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Does it really matter how I turn off the bike?
- Thread starter Chloe K
- Start date
Minor differences either way.
Using the kill switch will make it instinctive if you need to shut the bike off in an emergency, it also keeps the switch and contacts clean and functioning longer.
Also on some bikes you need to lean over to get to the ignition switch.
On TBW bikes the idle will reset higher if you use the kill switch with the throttle partially open (accidentally twist the throttle as you hit the switch).
I do it either way, these days usually with the kill switch, just got used to it because the ignition on my last bike was close to the exhaust.
Using the kill switch will make it instinctive if you need to shut the bike off in an emergency, it also keeps the switch and contacts clean and functioning longer.
Also on some bikes you need to lean over to get to the ignition switch.
On TBW bikes the idle will reset higher if you use the kill switch with the throttle partially open (accidentally twist the throttle as you hit the switch).
I do it either way, these days usually with the kill switch, just got used to it because the ignition on my last bike was close to the exhaust.
I never use the kill switch. The reason is, most of the time when I turn the engine off, it's to park the bike outside and I have to lock the forks by turning the ignition switch anyway. Plus, I hate to start the bike in gear with the clutch pulled. Not good for the starter and the battery. That is, if I remember that I used the kill switch and that I'm in gear. Hate this stuff.
Ignition in "lock" and in neutral is the way I park, unless the parking space isn't flat.
Ignition in "lock" and in neutral is the way I park, unless the parking space isn't flat.
jarrettdooty
New member
+1 on the TBW if you blip the thottle just before using the kill switch the TBW will think that the higher rpm is the resting idle and overtime your bike will idle faster thinking that is is at the correct idle speed. Then you will have to reset the TBW to reduce the high idle.
I used to use the kill switch first, then the ignition.
Until I was stopped at a Honda dealer while on the road, to pick up some Honda spray cleaner. Came out to a parking lot full of Goldwingers. Turned the ignition and hit the starter, and hit the starter, and hit the starter...lots of smerks and giggles coming from the Wing Gang.
That was the end of the kill switch for me! Now it is ONLY the ignition.
Until I was stopped at a Honda dealer while on the road, to pick up some Honda spray cleaner. Came out to a parking lot full of Goldwingers. Turned the ignition and hit the starter, and hit the starter, and hit the starter...lots of smerks and giggles coming from the Wing Gang.
That was the end of the kill switch for me! Now it is ONLY the ignition.
Say it like it is
New member
I was taught to always use the kill switch. 25 years later I still do.