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At my motorcycle rider class, instructors recommended using kill switch to shut off motorcycles.

We were told that:

- turning off a bike causes wear and tear on a switch .. And the switch will need to be replaced at some point ..

- of the two switches, kill switch is cheaper to replace.

- ignition switches are more expensive to replace.

Advise pls.

Thx

- of the two switches, kill switch is cheaper to replace.

You still have to turn the key off even after flicking the kill switch..don't you?

IMO...The kill switch is just there for a quick get to..like in a fall..or drop..so you can still keep your hands on the bars..or can't reach the key.

BTW...I had to replace my ignition switch after 6 yrs of use..and I think it's cheaper than the whole right switch assembly that has the kill switch in it.

DJ

I agree with Tony and DJ. This question has been beat pretty severely on this board.

I seldom use the kill switch unless it's just a matter of convience and I simply need to shut it off quickly.

The statement made by your instructor seems a tad off. If you use that reasoning then never start your bike and ride it----you'll wear it out!

Wayne

If you shut the bike off with the key, you'll never leave the key on!

I usually just turn my key off. Unless I'm manuevering the bike and don't need the engine running, then I use the kill switch.

I know in the MSF courses they say to always hit the kill switch and then turn off the key, but I just find that's an extra step that isn't necessary.

- Anthony

In all my years of riding, I only used the kill switch on my dirt bikes, as that was THE way to stop the engine.

Gee. Everybody is finally on my side with good logic. I Never use the KS. I thought this post was going to turn into one of these:


The last time we had this heated argument, I was the guy on the ground.
BTW, Thanks TonyT607 for the 2 million pic Fotosearch site (after I right cliked for properties/location on your can-o-worms).

Uh...what's a kill switch?

Sorry, just trying to amuse myself late at night!

BJ

here we go, here we go, here we go...

I always use the kill switch, my reason is that the action has to be an
instinctive action... because one day...

After you have lowsided and the rotating wheel is tearing strips of flesh
off your leg you will be trying to turn the mixmaster off and next to your
thumb is the best place quickly,

besides i like leaving my headlights on whilst i get a coffee, it makes it
look like i am in a hurry...

Actually what I really prefer is to leave it in gear and just pop the clutch to kill the motor. I like the loud bang and shake!

I just get off the bike and let it fall to the ground, most of the time she will shut off once she gets really hot.......the downside is that I don't get good gas mileage.

I have a question.......what do you guys/gals recomend; use the brakes or downshift when slowing down.....I'm sure someone has already figured the cost to wear ratio.

boxermania wrote:
I have a question.......what do you guys/gals recommend; use the brakes or downshift when slowing down.....I'm sure someone has already figured the cost to wear ratio.

We have beat this one before. Brakes, of course.

I come to a stop, bike still in gear, push the side stand down. That kills the engine. Then I turn off the key!

Mark

What's a kill switch? You know, killing is not nice.

I reach down and pull the spark plug cables while the bike is still moving.


And Uncle Rob, you're welcome buddy !

Killswitch first, then ignition and kickstand. It's only takes 1/2 a second more, and if I need to start her back up fast (I see a better parking spot elsewhere, for example), I never have to take my hands off the controls. Using the ignition switch first solves a problem I don't have: I can't remember ever walking away from the bike with the key still in it and the lights on.

As far as 'braking vs. downshifting' goes, I prefer just hitting the car in front of me.... chicks dig it when you pull a Superman....

Spookymonster wrote:Killswitch first, then ignition and kickstand. It's only takes 1/2 a second more,

Damn.. your good! I've been trying all morning, and the best time I can get between kill switch off and ignition switch off is 3.578 seconds!!! Wow.. you really are superman!!!

Mark....lay off the ether.....NOW.

mcooperstein wrote:I come to a stop, bike still in gear, push the side stand down. That kills the engine. Then I turn off the key!

Mark

I do this too. I don't know that I have ever used the kill switch on teh Rockster.