Don't use the kill switch?

**Jared** · 09-02-2011, 12:39 PM

I was told that you shouldn't use the re kill switch by your throttle hand. That you should always turn the bike off with the key.

The person's reasoning was that the kill switch wears out quickly.

Has anyone ever heard this before? Any truth to it?

blowndodge · 09-02-2011, 12:40 PM

I did that once, forgot to turn off the ignition and nuked my battery as the headlight stayed on. No kill switch for me!

recumbentbob · 09-02-2011, 01:06 PM

Motorcycle safety courses teach you to use the kill switch.

That way in an emergency situation that you need to shut the engine down it will be automatic for you.

Ask the person that told you that if they use their High/low beam switch or may be that wears out too.................

::)

**glwilson** · 09-02-2011, 01:30 PM

For what it is worth... the my manual on my HD Ultra states specifically to use the kill switch always when turning the bike off.

You just simply have to remember to turn the key off... which isn't all that difficult unless you are easily confused like some people we know on this board... (BD)

**Kawhead** · 09-02-2011, 01:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blowndodge "Darksider"

I did that once, forgot to turn off the ignition and nuked my battery as the headlight stayed on. No kill switch for me!

I did the SAME FREAKING THING!!!! I was able to save the battery though.

As for the MSF. With my dull reflexes and concerning emergencies, I'm already turning cartwheels down the assfault before I think about the E switch.

**Top Cat** · 09-02-2011, 01:46 PM

I have an 07 with<s> 68.000</s> 69.500 miles on it. Went for a ride today. No, didn't put 1,500 miles on today. I guess I haven't checked mileage in awhile. :-[ Need to change oil, it has been 4,000 miles.
I use the kill switch a lot

and it hasn't wore out yet.

moloprintz · 09-02-2011, 01:46 PM

I'm so use to parking on a hill I just leave it in 1st and drop the kick stand.

**BudMan** · 09-02-2011, 02:59 PM

I've never heard not to use it, but I rarely do.
I only use it if where I'm parking is awkward.
Although what Bob says makes sense.
In an emergency it wouldn't be automatic for me to use it.

**jestephens** · 09-02-2011, 03:00 PM

I never use the key to kill the bike. It's always some form of kill switch, the one by the throttle, or like moloprintz described with the kickstand.

BUT, since that's my habbit, I haven't left the key on by accident in years. I do see where that could be a problem.

AlabamaNomadRider · 09-02-2011, 04:35 PM

I tested my kill switch once and some dumb a$$ kid tested it for me while I was parked at a grocery story. Glad he was still there with his mother as I reamed him out real good.

I can't see that using the kill switch would hurt anything. I find that turning my key off does the same identical thing. I turn the key to the left and the engine dies. Strange isn't it. I have used Mike's method by accident and pushed the side stand down while still in first gear. That one works good also.

**ringadingh** · 09-02-2011, 04:57 PM

Whats the difference, either the kil switch wears or the ignition switch.

dougster · 09-02-2011, 05:55 PM

I did read somewhere that using the kill switch leaves unburned fuel in the chamber or something. It is a major pain to turn off the key while holding the clutch!

Sin City Stan · 09-02-2011, 06:08 PM

I use the kickstand. Haven't wore that switch out yet. Also, never got off without the stand down.

Loafer · 09-02-2011, 06:54 PM

Use the Kill switch, thats what its made for.
I've never had one fail, been 2 wheeling since '66.

**Jared** · 09-02-2011, 07:19 PM

My reaction was pretty much the same. But wanted to double check and make sure I wasn't unaware of something.

09-02-2011, 12:39 PM	#1
Jared Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Greeley, Colorado Posts: 6,772	Don't use the kill switch? I was told that you shouldn't use the re kill switch by your throttle hand. That you should always turn the bike off with the key. The person's reasoning was that the kill switch wears out quickly. Has anyone ever heard this before? Any truth to it? __________________ Jared VBA #1051 (Former President) Login or Register to Remove Ads
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09-02-2011, 12:40 PM	#2
blowndodge Sr. Contributor Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Washington City, Utah Posts: 16,474	Don't use the kill switch? I did that once, forgot to turn off the ignition and nuked my battery as the headlight stayed on. No kill switch for me! __________________ I love my Victory Cross Country Tour 106. Smells like Victory! Ultra's are Limited There are two types of Harley riders. Those that trailer them and those that push them. The most Interesting Man in the World "Find the things in life you don't do well and don't do those things" Member # 0005
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09-02-2011, 01:06 PM	#3
recumbentbob Sr. Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Newburgh IN Posts: 3,404	Don't use the kill switch? Motorcycle safety courses teach you to use the kill switch. That way in an emergency situation that you need to shut the engine down it will be automatic for you. Ask the person that told you that if they use their High/low beam switch or may be that wears out too................. ::) __________________ VBA #01084 "A well regulated militia being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the People to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed."
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09-02-2011, 01:30 PM	#4
glwilson Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: North Central Illinois Posts: 8,575	Don't use the kill switch? For what it is worth... the my manual on my HD Ultra states specifically to use the kill switch always when turning the bike off. You just simply have to remember to turn the key off... which isn't all that difficult unless you are easily confused like some people we know on this board... (BD) __________________ "During times of universal deceit, telling the truth becomes a revolutionary act." "You can have your own opinion, but not your own facts." *Former VBA NCR Assist Regional Leader* Formerly: 2004 1500FI Bronze Nomad: 2009 & 2014 HD Ultra Current Rides: 2017 HD Ultra Limited & 2011 Can Am Spyder RTS-SE Attended: VBA National Rallies 2009, 2011, 2015; VBA/NCR Regional Rally 2010, 12, 14, 16 and several rides throughout with regional members. VBA Member #652 HOG Member #3935417
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09-02-2011, 01:46 PM	#6
Top Cat Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Peoples Republic of New York State Posts: 15,154	Don't use the kill switch? I have an 07 with<s> 68.000</s> 69.500 miles on it. Went for a ride today. No, didn't put 1,500 miles on today. I guess I haven't checked mileage in awhile. :-[ Need to change oil, it has been 4,000 miles. I use the kill switch a lot and it hasn't wore out yet. __________________ Tim "TC" Conley VBA #9 2011 Victory Kingpin mine 2013 Victory Boardwalk -hers [LEFT][COLOR=#000000] [SIZE=4]
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09-02-2011, 01:46 PM	#7
moloprintz Advanced Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Knoxville, TN Posts: 548	Don't use the kill switch? I'm so use to parking on a hill I just leave it in 1st and drop the kick stand.
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09-02-2011, 02:59 PM	#8
BudMan Join Date: May 2009 Location: Greenwood, Ark. Posts: 4,736	Don't use the kill switch? I've never heard not to use it, but I rarely do. I only use it if where I'm parking is awkward. Although what Bob says makes sense. In an emergency it wouldn't be automatic for me to use it. __________________ Dave Jesse 2012 1700 Gray/Black Voyager 2006 1600 Nomad Green/Silver Sold VBA #1108 2010- Eureka Springs - Antlers - 2011- Maggie Valley - Antlers 2012- Margaritaville Ride - Van Buren - Antlers - 2013- Estes Park - Antlers 2014- Mountain View - Antlers - 2015- Eureka Springs - Antlers 2016- Salem - Antlers - 2017- Eureka Springs - Lake George - Antlers - 2018- Custer - Antlers
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09-02-2011, 03:00 PM	#9
jestephens Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Fairview Heights, IL (StLouis) Posts: 1,601	Don't use the kill switch? I never use the key to kill the bike. It's always some form of kill switch, the one by the throttle, or like moloprintz described with the kickstand. BUT, since that's my habbit, I haven't left the key on by accident in years. I do see where that could be a problem. __________________ Jay Stephens, Former National Vice President (2013-2015) 2006 Yamaha FJR1300 formerly 2011 Vaquero- Black formerly 2005 Nomad - black/silver
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09-02-2011, 04:35 PM	#10
AlabamaNomadRider Sr. Contributor Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Boaz, Alabama Posts: 13,742	Don't use the kill switch? I tested my kill switch once and some dumb a$$ kid tested it for me while I was parked at a grocery story. Glad he was still there with his mother as I reamed him out real good. I can't see that using the kill switch would hurt anything. I find that turning my key off does the same identical thing. I turn the key to the left and the engine dies. Strange isn't it. I have used Mike's method by accident and pushed the side stand down while still in first gear. That one works good also. __________________ Gene Cross, Jr. Boaz, Alabama KawaNOW/VBA #1181
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09-02-2011, 04:57 PM	#11
ringadingh Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Newmarket Ontario Canada Posts: 35,387	Don't use the kill switch? Whats the difference, either the kil switch wears or the ignition switch. __________________ 2002 Nomad aka Bountyhunter VBA #27 VROC #18951
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09-02-2011, 05:55 PM	#12
dougster Advanced Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Crete, Nebraska Posts: 679	Don't use the kill switch? I did read somewhere that using the kill switch leaves unburned fuel in the chamber or something. It is a major pain to turn off the key while holding the clutch! __________________ Doug Witzke - "Dougster" 2003 Nomad 1500 VBA# 740
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09-02-2011, 06:08 PM	#13
Sin City Stan Sr. Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Henderson, NV Posts: 3,746	Don't use the kill switch? I use the kickstand. Haven't wore that switch out yet. Also, never got off without the stand down. __________________ Oldest Saloon In Nevada http://www.pioneersaloon.info/ "Sin City Stan" Henderson, NV VBA #01004 VROC #29365 2004 Nomad 1500L5 +100 "The Bike" 2009 Nomad 1700 (past) 2004 Vulcan Classic 800 (past) 2010 Cortez - 2011 Crescent City - 2012 Kanab - 2013 Estes Park
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09-02-2011, 06:54 PM	#14
Loafer Sr. Contributor Join Date: Dec 2008 Posts: 18,287	Don't use the kill switch? Use the Kill switch, thats what its made for. I've never had one fail, been 2 wheeling since '66. __________________ Gerry Martineau / 802 VT / VBA #0892 /[email]glmjgm@gmail.com[email]
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09-02-2011, 07:19 PM	#15
Jared Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Greeley, Colorado Posts: 6,772	Don't use the kill switch? My reaction was pretty much the same. But wanted to double check and make sure I wasn't unaware of something. __________________ Jared VBA #1051 (Former President)
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