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I thought you didn't have to use the kill switch as long as you run synth in the final drive.

I am so confused........

Some things need killing. But not the switch on my bike.

I'm confused, I thought the key turned off the bike.

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!

+1 That's how I do it, also. That way I never forget to put the side stand down. We were also taught in MSF basic rider and advanced rider course to kill the engine with the cutoff switch for the same reason Arbee said. It supposedly ingrains the procedure for shutting off the engine in an emergency. I guess I'll just take my chances.

Only ever use the kill switch if I want to make a big scary backfire after a handful of gas on the XR!

Every one of you that uses the kill switch will eventually have a dead battery and a little voice saying, well , that was dumb. That is my experienced prediction !

geo

Lot's of creative ways to turn off our engines while possibly assuring many decades of use out of the factory equipped ignition switch. Just another reason why 20 bucks is a small price to pay for the information and entertainment available here.

A special note to the fella who pulls off his spark plug wires while still in motion.........that's way to dangerous. You can fall off the bike and scratch your helmet.

Has anyone tried reaching down to cover the air intake and let the engine choke to a stop?

Arbee wrote: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...

I resisted this for days, but what the heck.

I have always used the ignition key, like CycleRob, because it seems more efficient and it avoids a dead battery. I even told my MSF instructor why their advice was perhaps misguided.

HOWEVER, now that I have a Garmin Zumo, there are times when I stop for gas that I use the kill switch because I want power to still go to the GPS so I can reset the fuel guage.

I too have stayed out of this but I have to say the only time my kill switch has been used was twice wise-a$$es at a Bash turned everyone's off and once when I went down (small fall-over).

The idea that using the kill switch somehow engrains you for an emergency seems sort of foolish to me.

Actually, using the side stand makes more sense than the kill switch, because at least then, the bike is in gear and won't roll off the side stand.

rdsmith3,

I installed a $7 Radio Shack 12V cigarette lighter outlet to my bike's battery specifically to power my RoadMate 300 GPS.
http://r1150r.smugmug.com/photos/12320207-L.jpg
Planning on updating to the 450 Zumo soon. Is yours AOK or should I look elsewhere for another GPS?

On using the KillSW, that's brave confronting the unquestionable authority of the MSF instructor(s). The one I spoke to had no idea of the unintended consequences when inexperienced riders blindly follow irrational directions that were born out of costly litigation. I told him he was teaching them a costly bad habit and if they didn't know how to find neutral and turn the bike off with the key, they shouldn't be riding something as dangerous and unforgiving of mistakes as a M/C.

After the heated battle years ago on the KSw/IgnSw debate, I chose to leave the room with a rational thinking mechanic's reasons why it was no good. I left a carefully worded "I told you so" warning I knew would be remembered/experienced at some future date where their punishment would be paid to a dealer by credit card.

It still is true today.

I am with CycleRob on this one, 100%!

I'm not getting involved.

CycleRob wrote:rdsmith3,
Planning on updating to the 450 Zumo soon. Is yours AOK or should I look elsewhere for another GPS?

The Garmin Zumo is excellent. I highly recommend it.

It is very easy to use with gloves on. The screen is bright enough for just about every condition. It does just about everything you would want a sat nav device to do. Also, Garmin has been very good about updating the software to add features and correct bugs. I have gone from firmware 3.0 to 3.3 since the beginning of the year, and each time they have enhanced it. For example, they added a compass rose and an elevation display, based on user requests.

I thought the kill switch was for group rides. Flick it off for a couple seconds and then back on and enjoy the reaction when the backfire jolts the riders behind you.

I thought the kill switch was for group rides.

...and flicking a friends kill-switch off when he's not looking and watch the fun when he wonders why it will not start..

DJ

...but turning someone's heated grips on high on a 90 degree day when they're not looking .... well that's just wrong!

I usually just slam the bike into the ground at high speed and let it tumble a few times. This is enough shock on the system that the bike just dies. It only takes a split second. Advantage is I don't have to turn off the key or use the kill switch.

It is hard on the shoulder blades though. I have to get some better padding.

I just made a mental note for the next Bash!

And Ves, I hurt just reading your post!

mad1150 wrote:...but turning someone's heated grips on high on a 90 degree day when they're not looking .... well that's just wrong!

I thought somebody was doing that to me and finally figured out that it was me. I was turning it on when I was starting the bike and my thumb would slide down and trip the switch. I still do it every once in a while.

geo

DJ Downunder wrote:

I thought the kill switch was for group rides.

...and flicking a friends kill-switch off when he's not looking and watch the fun when he wonders why it will not start..

DJ

Ahhh. I used to have so much fun doing that while riding the snowmobiles (in motion)with my good buddies. Lots of fun!