I am so glad they integrated the Kill/Start switches. Wish they had done it on the Venture. I think all bikes should have it.
I've never used the kill switch to shut off the bike
- Thread starter Banderboy
- Start date
bnschroder
2014 Super Tenere ES
I wonder if this has something to do with the type of kill switch you are used to. If kill and start are separate, using the kill switch requires an extra step to start. But on the newer models with start and kill integrated, you need to touch that switch anyway.
Not worth fighting over, but then again, I would say the same about the difference between Catholics and Protestants or Muslims and Jews, and man have millions been killed over those differences. Scary
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Not worth fighting over, but then again, I would say the same about the difference between Catholics and Protestants or Muslims and Jews, and man have millions been killed over those differences. Scary
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EricV
Riding, farkling, riding...
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Not a bad thought. Still, I put 100k plus on a Gen I, now have a Gen II. My method has been the same on both, as it was on the FJR before and the FZ-1 before that. I've also had old bikes w/o key switches and only a hidden kill switch and kick start. Required a different routine. LOL.
Blind Squirrel
Active Member
I did have it fixed. Still use the key instead of the switch. I see nothing wrong with using the key in a non-emergency situation.And yet, you no longer own that bike, do you?And if you do, FIX IT.
Front of the roll UNLESS there is a baby or puppy in the house.
I always use the key UNLESS parking on a slope. Then I'll leave it in first and use the kill switch.
I always use the key UNLESS parking on a slope. Then I'll leave it in first and use the kill switch.
I have found it amusing how such a seemingly small matter has had so much discussion. I am also surprised by the number of riders who mention leaving the key in the bike, turned on. Like JLQ, I ALWAYS turned off the key to lock the steering head, and took it with me, even when parking in my own garage. But I always used the kill switch to shut off the motor. I had upgraded my Gen 1 switch gear to the integrated start stop switch, so that may have been a factor. And to add to that, on my quad (which has both a key and a kill switch, but is carbureted), I always use the key, but never the kill switch!
WJBertrand
Ventura Highway
In 45 years of riding, I can't remember a case where I needed the kill switch in an emergency situation. Most bikes these days have a tip over switch should you fall down. My old Bultaco dirt bike had a magneto ignition and no key, so the kill switch on that bike was the only way to shut it off short of deliberately stalling it. I started using the kill switch with the Super Tenere based on legend that it helps avoid hard starts. Honestly I don't think it makes much difference though, I had hard starts both ways (key or kill method). The thing that really seems to have eliminated the hard starting is a new battery, in my case a 387 CCA LiFePO4 one.
I can think of one reason, if you have a separate kill switch, to use it at least occasionally. I never used the KS on my ST1300 and eventually the contacts got dirty and started giving me intermittent cutting out problems on the road. Sprayed some contact cleaner into it and exercised it a few cycles and never had an issue again. I think if I had been using it occasionally it might have kept the contacts wiped a bit cleaner.
I can think of one reason, if you have a separate kill switch, to use it at least occasionally. I never used the KS on my ST1300 and eventually the contacts got dirty and started giving me intermittent cutting out problems on the road. Sprayed some contact cleaner into it and exercised it a few cycles and never had an issue again. I think if I had been using it occasionally it might have kept the contacts wiped a bit cleaner.
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I only use the KS first if its been a hot day and the rad fan is still running when I go to park. If I use the KS but key is on, the fan will keep running until the motor cools then I'll cut the key. Otherwise I only use the key.
So just cool the radiator. If when I stop, the fan is on, I hope it goes off with the engine running, and I just stop the engine with key or kill switch. so the whole engine is cooled, and you leave the battery fully charged for the next start. while the engine is running, all electrical consumption is powered by the alternator, with the engine stopped ... it is powered by the battery
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SHUMBA
Well-Known Member
Hmmmm, I always use the kill switch.
An instructor told me use the kill switch for shut down and not the key because it could arcing or premature wear and to the ignition switch.
SHUMBA
SHUMBA
Well-Known Member
Now there is a logical answer.
Better than my answer
I suppose there is no danger of depleting the battery by allowing the cooling fan to run.
SHUMBA
As long as you have a healthy battery. I've never had my fan stay on for very long, but technically it is a drain on the battery.
Yes, of course, the battery is not going to drain completely, but remember that using the KS, not only is the fan turned on, all lights are also on. Key, cut off “all”, KS, cut off only engine
Yes, a surprising amount of passion and discourse for such a seemingly innocuous subject. If you didn't know the kill switch was there and never accidentally engaged it, then what would happen? Many years and many bikes of almost exclusive use of the ignition key with no ill-effect and no muscle memory persuading me to do otherwise.
I love my motorbike and don't want to kill it. However there have been a few instances where I in-graciously dropped the poor beast. In that moment of panic and remorse, I have used the kill switch to stop the motor, usually seconds after the tip-over sensor already shut it off. Then I reach in and turn off the ignition knowing that it will be at least a few minutes before I'm ready to ride and I really don't need the blinker, headlights, or instruments on any more. At which point I'll suffer another moment of no-start panic until I remember that I hit the damn kill switch.
Based on this little diatribe, you might surmise that I don't love the kill switch because it's an archaic and nearly useless feature. Fair enough.
I love my motorbike and don't want to kill it. However there have been a few instances where I in-graciously dropped the poor beast. In that moment of panic and remorse, I have used the kill switch to stop the motor, usually seconds after the tip-over sensor already shut it off. Then I reach in and turn off the ignition knowing that it will be at least a few minutes before I'm ready to ride and I really don't need the blinker, headlights, or instruments on any more. At which point I'll suffer another moment of no-start panic until I remember that I hit the damn kill switch.
Based on this little diatribe, you might surmise that I don't love the kill switch because it's an archaic and nearly useless feature. Fair enough.
why the front brake is to the right? ... why the rear brake is operated with the right foot? ... why the Kill switch is always on right? .... WHY ????? ...... because while we enjoy driving our bikes, someone is thinking how to make us ride safer, more "standard" ....
As I said before, it's just an element of security
Go to page 10
https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2005-08-30/pdf/05-17103.pdf#page=10
As I said before, it's just an element of security
Go to page 10
https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2005-08-30/pdf/05-17103.pdf#page=10
Tenman
Well-Known Member
Boondocker I agree. I hardly ever use my kill switch and don't have any problems. Using one is a good way to forget to turn off the key and come back to a dead battery. Ask me how I know?
bamajoe
Active Member
I've been riding since 1974.... I was taught that you use the key... kill switch was emergency shut off, now was that right? well working at a dealership I now understand why you don't use the kill switch because most ppl will shut it off and leave the key on and run the battery down...
RCinNC
Well-Known Member
Do a lot of you guys leave the key in the bike when you walk away? I sure don't; it's as much a reflex for me to reach up to the ignition on the bike and take the key out as it is to do it in a car. Even when I do use the kill switch, I still automatically reach for the key. I don't even leave the key in the bike when it's sitting in the garage.
SHUMBA
Well-Known Member
To kill switch, or not to kill switch::
Just don't use it in flight.
Here's the recommended method of shutting down a motorcycle.
Kill switch to cutoff,
Set sidestand
Kill switch to neutral
Key off
Aux light switch off
GPS switch off
Now, tell me what is so difficult about that??
Perhaps a possibility of older people resisting change and unable to accept newer or different ways of doing things.
I'm 70, and you??
SHUMBA
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Just don't use it in flight.
Here's the recommended method of shutting down a motorcycle.
Kill switch to cutoff,
Set sidestand
Kill switch to neutral
Key off
Aux light switch off
GPS switch off
Now, tell me what is so difficult about that??
Perhaps a possibility of older people resisting change and unable to accept newer or different ways of doing things.
I'm 70, and you??
SHUMBA
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