Do You Use Your Kill Switch?

[Brittles]

Curious what others do.

I used to always use the key to turn off a motorcycle, but have gotten into the habit of using the kill switch first. I feel it's good to do from a safety standpoint as you can shut the bike down instinctively in a panic situation without taking your hand off the bars.   

If your not in the habit of using the kill switch do you think you could find it in a panic situation? 

[Wahrsuul]

Nope, don't use mine for the most part.

[wildlifehawk]

The only times I can remember using my kill switch was when I was trying to figure out why my bike wouldn't start. After 10min of cursing at my bike "what now!" I realized the problem, thankfully nobody was around.

[Brittles]

The only times I can remember using my kill switch was when I was trying to figure out why my bike wouldn't start. After 10min of cursing at my bike "what now!" I realized the problem, thankfully nobody was around.

 ...........I think we've all done that at one point or another. At least I have.

[Bumblebee]

The engine stop switch (proper term) which actually shuts down power to the spark units and ignition coils is part of the startup and shutdown procedure here.

In an emergency situation (WOT runaway engine, metal sounds in the engine, etc) I can deliberately hit that switch near instantly. Most of the time, the clutch, brake and/or throttle will take care of the problem far more effectively than the engine stop switch.


As for panic situations, that's the wrong mindset entirely. Never ever ever panic or function in a panic mode while operating a vehicle or doing anything else for that matter. Panic is loss of brain function thus loss of control. No good can come from loss of control.
Train until emergency procedures are instinctive reactions. Know your systems and how they interact and why. The idea is to run out of problems before running out of very rational systematic things to do about them.

[chromy]

I use the kill switch as part of my routine start up, shut down sequence.  I've NEVER considered using it in a non mechanical related driving situation.
I hope the MSF did not teach me a bad habit.
Best regards,
Eric

[happycommuter]

I cannot believe that anybody finds turning the ignition key to be more convenient that slapping a thumb switch. 
I just don't even want to think about looking down while on a running bike, particularly with at least one hand off the handle bar.  I'll do that key fumbling when the engine is off and the side stand is down.  Heck, I usually insert the key before mounting also.

Also, one of my subtle show-off moves is to cut the engine while still rolling into a parking space.  I seriously think that adds extra impressiveness to someone.

[Bumblebee]

Also, one of my subtle show-off moves is to cut the engine while still rolling into a parking space.  I seriously think that adds extra impressiveness to someone.

You're as bad as I am. I do the same thing to maintain my energy managment skills. There's nothing quite like rolling to a stop exactly where you want to park without touching the brake.

As a side benefit, engine off energy management skills can improve non riders attitudes toward motorcycles.
I regularly go into campgrounds at the proper velocity needed then deadstick the motorcycle into my campsite. Depending on the terrain and hazards, it's sometimes 50 feet while other times it's 1000 feet or more for those nice bottom of the hill locations. I've had people walk by during the day and give me extremely dirty looks just because the motorcycle is off the trailer and parked in front of the motorhome. (motorcycles = rude noise) They are so polite and greatful for my consideration when they see me come in later or knew I came in late at night and never heard me. One of my next STC's is moderate intensity LED lights to get rid of the headlight under those conditions. (I'll still stebel the crap out of anyone who needs it though)

[Brittles]

one of my subtle show-off moves is to cut the engine while still rolling into a parking space.  I seriously think that adds extra impressiveness to someone.

Extra points awarded for sure. 

I use the kill switch as part of my routine start up, shut down sequence.  I've NEVER considered using it in a non mechanical related driving situation.
I hope the MSF did not teach me a bad habit.
Best regards,
Eric

They teach that in the MSF courses?

As for panic situations, that's the wrong mindset entirely. Never ever ever panic or function in a panic mode while operating a vehicle

Agreed. However, it's much easier said than done.

[chromy]

Yep, that's what I was instucted to do during my MSF.  I also do not like fumbling for the key while the engine is running.

[flyingbrick]

I've only used the kill switch a couple of times. It was mostly to see if it worked or not. Thin one time I was getting fuel and I guess the attendant hit the switch with the bottom of the fuel nozzle. I go to start the bike and the frickin' thing won't start. I'm there looking at my fuel line, wiggling spark plug wires, etc, freaking out because I'm supposed to be meeting someone across town and I have no cell phone, and a bike that won't start. THEN, I noticed the kill switch. Put the thing towards runs, bike started, and I was on my way. I didn't notice the switch until I had pushed the thing about 1/8 mile up an incline back towards home.

[Burgi]

Also, one of my subtle show-off moves is to cut the engine while still rolling into a parking space.  I seriously think that adds extra impressiveness to someone.

Hmmmm...I perfected this technique as a teen when I was getting in late and trying not to wake the parents.   

As for the kill switch I always use it on the motorcycle, never on the scooter. I think because with the scoot I typically kill the engine by putting the side stand down.

[Brumbie13]

That was part of the procedure that the MSF class drilled into my brain.

I thought it was the way everyone did it. 

[Snoopy]

I cannot believe that anybody finds turning the ignition key to be more convenient that slapping a thumb switch. 

Also, one of my subtle show-off moves is to cut the engine while still rolling into a parking space.  I seriously think that adds extra impressiveness to someone.

I use my key, and I know my bike well enough that pulling into a spot I can just reach over with either hand (knowing exactly where the key is) and turn it off then coast.  Its not hard and not a matter of looking down, just knowing your bike and being comfortable doing so.

[hppants]

engine off energy management skills

 

Mr. Bee - respectfully, where do you come up with this stuff?

Maybe I'm wrong (won't be the first time), but it would seem to me that hitting the kill switch will only help if the source of the fire is in the ignition circuit.  Everywhere else, you would have to disconnect the battery or pull fuses.

Guess I'm still in boat mode, where the engine is your brakes.

The few (thankfully) times I've had a "panic situation", there is not enough time to even consider cutting the engine off.  Even though I have yet to test the full strength of the front brake (which is doing 90% of the stopping), a little compression braking from the motor can't hurt.

For now, I'll put my priorities with the brake, then motor.

[fishball]

Always use the kill switch, both scooter and motorcycle.

[Bumblebee]

Mr. Bee - respectfully, where do you come up with this stuff?

Aviation. Engine out procedures (or at idle or planned power reductions) is all about total energy management. Ex: Start anywhere in the sky with a runway or field somewhere down below then balance potential and kinetic energy all the way down to a full stop. When you touch down at the desired touchdown point, you should have already used up all the excess P+K energy and be at stall speed with no extra energy remaining. Proper energy management keeps you from setting down short into the treetops due to lack of energy and it also keeps you from from landing long with excess energy thus avoiding the classic George of the Jungle routine into into the treetrunks at the far end.

For now, I'll put my priorities with the brake, then motor.

+1
Brake, clutch, throttle. The engine stop switch will likely just strand you in the middle of whatever situation you're trying to avoid.

[piscatorial_phd]

I do use my engine switch. My starting and parking sequence is an artifact of being raised by an Air Force pilot: "When operating equipment, you do the same thing, in the same order, every time.  Train for automaticity, control everything you can control so that mentally you are better equipped to handle novel situations." Its a curse, but I suppose it is good practice since there are so many things that can go wrong around you when you're on a bike.

Starting: Check tires, shift into neutral, keys in, check lights, check brakes, switch on, clutch in, kick stand up, press starter.

Parking: Stop the bike, switch off, clutch in, shift to first, kick stand down, lock handlebar, keys out.

[6pkrunner]

Just once to see if it worked. It did.

[detdrbuzzard]

not very often

[LOKi]

Rare for me to use that switch. At work where I park it on the side stand I just put down the kick stand, that kills the bike. At home I put it on the center stand, but still just use the key to turn it off.

[skramer360]

I almost never use it. I just make sure the neutral light is on when I stop, then I use the key.

[Eville]

I use the kill switch whenever my dad isn't around.  I used to use it all the time until one day he started giving me hell for using it because "that isn't the right way and that isn't what that switch is for."  Upon hearing that, I just smiled and nodded.  Correct me if I am wrong, but doesn't the key shut down the engine the same way, by cutting electrical power? 

[Custom82Hawk]

i'm wondering after reading this, if there is a connection between those people who never use the kill switch and those bikes that never start, and after 2 days of dismantling everything they can find and still have no spark, they discover the kill switch is off....maybe that's why the MSF teaches us to use the kill switch :D

[piscatorial_phd]

i'm wondering after reading this, if there is a connection between those people who never use the kill switch and those bikes that never start, and after 2 days of dismantling everything they can find and still have no spark, they discover the kill switch is off....maybe that's why the MSF teaches us to use the kill switch :D

I think you might be onto something there...