use of kill switch

[pballwiz]

I've read that some say never to use the kill switch to shut the engine off except in an emergency. Others say it makes no difference if you use the key or kill switch. Is there any official word from Triumph or a mechanic from a dealer that use of the kill switch causes problems with the bike down the road.

 

[The Kiwi]

I'm not an Auto Sparky, but, I can't see that there would be a difference, . All you're doing is breaking an electrical circuit and stopping the spark.

NB!!!!

Just remember to also switch off the ignition, and more importantly, switch the kill switch back on before going insane trying to start the bike with it in the OFF position to no avail!!! Experience is a great teacher!!!!!!!

The Kiwi.

 

[Pig9r]

I have been told using the kill switch is similar to turning off your computer by pulling the plug out of the wall. It may not cause any issues, but increases the likelihood that a glitch of some sort could occur.

 

[GPMAZ]

I tend to avoid touching anything labeled 'kill' on my motorcycle. Especially when the electrical system is involved.

 

[atomsplitter]

I tend to avoid touching anything labeled 'kill' on my motorcycle. Especially when the electrical system is involved.

Afraid of raising the ghost of Lucas (Prince of Darkness)?

 

[flhtpi]

From the owners manual

"Although the engine stop switch

stops the engine, it does not turn
off all the electrical circuits and
may cause difficulty in restarting
the engine due to a discharged
battery. Ordinarily, only the
ignition switch should be used to
stop the engine."​

Caution
The engine should normally be stopped by
turning the ignition switch to the OFF
position. The engine stop switch is for
emergency use only. Do not leave the
ignition switched on with the engine
stopped. Electrical damage may result.​

 

[tdragger]

There is nothing technically wrong with using the kill switch. The comparison to shutting down a computer is a myth. If you remember, all computers used to be shut down that way. Only in today's more advanced operating systems do they require a shutdown sequence. The Roc's ECU is not running an advanced operating system.

I would offer, however, a difference method of shutdown than the kill switch. My preferred method is to use the sidestand switch for several reasons. 1) You never forget to put the sidestand down and suffer the embarrasment of having the bike fall on top of you, and 2) you leave the bike in gear so that it doesn't roll off the sidestand that you didn't forget to put down in the first place.

Easy sequence: 1) Sidestand down. 2) turn key off and remove.

 

[HellFire]

It's the leading cause of bikes not starting and head scratching due to not remembering you left the switch in the OFF position.

Putting the kickstand down while in gear does the same thing, none will damage the bike.

 

[ksquared]

When I first picked up my R3T my dealer told me to shut down with the ignition switch - not the "kill" switch. I had always shut down my prior bike using teh "kill" switch.

I went home and read the manual. It said, PROMINENTLY, not to use the "kill" switch.

2 for 2 - satisfied me. I've never used the "kill" switch on my bike. Coincidentally - never had any electrical problems.

I'll continue to use the ignition switch. No sense tempting the g-ds!

 

[Pig9r]

There is nothing technically wrong with using the kill switch. The comparison to shutting down a computer is a myth. If you remember, all computers used to be shut down that way. Only in today's more advanced operating systems do they require a shutdown sequence. The Roc's ECU is not running an advanced operating system.

I would offer, however, a difference method of shutdown than the kill switch. My preferred method is to use the sidestand switch for several reasons. 1) You never forget to put the sidestand down and suffer the embarrasment of having the bike fall on top of you, and 2) you leave the bike in gear so that it doesn't roll off the sidestand that you didn't forget to put down in the first place.

Easy sequence: 1) Sidestand down. 2) turn key off and remove.

It is not the function or operating process of the ECU I am worried about, it is the power supply to it. The 2006 D675's had issues with the fuel pump relay frying the ECU when they were shut off with just the kill switch. I think the ECU is more vulerable when certain components are left powered and others not.

Using the kill switch is an uneccessary step as you still have to shut off the ignition anyway because the headlights stay on. Same for sidestand too I imagine?