Noob-ish kill-switch question

**Hurrie** · 21st February 2011, 19:16

hey
I was wondering if anyone could explain what the point of a kill switch is? i get that it turns the bike off but is there any other benefit of using it instead of just turning the bike off using the key?
Thanks!

**Mom** · 21st February 2011, 19:23

Kill switch is what it says. Instant off of the engine, a safety thing if you crash. Racers have a toggle switch that is connected to the kill switch in case they part company from their bike.

I have never relied on one. I use the ignition ley to liven up/kill my bike, always have done. Have been caught out by other helpful people flicking it off when they have ridden it, also accidently knocking it at gas staions and the like.

Personal choice I guess, I dont use mine.

**FJRider** · 21st February 2011, 19:25

To kill the engine in emergency situations without removing your hands from the bars ...

Not all ignition keys are in the same place ... kill switches always are ...

**Hurrie** · 21st February 2011, 19:25

Originally Posted by Mom

Personal choice I guess, I dont use mine.

yeah i thought so, i've never used mine either i just use the key. so its not worse or better for the bike its just there as a safety/preferance

**Hitcher** · 21st February 2011, 19:50

I find it handy (on all bikes I've ridden except a KTM990SMT) to be able to turn the bike off with the kill switch but to leave the panel alive so I can reset trip meters and so on. Particularly handy when stopping at a petrol station.

**YellowDog** · 21st February 2011, 20:00

You may not be able to get to the key in an emergency, or the key may be broken inside the barrel.

I switch it off when I park too.

Might give me a few more seconds to stop someone stealing my bike.

**Mom** · 21st February 2011, 20:53

Originally Posted by Hitcher

I find it handy (on all bikes I've ridden except a KTM990SMT) to be able to turn the bike off with the kill switch but to leave the panel alive so I can reset trip meters and so on. Particularly handy when stopping at a petrol station.

Well, I will be a pickled jellied eel

Never thought of that.

**notme** · 22nd February 2011, 06:50

On newer bikes, it's also marked clearly with a symbol , and it's also always on the right hand side (note, "always" means in most cases, on most modern bikes, but there will always be exceptions)

Someone happening upon a crashed bike that is still running can flick a switch without knowing where the ignition is, or which way it turns, and that's assuming the key is still in the ignition. Hell some bikers wouldn't know where the ignition switch is on some bikes - it can be on the triple clamp, side of the headlight, by the seat...

If your throttle sticks or some other emergency happens while riding, it's easy to flick the switch with your thumb while keeping both hands on the bars.

**neels** · 22nd February 2011, 07:51

I don't normally use mine either, except on the trail bike when it's lying on it's side.

Is handy to have it right beside the throttle when the bike winds itself up to near redline in the garage when you've finally fixed it's running issues though...

**Usarka** · 22nd February 2011, 07:55

Bike shops use them after servicing so they can have a laugh watching through the window while you try to work out why your bike won't start.

**lone_slayer** · 22nd February 2011, 09:54

I used mine just the other weekend... I had a stuck accelerator cable so the bike decided it really was time to go... it was running a little to good for a change and didnt want to stop so pulled the clutch in and hit the kill switch and problem avoided coasted to a nice stop got off and went to sort it out and realised I left my tools at home

about a 2k walk with the bike and full gear on a lovely 26 degree day and a couple on there bikes stoped to make sure i was all good and a 5 min tweak and all good again.

Once again thanks to those that stoped to help. And I hope that everyone out there that sees a biker in trouble stops, you dont need to know how to fix the problem they just might need a tool...

**Hawkeye** · 22nd February 2011, 12:10

Originally Posted by lone_slayer

I used mine just the other weekend... I had a stuck accelerator cable so the bike decided it really was time to go... it was running a little to good for a change and didnt want to stop so pulled the clutch in and hit the kill switch and problem avoided coasted to a nice stop got off and went to sort it out and realised I left my tools at home

about a 2k walk with the bike and full gear on a lovely 26 degree day and a couple on there bikes stoped to make sure i was all good and a 5 min tweak and all good again.

Once again thanks to those that stoped to help. And I hope that everyone out there that sees a biker in trouble stops, you dont need to know how to fix the problem they just might need a tool...

Just remember though that the rider may just be having a bit of a rest and had laid his bike next to him because it too was tired

**lone_slayer** · 22nd February 2011, 12:30

Originally Posted by Hawkeye

Just remember though that the rider may just be having a bit of a rest and had laid his bike next to him because it too was tired

I thought the bike was lying on top of him because he was cold!

**slofox** · 22nd February 2011, 12:31

Originally Posted by Hitcher

I find it handy (on all bikes I've ridden except a KTM990SMT) to be able to turn the bike off with the kill switch but to leave the panel alive so I can reset trip meters and so on. Particularly handy when stopping at a petrol station.

Originally Posted by Mom

Well, I will be a pickled jellied eel

Never thought of that.

I never fort ovvit eiver! 'e's a clever bugger, inne Mom?