On my '02, '03, '06 and now my '10, my local dealer has always insisted that I use the kill switch to shut down the motor before turning the ignition switch. Says that if I don't, I'll end up with a 'fault' code. But based on the replies so far, looks like the dealer is completely wrong on this issue, as no one has brought up fault codes.
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Does it really matter how I turn off the bike?
- Thread starter hayati
- Start date
Winchester Bailey
New member
My 1st question is WTF does TBW mean? Im a newbie to this forum.
Ok so I been riding for over 20 years and have been a motorcop for the last 12 years. Whatever your opinion is of cops isnt the point only that Ive had some pretty extensive rider training and got to trash around a bikes for training purposes, they were Harley's bikes not my own personal ride ie; I dont mind seeing how far over the lean angle is 'cause is aint my chrome thats being scratched.
Anyway the point is we are all taught to use the kill switch pretty much exclusively from the HD factory reps. Individual dealer techs come up w/ all kinds of reasons to do or not do various things w/ a bike. Il take my cues from the engineers that designed the bike.
On a funnier note one of my riding partners at work always uses the kill switch and never shuts off the ignition. It makes for some wonderful jokes as we will pull up to where he parked and his lights are still on and usually the left turn signal is activated because he hit it getting off of the bike. He's been doing this for over 6 yrs, he aint gonna change. The concerns about leaving the headlight on are valid, but I pretty much always use the kill switch. Its saved my bacon more than once stopping in a sloped area
Ok so I been riding for over 20 years and have been a motorcop for the last 12 years. Whatever your opinion is of cops isnt the point only that Ive had some pretty extensive rider training and got to trash around a bikes for training purposes, they were Harley's bikes not my own personal ride ie; I dont mind seeing how far over the lean angle is 'cause is aint my chrome thats being scratched.
Anyway the point is we are all taught to use the kill switch pretty much exclusively from the HD factory reps. Individual dealer techs come up w/ all kinds of reasons to do or not do various things w/ a bike. Il take my cues from the engineers that designed the bike.
On a funnier note one of my riding partners at work always uses the kill switch and never shuts off the ignition. It makes for some wonderful jokes as we will pull up to where he parked and his lights are still on and usually the left turn signal is activated because he hit it getting off of the bike. He's been doing this for over 6 yrs, he aint gonna change. The concerns about leaving the headlight on are valid, but I pretty much always use the kill switch. Its saved my bacon more than once stopping in a sloped area
My 1st question is WTF does TBW mean? Im a newbie to this forum.
Throttle by wire means you no longer have throttle cables. It's done electronically with the ECM. Came out on the 08's I believe. My 08 UC has it, never been a problem for me. Oh, Welcome to the forum!!!
RIP Billy Mays
New member
There is an ECM flash update to fix that, and HD will update it for free, if the bike is still under the original factory waranty...
reference Harley Tech Tip 380 - High Idle Complaints on 2008 Touring Models
reference Harley Tech Tip 380 - High Idle Complaints on 2008 Touring Models
I knew a guy who knew a guy whose cousin knew a guy who had a Harley that had its warranty voided by the dealer for not using the kill switch to turn off his bike - the dealer said that after they hooked up their device to see what the problems was they noticed the bike had never been turned off and they blamed that as the reason for engine failure. Hey I am just saying....
¡Viva la Anna!
New member
Someone else must have had this question recently. I was leaving a local tourist attraction and walking across the large parking lot saw two FLs parked together. The owners were obviously inside the hotel or caverns but one of the bikes had all the lights on. Middle of the day, no one around. Maybe they always use the kill switch then key and got distracted but the key was left on.
Did them a favor and turned it off.
The only bikes I've ever used kill switches on were dirt bikes. I've turned the key on everything else. I must have accidentally hit the kill rocker on one bike while servicing it and almost ran the battery down trying to figure out what was wrong before noticing.
Helped a couple of newbie riders over the years with the same problem. Bike suddenly dies and can't restart? They bumped the KS.
Did them a favor and turned it off.
The only bikes I've ever used kill switches on were dirt bikes. I've turned the key on everything else. I must have accidentally hit the kill rocker on one bike while servicing it and almost ran the battery down trying to figure out what was wrong before noticing.
Helped a couple of newbie riders over the years with the same problem. Bike suddenly dies and can't restart? They bumped the KS.
momof3granof1
New member
never used the kill switch
Kill switch every time. This is the way I have shut down every bike I have owned. I always make a habit at looking back at the bike as I walk away to see if I left my lights on. I have only ever forgot to switch the ignition off once- and I was fortunate to catch it before draining my battery.