Engine Kill Switch

[sheulett]

I just got my first bike (Vulcan 900 Classic) yesterday. In my reading of the owners manual, I came across this bit about the engine stop switch:

"Although the engine stop switch stops the engine, it does not turn off all the electrical circuits. Ordinarily, the ignition switch should be used to stop the engine."

In the MSF course, we always used the engine kill switch to stop the engine, and then turned off the ignition. Is there any reason NOT to do this? Thanks in advance for any help.

Cheers!
Steve

[2WheelFun]

For some long time riders the kill switch is left on and the ignition switch does the on/off work.

It's a personal preference. Whatever you do...always check the kill switch if you suddenly have starting problems. It may have gotten turned off.

[Spok]

I use the ignition 90% of the time but If I need to shut her off on an incline, I leave it in gear and then use the kill switch followed by turning off the ignition.

[LittleWiggler]

So that's what the big red switch on the right is.... <g>

[Illus]

Check the cost of the kill switch to replace, then check the cost of the ignition switch to replace. Use the cheaper one more. I never use the kill switch, always the ignition. Just habit.

[art708]

I always shut my bike off in first gear using the kill switch. Then I turn off that infernal out of the way key. I like to know that my bike is in gear so it won't roll if I happen to be on an incline and using the kill switch is the easiest way to shut it down initially.

[ontwowheels]

I never use the kill switch, I guess because you could potentially use the kill switch and forget to shut off with the key...leaving lights and power on to your bike thus running your battery down.

I always considered the kill switch for an emergency.

[art708]

I never leave my key in the switch so I don't forget to turn it off.

[blue meanie]

it is good practise to use the kill switch all the time.

if you ever needed to use the safty kill switch than you will have no trouble activating it fast if you are use to using it all the time.

And it is not about what is cheaper to replace, I say the kill switch will be the cheapest but than you still have to switch the the key.

In the safty course there is a reason why they teach you things and this is it.

[Cabo]

You'll use the kill switch until you kill your bike run into a store, take longer than you expected and come out to a dead bike becasue you forget to turn the ignition off. I have not used mine since.

[jaseman]

The MSF teaches you to always use the "kill" switch to reinforce it's location. That way, if a student drops the bike, instinctively, they should hit the switch. In an emergency, they'll know how to imediately shut down the motor.

I always use the key to shut the bike off. But growing up on dirtbikes, the kill switch was the only way to stop an MX bike. And I've dropped alot of bikes in the woods, so it's already instinct for me to hit that red button if it's on it's side.


The biggest use I see nowadays for the killswitch, is to mess with your buddies at stop lights. Hit their switch, than ride away laughing!!!!!

[anrfknm]

Originally Posted by ontwowheels

I never use the kill switch, I guess because you could potentially use the kill switch and forget to shut off with the key...leaving lights and power on to your bike thus running your battery down.

I always considered the kill switch for an emergency.

i use the kill switch because it's more convenient and i have, more then once, left the key in and on.

[Bodie]

To answer the original question, I don't think there is any risk of damaging the bike from using the kill switch. The only reason not to is that you run the risk of forgetting your key and running your battery down.

That said, I always use the kill switch and so far haven't forgotten my key. The key, on the 800 at least, is kind of under your left leg and a pain to get to.

[nwujames]

Originally Posted by jaseman

The biggest use I see nowadays for the killswitch, is to mess with your buddies at stop lights. Hit their switch, than ride away laughing!!!!!

LOL

[CTRider]

I never leave my keys in/on any vehicle, so it's easier for me to use the kill switch. In addition, at my sister's place, the bikes live in a garage. It's nice to pull in, kill the motor, but leave the lights on in order to shuffle it into its parking place when it's dark.

[dickwol]

Originally Posted by anrfknm

i use the kill switch because it's more convenient and i have, more then once, left the key in and on.

Some confusion here?
Isn't this the side effect of using the kill switch? The ignition stays on. Personally I only use the kill switch on an incline when I leave it in gear. I usually leave my bike in neutral when parked level. Just a habit, I'm sure. Often times when I want to be off the bike but want it running for a minute or so I prefer to just turn the key and hit the starter button without having to sit on the bike,engage the clutch and put her in neutral. I've done it this way for many years.

[Frankt07]

having wifey recently take her MSF course, i believe the reason they teach you to use the kill switch is so you leave your bike in gear. that way if you take your hand off of the clutch or brake (depending where your ignition switch is located), your bike wont roll on you and cause a tip over