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167 Posts
Is there any reason to, or not to, use the kill switch for normal operations?
When to use the kill switch?
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Joined
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167 Posts
Yes, stubborn
Yes, Stubborn, other than.... I'm not familiar with what effects using the kill switch has while leaving electronics turned on. I just want to know my Nine T as well as I can.
I've never found a need to use the kill switch on a day to day basis, by using it to stop the engine (in normal) conditions, You then have to turn off the ignition switch as well! Thus requiring the use of two switch's, when in fact one will do the same job. The ignition switch. IMO the kill switch is for emergency engine stop
On the 'C' there can be a bit of a glitch, if the kill switch is accidentally moved to the 'kill' position and back to the 'run' position in quick succession during start-up or switch-off procedure, resulting in the sudden combustion of fresh (unused) fuel/air mixture buildup - a small explosion which can blow off the air hose & cover.
I never use the kill switch (except in an emergency situation), had a tire fitted, after the tire guy was finished, I tried to start the bike - not realizing that the kill switch was in the 'kill' position - the bike of course wouldn't start, had a quick look to see what could be wrong, noticed the kill switch and instinctively turned it to the 'run' position - with the starter still turning. Bang! Blew the hose off and shifted my knee sideways - the knee was more a shock reaction I guess.
Luckily I could borrow some tools there to put it back together - and the plastic hose simply blew off, didn't crack. Then after reading up on the Chromeheads forum, found it wasn't uncommon ... it helps if the hose clamp is not tightened too much. Saves $$.
I never use the kill switch (except in an emergency situation), had a tire fitted, after the tire guy was finished, I tried to start the bike - not realizing that the kill switch was in the 'kill' position - the bike of course wouldn't start, had a quick look to see what could be wrong, noticed the kill switch and instinctively turned it to the 'run' position - with the starter still turning. Bang! Blew the hose off and shifted my knee sideways - the knee was more a shock reaction I guess.
Luckily I could borrow some tools there to put it back together - and the plastic hose simply blew off, didn't crack. Then after reading up on the Chromeheads forum, found it wasn't uncommon ... it helps if the hose clamp is not tightened too much. Saves $$.
Over the course of time most BMW riders have not used the kill switch other than an emergency shut off.
Long distance riders have actually dismounted their bikes without putting the sidestand down. I found that hard to believe but after a 1000 mile day in the saddle, I was weary, and almost got off the bike without putting down the sidestand.
As a result, many BMW riders downshift to 1st, use the sidestand as their kill switch, as it accomplishes two obvious things: kills the engine and provides support. Easy habit to get used to IMO.
Long distance riders have actually dismounted their bikes without putting the sidestand down. I found that hard to believe but after a 1000 mile day in the saddle, I was weary, and almost got off the bike without putting down the sidestand.
As a result, many BMW riders downshift to 1st, use the sidestand as their kill switch, as it accomplishes two obvious things: kills the engine and provides support. Easy habit to get used to IMO.
good habit , in the mean time the engine provides a continuous brake. Always useful parking down-/uphill.
I agree but somewhere along the line this mode of braking has somehow fallen into disfavor with many. The logic presented, and at face value offers what appears to be reasonable, is that brake pads a lot less expensive than engine parts (e.g. overstressing, no rev-limiting in a bad downshift, slipper clutches assist) and of course the ungainly 'jolt' of a bad downshift. Ah well, I grew up in an error when the cool blip of the throttle while downshifting (in a car) with the usually not needed double-clutch (but was cool) and yeah, we had synchro-mesh then.engine braking always helps
even in cars i use engine braking under situations where i must. what ever works.
Old habits, huh?
I was very glad of a kill switch in 2004 when I had a serious crash into a road crash barrier ,I killed the engine to scrub off speed to slow down to stay on the bike, an keep it upright rather than let it fold under me as I was in the gravel ,and got away with 2broken bones in my right leg ,and a broken ankle and my leathers torn to shreds on my thigh.
I was glad of a kill switch on my Kwak Z100 that day and if I hadn't used it I may not be here today ,so lesson learnt
I was glad of a kill switch on my Kwak Z100 that day and if I hadn't used it I may not be here today ,so lesson learnt
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