remember it's there in case you need it, but don't use it" is what they usually said.
** For the uninitiated, if you're "at speed" and there's at least some drag on the motor, if you flip that switch off/on once quickly, there's a very good chance you'll get a nice "POP" from it -- If carbed, a potential "flame pop" which is fun for the guys behind you. The pop itself is great if you spot wildlife up ahead and usually sends them running for cover.
Last edited by JohnScrip; Oct 26, 2012 at 01:24 AM.
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 944
Likes: 2
From: Ct
LOL whats the point of a kill switch if you always leave it on?
Unless you mean the stock on the bars switch, then yeah just shut it off although it shouldnt drain your battery.
It is a good idea to have a kill switch out of the way hidden to help protect you from theft, it isnt fool proof but it is a deterrent.
Thats what I thought you meant at first, a anti theft hidden kill, lol I see.
Lump-
Unless you mean the stock on the bars switch, then yeah just shut it off although it shouldnt drain your battery.
It is a good idea to have a kill switch out of the way hidden to help protect you from theft, it isnt fool proof but it is a deterrent.
Thats what I thought you meant at first, a anti theft hidden kill, lol I see.
Lump-
Last edited by lumper; Oct 26, 2012 at 01:53 AM.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 7,498
Likes: 19
From: East Alton, IL
Tell that to the author of the 2008 Touring Model Owner's Manual. He got it all wrong and tells the normal operator how to use the switch, even without an emergency.
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 413
Likes: 7
From: Oklahoma
Well said.....I actually burst out in laughter when read thats its not an operator use item......
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 2,553
Likes: 13
From: Sussex, South of England
Killswitch is there to stop the engine, ignition to turn of all the electrical circuits, pure and simple.
Last edited by Scaredofrain; Oct 28, 2012 at 05:25 AM.
Road Master
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 762
Likes: 14
From: Bellevue, NE
Kill switch, ignition switch when I'm parking it, ignition switch, kill switch when I'm ready to roll again. As far as I'm concerned, there's no 'right' or 'wrong' way, it's whatever works for YOU!
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 25,292
Likes: 2,427
From: Eastern NE
It's all a matter of personal preference & memory. My military-tainted mind learns repetition so if/when I learn a procedure it sticks...similar to pull down pants/undies, sit, sh@t, wipe, pull up & wash...it's all in the steps.
