Shutdown procedure?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 9,741
Likes: 1,599
From: Danbury CT
It happened to me once. He will never do it again. Just a jackass move as I sat in the middle lane of a 50mph road at a green light wondering why I stalled. He turned my ignition switch off, not the kill switch.I was talking to a friend on my left side when the joker on my right reached over. I never saw it and was lucky to figure it out before I got rear ended. If you think it's a hoot, well, you figure it out.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 2,543
Likes: 19
From: Ashland Ohio
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
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
Anyone with drive by wire really should train themselves to use the ignition switch as opposed to the kill switch for this reason.... having the TPS NOT at zero causes issues folks whine about on here and it is such a simple fix, too.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 6,532
Likes: 132
From: SoCal
I would just about guarantee the real reason behind HD recommending to use the kill button on the bars first is so that the operator does NOT take his or her hands off the handlebar controls to use the ignition switch until the engine is off.
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,384
Likes: 3
From: California
When I bought my first new Ultra in '02, the sales and service department insisted that the bike be shut down with the kill-switch first, then the ignition. Twice I brain-faded and both times I got an error code. First time, I took it in and they reset it. Second time, I found out that this error code will turn off after so many ignition cycles.
With so many people saying they don't use the kill-switch, Harley must have removed the error-code feature since 2002 models. My '10 owner's manual is specific in the shut-down procedure, and states to use the kill-switch.
With so many people saying they don't use the kill-switch, Harley must have removed the error-code feature since 2002 models. My '10 owner's manual is specific in the shut-down procedure, and states to use the kill-switch.
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 291
Likes: 88
From: utah
You had to use the kill switch on the big twins earlier than about 92. The ignition switch sequence was Off / Run / Run-with-lights.
If the bike was running when you went between Run-with-lights and Run, the coil would momentarily lose charge in between and suddenly get power again as the switch fell into the next Run position. If you timed it wrong, you could load up the intake with unburned fuel on a dead cycle and get a pretty good bang out of the carburetor when the spark hit.
It happened to me a few times riding at dusk and switching from Run to Run-with-lights on the fly. For me it was just a bang, but I heard if you were unlucky enough you could end up with a little fire around the breather until the fuel burned off.
Now I use the kill switch out of habbit. Works like a charm.
If the bike was running when you went between Run-with-lights and Run, the coil would momentarily lose charge in between and suddenly get power again as the switch fell into the next Run position. If you timed it wrong, you could load up the intake with unburned fuel on a dead cycle and get a pretty good bang out of the carburetor when the spark hit.
It happened to me a few times riding at dusk and switching from Run to Run-with-lights on the fly. For me it was just a bang, but I heard if you were unlucky enough you could end up with a little fire around the breather until the fuel burned off.
Now I use the kill switch out of habbit. Works like a charm.
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 1,991
Likes: 9
From: washington
i will use either when i shut down, but really does it matter? if you do the same thing over and over then there shouldnt be a question
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Advanced
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 68
Likes: 4
From: NC
I tried not to get in the habit of using the kill switch after observing so many people using it when they parked. I don't know how many people I've had to respond with "Hey, buddy, your lights are still on" (didn't shut off ignition switch)!
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,976
Likes: 49
From: Northern California
On these bikes we have a engine stop switch very conveniently and ergonomically located on the hand control. Maybe thanks to poopeating lawyers.
Think about an emergency situation where your throttle is sticking wide open and your bike is quite a handful at the moment, you simply and quickly swipe the switch off with your thumb. NOW if you are used to using the main switch located on the tank or steering stem area and are used to or conditioned to using this you have to take your hands off the bars to shut it off from habit.
Which method is really safer ???
I know, I know all you main switch users are not average people and you will certainly have the clear thoughts in a emergency to now use the handlebar switch, but most of us mere mortals will not think as well as you so we are better to condition/train ourselves to use the handlebar switch.
Think about an emergency situation where your throttle is sticking wide open and your bike is quite a handful at the moment, you simply and quickly swipe the switch off with your thumb. NOW if you are used to using the main switch located on the tank or steering stem area and are used to or conditioned to using this you have to take your hands off the bars to shut it off from habit.
Which method is really safer ???
I know, I know all you main switch users are not average people and you will certainly have the clear thoughts in a emergency to now use the handlebar switch, but most of us mere mortals will not think as well as you so we are better to condition/train ourselves to use the handlebar switch.