Kill switch or not? : V-Twin Forum: Harley Davidson Forums

rr1073 · 06-08-2007, 10:46 AM

I have a 2005 FLHPI. I never use the kill switch. I just leave it in the 'run' position and use the ignition switch to start and turn off the bike.
Should I be using the kill switch? If so, why? What do you people do?

xcelr8 · 06-08-2007, 12:06 PM

here's a thread on the subject:

http://www.v-twinforum.com/forums/sh...ht=kill+switch

Raytses · 06-08-2007, 12:07 PM

I always used kill switch.
Both the sportster's and softail's directions in the manual tell you to turn off
engine by using kill switch. Not sure about baggers, but I don't see why it would be any different. I did read today about lots of people using ignition for various reasons....I just follow the manual.

rr1073 · 06-08-2007, 01:09 PM

Thanks, guys. I'm going to read my manual tonight...!

berserker · 06-08-2007, 04:30 PM

I never use the kill switch.

This had been talked about on here alot, in the past. Some people say so you know where it is in an emergency. I can't think I why I would need to kill the engine. First thing I do,is pull the clutch in. Broken clutch cable hit the brakes and stall. I find most situation hit the breaks and pull in the clutch works.

Hammy71 · 06-08-2007, 05:10 PM

Never really thought about it. When I had my sporty I always used the kill switch (alot easier than reaching down and turning the key). Since the configuration on the handle bars is the same on my RKCustom I've just kept doing it.

roofeditor · 06-08-2007, 06:09 PM

It's not a jet engine?

1, Throttle levers to flight idle.
2, Fuel cut off levers to cut off.
3, Fuel igniter's (AKA spark plugs) off.
4. Hydraulic pumps off.
5. Radios ETC off.
6. Master off
7. Remove key so terrorists cant joy ride in jet (no key.... just kidding)

Alternate:

Start APU gen set before #2 then switch master to gen/APU
Then 2,3,4,5 skip 7 but don't forget seven.

PR3VS56 · 06-08-2007, 07:11 PM

It's good practice to kill the engine with both hands on the bars. My

berserker · 06-08-2007, 11:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PR3VS56

It's good practice to kill the engine with both hands on the bars. My

Yes always keep both hands on the wheel.

Only time I can see it being helpful to use kill switch is when on a hill and killing it in gear.

Other wise neutral, kickstand down, off. Though the orded of the last to is just not important.

Ijust can't see a god reason to use kill switch, other then people saying you should.

easier t just turn that big knob, instead of looking for a button. In the end it doesn't matter. But atleast I won't sit outside a bar for a hour cause I forgot the kill switch was on.

xcelr8 · 06-09-2007, 04:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by berserker

Ijust can't see a god reason to use kill switch, other then people saying you should.

People like the people who built the bike?

39800 · 06-09-2007, 04:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xcelr8

People like the people who built the bike?

This question seems to be running on two different threads at the same time.

So, my question still remains. WHY? does HD say to use the kill switch?
For safety reasons? Like the MSF?
Or,
For mechanical/electrical reasons?

What do the "people who built the bike" say?

xcelr8 · 06-09-2007, 05:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 16X9 Shooter

This question seems to be running on two different threads at the same time.

So, my question still remains. WHY? does HD say to use the kill switch?
For safety reasons? Like the MSF?
Or,
For mechanical/electrical reasons?

What do the "people who built the bike" say?

read the threads, and

39800 · 06-09-2007, 05:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xcelr8

read the threads, and

Hey, thanks for answering.

So, let me get this straight.....You say that somewhere in "the book" it will tell me why I should use the kill switch?

Is that right?

And, by "the book" - do you mean the manual that came with the bike?

adlerx · 06-09-2007, 08:15 AM

I use it all the time, just habit since I have had this bike, never used it on my softail/evo. My bbuddy I ride with never uses his, not even sure he even knows it's there....

berserker, we are talking about when shutting the bike down, you know, like to park it!

xcelr8 · 06-09-2007, 09:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 16X9 Shooter

Hey, thanks for answering.

So, let me get this straight.....You say that somewhere in "the book" it will tell me why I should use the kill switch?

Is that right?

And, by "the book" - do you mean the manual that came with the bike?

Yes, the owners manual has the proper procedure for starting and stopping the engine.