Author Topic: why do some feel like they have to turn their kill switch off after a ride?  (Read 4687 times)

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Offline lostmykeys

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 Just a rant.I see so many youtube videos where these guys go through this long exaggerated process of starting thier bikes.
 You dont have to turn off the kill switch unless you are in a situation beyond you controll.

Offline lucky

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Just a rant.I see so many youtube videos where these guys go through this long exaggerated process of starting thier bikes.
 You dont have to turn off the kill switch unless you are in a situation beyond you controll.

It is so they can forget to turn off the ignition switch and come out later to a dead battery.

It is a KILL switch that can be used by emergency personal to turn off the bike in case you have an accident and the engine is still running and fuel is all over the road.

Offline IndyFour

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It's a matter of personal preference....although on my bike where the ignition switch is down on the left side under the tank in the stock location, hitting the kill switch is my preference.  Otherwise, I have to fiddle around finding neutral so that I can release the clutch and reach down to shut it off by the key.  Makes sense to use the kill in a situation like that I think.
« Last Edit: August 01, 2012, 04:50:40 PM by IndyFour »
1974 CB550K
2000 VFR800FIY
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Offline Steve_K

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MSF use to and maybe still teaches to shut off the bike with the kill switch.  I use mine once in awhile just to check it works.
Steve
Steve_K

76 CB 550, 73CB750, 86 GSX-R750, 16 Slingshot
Old rides:305 Honda, CL350, 74 CB550
 05 SV1000S, 88 CBR600,92 VFR, 88 Hawk GT, 96 Ducati 900SS, 98 Kaw ZX6R, SV650

Offline HondanutRider

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We teach new riders to use the "kill switch" for two reasons:

1. So they become familiar with it and remember as a matter of habit where it is located and how it operates.

2. So that they are assured the switch is still working in case it is needed in an emergency.  (It would be a shame if it got corroded from dis-use and wouldn't function in an emergency.)

There is actually a third benefit to always shutting off the motor with this switch - any dummy trying to start the vehicle unauthorized will likely have a problem...same reason we turn off the petcock when parking. ;)

Offline brooze72

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The 4th benefit is you get a laugh when the newbies can't restart the bike!
2011, 2012 & 2013 Godzilla Relay Rally Rider
"Hold on loosely...don't let go
 If you cling too tightly...you're gonna lose control"
1972 CB500K1 - restored rider
1981 CB650C - new project

Offline HondanutRider

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The 4th benefit is you get a laugh when the newbies can't restart the bike!

I've actually heard of people calling a tow after being parked at Tim's. ::)

Offline DYSKORD

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I always understood it to not only do as mentioned in emergency situations but also because leaving it on, without the the bike actually running (key on), continually excites the ignition coils. Without the points opening and closing to trigger the coils to release the captive charge, there is a  possibility of burning up the coils. I have never had to use it in an emergency situation, but during maintenance and repairs I always make sure it is off when I keep the ignition on.

Offline Bailgang

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Just a rant.I see so many youtube videos where these guys go through this long exaggerated process of starting thier bikes.
 You dont have to turn off the kill switch unless you are in a situation beyond you controll.

What in the world makes flipping the kill switch so "long and exaggerated?" Is your kill switch that hard to turn or something? It's a personal preference and nothing more.
Scott


71 cb350 twin
77 cb750 F2
83 gl1100 Interstate

Offline BobbyR

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+1 on the MSF teaching you to turn off with the kill switch. If you go down you will instinctively hit the switch rather than hunt for it. You could go down easy and get hung up in a spinning back wheel.
Dedicated to Sgt. Howard Bruckner 1950 - 1969. KIA LONG KHANH.

But we were boys, and boys will be boys, and so they will. To us, everything was dangerous, but what of that? Had we not been made to live forever?

Offline lostmykeys

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 I just don't see the reason to use the kill switch unless your in an emergency situation or to check that it works.
 My point is the videos of these guys making it look like there are all of these functions and steps to go through just to start their bike.
 These are modern bikes.turn on the key and kick it or hit the start button.When you get home turn the key off its that simple.If you have leaky float bowls turn the petcock off.
 What I'm ranting about is these guys that go through this exaggerated process of starting their bikes like its an old Indian or one of those bikes with a compression lever.

Offline Fritz

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I always understood it to not only do as mentioned in emergency situations but also because leaving it on, without the the bike actually running (key on), continually excites the ignition coils. Without the points opening and closing to trigger the coils to release the captive charge, there is a  possibility of burning up the coils. I have never had to use it in an emergency situation, but during maintenance and repairs I always make sure it is off when I keep the ignition on.

No, the kill switch off position shuts off power to the coils: No spark, engine stops, no overheating the coils :)
But if you turn off the bike with the kill switch and don't turn off the ignition (key) switch, the field coil and the regulator are still powered, slowly draining the battery, faster if you also leave on the lights ;)

I also frequently use the kill switch to turn off the bike and don't see any problem in it as long as I remember to pull the key.
1976 CB550F

Offline Fritz

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My point is the videos of these guys making it look like there are all of these functions and steps to go through just to start their bike.

I don't see wtf you care about guys posting videos on youtube.
1976 CB550F

Offline lostmykeys

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Bobby R,That is what the kill switch is for.
 If you are not aware of its function and you crash you might just have to watch the back tire of your bike eat through you.
 Read before you respond.

Offline Fritz

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Read before you respond.

Well, you should follow your own advice:

We teach new riders to use the "kill switch" for two reasons:

1. So they become familiar with it and remember as a matter of habit where it is located and how it operates.

2. So that they are assured the switch is still working in case it is needed in an emergency.  (It would be a shame if it got corroded from dis-use and wouldn't function in an emergency.)
1976 CB550F

Offline BobbyR

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Bobby R,That is what the kill switch is for.
 If you are not aware of its function and you crash you might just have to watch the back tire of your bike eat through you.
 Read before you respond.
Yes, that is what I said. Thanks for repeating it.
Dedicated to Sgt. Howard Bruckner 1950 - 1969. KIA LONG KHANH.

But we were boys, and boys will be boys, and so they will. To us, everything was dangerous, but what of that? Had we not been made to live forever?

Offline Bailgang

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My main reason is because at the moment my 550 can be picky about finding neutral when the engines running. My key switch is mounted on the triple trees so my left hand doesn't have to be free to to turn the key off but by hitting the kill switch first, my oil light will come on and I wait for the neutral light to pop on as my left foot finds neutral then I'll turn the key off. Yep there has been an occasion or two where I hit the starter and confused why it didn't start right up only to quickly realize the kill switch was still off.  :o

I even once quickly reached down to turn my choke off only to make it a block down the road and the bike died. In my haste I had shut the petcock off rather than the choke.
« Last Edit: August 01, 2012, 06:22:34 PM by Bailgang »
Scott


71 cb350 twin
77 cb750 F2
83 gl1100 Interstate

Offline lostmykeys

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 Bobby R,You have such a preaty face.What does the rest of you look like?

bollingball

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Lost I think you are making way to much out of using a simple sw. Use it how you want or don't. Who cares?
Ken ::) ::)

Offline lostmykeys

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 No,Bollingbag I'm not.
 I am only trying to show show that there are a huge amount of dipsticks in this world that take a huge amount of time wasting thier time.

Offline lostmykeys

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 And the time required by someone who wants to ride a vintage bike.
 In short,I see it as a waste of time to futz with a kill switch when you dont have to.
 Make sure your kill switch works though thats fine and good.
 What I'm talking about is the huge advent of loosers that should not be on a bike in the first place.
 These said loosers post these videos and have no idea what a kill switch is.
 Bobby R I'm still thinking about that face you show.
 

Offline lostmykeys

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 Wow, did I say that stupid stuff?

bollingball

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No,Bollingbag I'm not.
 I am only trying to show show that there are a huge amount of dipsticks in this world that take a huge amount of time wasting thier time.
Lost your mind
That is just what you are doing now ;D

Offline BobbyR

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 Bobby R I'm still thinking about that face you show.
I change it every week so stay tuned.
Dedicated to Sgt. Howard Bruckner 1950 - 1969. KIA LONG KHANH.

But we were boys, and boys will be boys, and so they will. To us, everything was dangerous, but what of that? Had we not been made to live forever?

Offline lostmykeys

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 bolling bag,
 My mind was lost along time ago. so whats your point sweatheart.