[neo6023]

okay ive read where the kill switch can become corrioded and cause problems so to fix that a couple weeks ago i quit using it. Now before that i had ZERO problems i would turn off kill switch then turn off key no problems.
So then i decieded to leave the kill switch on but turn off and remove the key. Went to start the bike today and the batterys dead. Charged it up and it started right up.
So the question is Why would the battery go dead if you dont use the kill switch. All the terminals are and were tight. The battery is only a year old. I guess i will start using the kill switch again but i was just wondering. And no i didnt lave the key on or nothing like that.

 

[armyrecruiter]

I NEVER use the kill switch (using it can CAUSE a dead batt) and have never had a dead battery. Must have been something odd unrelated to your kill switch, because once the key is switched off, there is NO juice running anywhere unless you have "hot" accessories. Turning the kill switch off can lead to leaving the ignition still switched on, which can be the cause of a dead batt, but not the reverse.
Strange......... :? :? :? :shock: :shock: :? :?

 

[kwill425]

You can buy a whole new switch assembly from hdl for $50.00. My switch died also.
http://www.hdlparts.com/fiche_section_detail.asp

 

[B-ME]

Owners Manual states don't mess with kill switch for if you forget to turn off key battery may go dead. Just read it new owner.

 

[TennX]

Others may disagree but I never use the kill switch,I use the kick stand to kill the engine then turn the key off ,I like to keep it in 1st while its parked lessens the chance of a roll away. .02 Have a safe one.

 

[ETX-VTX]

I use the kill switch probably 90% of the time. I find it easier to switch off the motor with the kill switch because at work, I back into my parking spot and I don't want to take the time to put the bike in neutral to free up my left hand to use the key and to back it up, only to have to put it back into gear to park it. Needless to say, it's pretty hard to back up a bike with the sidestand down.

After almost 2 yrs and 40k miles, I've had zero problems with the kill switch or the battery.

Also, MSF recommends:
1. kill switch
2. key
3. fuel

 

[JHewett]

Interesting.....I took the MSF Basic Riders Course in May and they insisted on ALWAYS using the engine cutoff switch (they balk at using the word "kill") to shut off the bike. Honda Owner's Manual says just the opposite.

 

[Billyned]

I had the same experience as JHewett. MSF course insisted we use the kill switch every time we shut off bike. Honda manual (and my dealer) said don't use it except in case of emergency. So, I don't use it, but . . . :?:

 

[JHewett]

From a pure safety viewpoint, I agree with MSF. If you get in the habit of constantly turning off the bike with the engine cutoff switch, then you can do it immediately and quickly when you need to. The lights shining in my face from the speedo are prettly clear reminders to shut off the key.

 

[UberSkippy]

Others may disagree but I never use the kill switch,I use the kick stand to kill the engine then turn the key off ,I like to keep it in 1st while its parked lessens the chance of a roll away. .02 Have a safe one.

There's a side benefit to your method of shutting your bike down. I bet you've never walked away from your bike without putting the side stand down right?

If you leave the bike in first gear and use the side stand to kill the engine you've solved two potential problems:

1. The bike is parked in gear so it won't roll on you.
2. You've put the side stand down so it won't fall on you.

The only other thing you have to do is to remember to take the key with you when you get off the bike.

Using the kill switch solves none of those potential gotcha's.

 

[eddiecohen]

Others may disagree but I never use the kill switch,I use the kick stand to kill the engine then turn the key off ,I like to keep it in 1st while its parked lessens the chance of a roll away. .02 Have a safe one.

Me too.

Eddie

 

[eddiecohen]

Others may disagree but I never use the kill switch,I use the kick stand to kill the engine then turn the key off ,I like to keep it in 1st while its parked lessens the chance of a roll away. .02 Have a safe one.

There's a side benefit to your method of shutting your bike down. I bet you've never walked away from your bike without putting the side stand down right?

If you leave the bike in first gear and use the side stand to kill the engine you've solved two potential problems:

1. The bike is parked in gear so it won't roll on you.
2. You've put the side stand down so it won't fall on you.

The only other thing you have to do is to remember to take the key with you when you get off the bike.

Using the kill switch solves none of those potential gotcha's.

Perfect explanation !! You desribed exactly what I do.

Eddie

 

[JHewett]

I think MSF's point is for new riders, and they make it adamantly, to the effect that that new riders need to develop "muscle memory" to learn how to shut the bike down immediately without having to take hands or feet off the controls.