Topic: Using the kill switch

[70CB750]

Here is a topic for extensive discussion.  Do you use the kill switch on regular bases to stop the engine?  I was taught - and it was long time ago - that it is for emergencies only.  I always turn the key, but as far as reason the only one I can come up with that kill switch is just an interupter and the key switch is, or should be,  build to handle the ampers.

Opinions?

[ekpent]

I use mine quite a bit to turn off the engine after a ride,then I reach down under the tank and turn off the key.I can see why Honda moved the ignition up top in later years,little more convenient to get to.

[RSchaefer]

I never use the kill switch and I was thinking due to the primitive nature of the kill switch construction that it should be avoided on the vintage bikes, used for emergency only.

[pchchico]

I  never ever use the kill switch on any of my bikes, and make sure  i tell everyone who rides them to never use the kill switch.   What  inevitably happens is people use the kill switch then forget to turn off the ignition switch (key) and  then the battery dies.   

I did it once and learned my lesson ever since.   

[MCRider]

The MSF (Motorcycle Safety Foundation) Safety Course says use the kill switch every time. I've taken the course 3 times and don't really know why this is. I suspect it goes with the idea that you shouldn't take your hand off the handlebar while the engine is running, but that is my WAG.

I never use the KS.

[CycleRanger]

Just to be different - I almost always use mine.  As was mentioned, I can kill the bike before I let go of the bars.
It's a routine - kill switch off, headlight off, key switch off, gas off.

[Geeto67]

the older the bike the less I use it. Why? have you seen the price of right hand bar controls vs the price of an ignition lock? more importantly have you seen inside both pieces - which is the more robust piece - the lock or the bar control? I replace broken kill switches with a deadman's switch. More effective in an emergency and required for the drag strip, plus it forces me to use the key because I don't want to be bothered with resetting it.

[bryanj]

Kill switch is well up to the current it carries as it only switches the coils, problem is remembering to turn it back on when you want to go anywhere!!!

[Old Scrambler]

I'm with Ekpent and CycleRanger.......been using my K3 switch for nearly 40 years and over 70,000 miles. It has never failed.

The advanced safety course is a great learning experience. My instructor was laughing but did not say anything when I stood on the pegs to negotiate the tight figure-8 turns. Then he had to run and help the BMW LT rider pick his bike up.

[bjatwood]

Use my kill switch ALL the time. Good habit to get into IMO..

[MCRider]

I'm with Ekpent and CycleRanger.......been using my K3 switch for nearly 40 years and over 70,000 miles. It has never failed.

The advanced safety course is a great learning experience. My instructor was laughing but did not say anything when I stood on the pegs to negotiate the tight figure-8 turns. Then he had to run and help the BMW LT rider pick his bike up.

OS: AS you probably know standing on the pegs lowers ones center of gravity and makes tight slow negotiations easier, like a trials bike.

[trueblue]

When I did my safety course a couple of years ago (Q-Ride here) I was told not to use the kill switch unless in an emergency.  I use mine every now and then, but as a general rule I use the key.

[MCRider]

When I did my safety course a couple of years ago (Q-Ride here) I was told not to use the kill switch unless in an emergency.  I use mine every now and then, but as a general rule I use the key.

Its been a while since my last MSF course. They may have changed the protocol.

[trueblue]

When I did my safety course a couple of years ago (Q-Ride here) I was told not to use the kill switch unless in an emergency.  I use mine every now and then, but as a general rule I use the key.

Its been a while since my last MSF course. They may have changed the protocol.

Different country

[MCRider]

When I did my safety course a couple of years ago (Q-Ride here) I was told not to use the kill switch unless in an emergency.  I use mine every now and then, but as a general rule I use the key.

Its been a while since my last MSF course. They may have changed the protocol.

Different country

Ah so. Could be different. 

[Elliot Cannon]

Well.  That settles that then!

[dave500]

i use mine from time to time when parking on a grade,i leave in it first,pull the clutch and flick the switch,then the key gets switched off and i flick the kill back to on straight away.

[Magilla]

I use mine 100% of the time.  I don't like to take my hands off the bars when it is running so I flip the KS.  The Key being under the tank on the clutch side of the bike is not a safe place for it.  I prefer to keep my bike in gear when not running and I don't want to reach for the key with my right hand because its awkward and would cause me to scratch my paint.

I have been riding for 31 years and have used my KS 100% of the time on every bike I have owned. Think of it like a light switch.  When you want your light off you flip the switch, you don't go to your circuit breaker box and flip the breaker.  The switch is designed to do the job, that is why it is there.  It says "Off-Run-Off" on it.  Not Emergency off.

[LoVel]

My MSF course told us to use the kill switch.  I tried it, don't care for it, don't use it.

[Fritz]

I think that using the kill switch frequently is a good 'training' to find it quickly in case you _really_ need it.

[Geeto67]

I think that using the kill switch frequently is a good 'training' to find it quickly in case you _really_ need it.

you could fix that by drilling a little hole in the knob and using a keychain ring and a lanyard with an alligator clip to make a makeshift deadmans switch. Then you can brag your bike is "full race" to boot.

[Gordon]

I only use mine on the occasion that I can't quite get the transmission into neutral after I've parked.  I don't have any particular reason for not using it regularly, though.  I guess I just never felt the need to, since I have to turn the ignition off anyway. 

[Bailgang]

I use the kill switch mainly because my 550 can be stubborn going into neutral when the engine is running and at operating temp but easy when the engine is off so I just turn the switch, wait for the green light on the trees to light up when I find neutral then turn the key off. And yes I am guilty of leaving the key on once.

This topic popped up before and it turned into a rather heated debate and I never could understand why. Both points of view have valid reasons so as far as I'm concerned it's nothing more than a personal preference. Basically it's your bike, you pay the bills for it not me so turn it off however you d..ned well please, you wont catch any flack from me on which way you choose.

[lucky]

Here is a topic for extensive discussion.  Do you use the kill switch on regular bases to stop the engine?  I was taught - and it was long time ago - that it is for emergencies only.  I always turn the key, but as far as reason the only one I can come up with that kill switch is just an interupter and the key switch is, or should be,  build to handle the ampers.

Opinions?

You were taught correctly.
The emergency switch was designed so that emergency personal could shut of a motorcycle engine. They needed to be able to get to it when the bike was down.

You should TURN the key to turn on your ignition system.

[LoVel]

This topic popped up before and it turned into a rather heated debate and I never could understand why.

Note lucky's post and the, I am right and this is the only answer attitude.  You don't really wonder why the heated debate do you.