Kill switches, friend or foe?

[Moparnut72]

And burn the points. On my Triumph it is also used to start the motor, newer Harleys are like that too. Solves the problem. My Triumph's switch is a three position switch, kill, no action and start. otherwise I wouldn't use the damn thing.
kk

[Mr Revhead]

My Dad told me to never leave the ignition on, but for short periods of time. I've ever since observed that rule. Could someone please explain, specifically, why? What could become damaged and why.

Thanks to any/all who take the time to comment/advise...

On old style ballast coils it can overheat them.
Not an issue anymore

[Scout63]

On old style ballast coils it can overheat them.
Not an issue anymore

Also if the battery runs down many EI systems won’t work. At least some of them shut themselves off after a bit and protect the coils.

[AJ Huff]

Why I used the kill switch on my Road King just today as I was lying on my left side with the bike laying on my left ankle. 

-AJ

[Scout63]

Why I used the kill switch on my Road King just today as I was lying on my left side with the bike laying on my left ankle. 

-AJ

I hope you are ok AJ. That’s the end of this debate.

[Dukedesmo]

Quote from: AJ Huff on September 02, 2022, 05:59:15 PM

I always use the kill switch to turn off the bike. Then turn the key. Never done it any other way. To start the bike I always pull up the side stand, turn on the key, turn the kill switch on, start the bike. It's a ritual habit. Never had a problem.

-AJ

___________________ ___________________ ___________________ ________

Likewise.

Also once read an interesting piece advocating the above on the basis that if never used then your kill switch may fail through corrosion, meaning that if/when you ever really need it to 'kill' the engine (throttle jammed open?) it might not work...

[Dukedesmo]

Plus, how else are you going to do a killswitch backfire...     

[Speciality]

When I started riding there were still a lot of bikes that didn’t have an ignition key, let alone a kill switch. It has always been my understanding that they were a US requirement introduced in the seventies. I always use the ignition switch to turn off the engine, except on the odd occasion where parking awkwardly and it’s easier to use the kill switch, which I believe is intended as an emergency switch. Since one has to turn off the ignition switch anyway I can’t see the point in using the kill switch. Most handbooks advise switching off the engine using the key. These days a lot of bikes have tip over sensors/switches anyway, so I hardly ever bother with my kill switch. It does have a use in isolating the ignition when servicing or checking an electrical circuit - saves overheating a coil and flattening the battery.
Overall: it has its uses but not as a general means of turning off the electrical circuits when parking.