If you don't use the kill switch, then you can't run your battery down when you forget to shut off the ignition. Ask some of the people who have done this.

I always thought the kill switch was for me to hit when I was flying over the handlebars, so the bike wouldn't run over my ***. Used it many times back in my dirt days, have never touched it on a Harley.

 

I had no idea there was a "shut down" procedure... I rarely used the kill switch on my softail or Ultra.

 

here is the reason to use the ignition switch:

If the kill switch is used, the TPS sensor may be getting input from the right hand- it is not "zero'd"

when restarted the motor may surge to about 1800 rpms and settle at a 1400 rpm idle.

the TPS is reset by cycling the ignition switch 4 times...on...wait for fuel pump to prime...off repeat.


My 09 is particularly sensitive to this, I am trying to train myself to use my right hand to turn off the switch...old habits die hard though


( both the kill switch and the ignition switch de-energize the system relay)

Mike

 

Not sure being an electrician qualifies you for motorcycle work. Hell, I have been a telephone man for 35 years and I handle all aspects of AC and DC power and I wouldn't even begin to make a guess what the difference is between the kill switch and ignition switch. My guess is though, the kill switch is there more for safety than any electrical reason. I think your buddy is blowing smoke.

 

I use the ignition switch.

 

Well than how about by using the kill switch, power is cut off in a controlled manner and deenergizes circuits controlled by the ecm rather than yanking the main power to everything all at once.

 

Good guess. It's a way to shut down the engine without having to take your hands off the grips or your eyes off the road.

This subject was debated endlessly on the forum I used to visit when I had my ricer- same debate. Some were convinced that using the kill switch would wear it out and that it was only for emergencies, despite the lack of internet forum complaints about having to replace worn our kill switches.

I use the kill switch sometimes, sometimes the ignition switch.

220, 221 whatever is takes.

 

On a side note...

Does anyone, when riding with a couple good friends, reach over and hit your buddies kill switch as a red light turns green?

Such a hoot! Riding away as he blocks traffic, and gets left behind.

 

I hadnt thought about that in a while. yep, back in 70s at Ft Hood always to the same guy and dont think I've done it since. kinda funny though.

 

That sounds like fun, gonna give it a try. But now your gonna get the safety idiots raging on you.