Kill switch or ignition key

[fazersharp]

Just been watching some utube vids of bikers being pulled over in the US as filmed via their own helmet cams and I noticed that they all used the kill switch to turn off the bike and then turn the ignition key.I never use the kill switch and always use the key - what do everyone do.I do sometimes use the kill switch after parking just as a simple extra tiny bit of security - could be just enough to confuse an opportunist. Like it has done me when I return and the bike wont start for some reason     

[mtread]

I don't think I've ever used the kill switch. I thought it was only for when you've fallen off 

[Dynspud]

Always used the key - never used the kill switch.

[Kenyun]

I never use the kill switch, I can't see the point, I still have to turn the ignition off with the key.

[Adam2201]

Usually Kill Switch for me - not sure when I started doing that.  Then I kick the side stand down and put the steering lock on at the same time as turning the key.


It's habit more than anything - if I don't do everything in exactly the same order I'll end up leaving the key in the ignition and not putting the chain on!

[midden]

always kill switch first for me

[Dudeofrude]

Always used the key, if I didn't I'd probably end up leaving in the bike 🙄
Don't think I've ever even flicked the kill switch to test it on my bike?
All the newer yammys turn on and off via the killswitch anyways for some reason

[midden]

Always used the key, if I didn't I'd probably end up leaving in the bike 🙄
Don't think I've ever even flicked the kill switch to test it on my bike?
All the newer yammys turn on and off via the killswitch anyways for some reason

Do they even need put the key in the lock these days?

[Dudeofrude]

Always used the key, if I didn't I'd probably end up leaving in the bike 🙄
Don't think I've ever even flicked the kill switch to test it on my bike?
All the newer yammys turn on and off via the killswitch anyways for some reason

Do they even need put the key in the lock these days?

Yes which is why I dont see the point of the killswitch starter thing? You put the key in, turn it to on position then push up the starter/killswitch button? Just wasting time really
A bit like early keyless cars where you had to insert the key card then press a start button.

Now Harley Davidson have the right idea (i know but hear me out) i took one out a while back and that was keyless, you needed the fob in your pocket then it had a chrome switch on the tank. Turn it like a car key and it starts then turn it back to switch it off.... simples

[fazersharp]

Yes those push button starts on cars are stupid -stupid, others also you have a fob that you have to insert into a slot first. Its actually quicker to put a key in and turn all in one action.

[YamFazFan]

I never use the kill-switch, but it's always in the off position every time I collect the bike from M.O.T.....and yep it catches me out EVERY time

[celticdog]

Ignition key for me every time.
Not a fan of the keyless ignition idea, I've got visions of fingers/eyes being chopped off/out to start stolen cars and bikes with all this bio-metric scanning technology. Then again I'm probably just one sick puppy. 

[fazersharp]

Ignition key for me every time.
Not a fan of the keyless ignition idea, I've got visions of fingers/eyes being chopped off/out to start stolen cars and bikes with all this bio-metric scanning technology. Then again I'm probably just one sick puppy. 

Perhaps it would be sensors in the seat that detect your arse print.

[midden]

Ignition key for me every time.
Not a fan of the keyless ignition idea, I've got visions of fingers/eyes being chopped off/out to start stolen cars and bikes with all this bio-metric scanning technology. Then again I'm probably just one sick puppy. 

Atleast you won't get back to find an empty parking space

[Northern Biker]

Usually the key for me. I have kill switched myself a few times which confuses the hell out of me for a few seconds until I figure out what happened 

[steve 10562cc]

My Mrs has a keyless ignition Nissan just have to have the fob thingy in your pocket/bag. Read some where to keep the fob away from doors and windows and preferably in a metal box to stop low life using some sort of device to read the fob and borrow the car. Not sure if it's true or not but that doesn't seem a very safe to to secure a vehicle. Prefer the old fashioned method 25kgs of snarling teeth it's 1 - 0 to  him up to now. 

[His Dudeness]

I use both. The way I see it it's a small bit of added security against getting nicked. If anyone doesn't know what the kill switch does it cuts 12V supply to the ignition coils, fuel pump relay and cut-off relay

[HarryHornby]

Always the kill switch for me.  No idea why, just habbit and something I've always done.  Probably stems from when I was commuting on the bike and using the kill switch meant the lights were still on and I could see to get the bike in the garage.

[Grahamm]

I used to use the kill switch and switch the key off as the last thing I did, until I discovered that, of course, it leaves the headlight on.

So if you start and stop a lot of times in quick succession, the battery doesn't have enough time to recharge and eventually it'll be flat when you try to start again

[darrsi]

I used to use the kill switch and switch the key off as the last thing I did, until I discovered that, of course, it leaves the headlight on.

So if you start and stop a lot of times in quick succession, the battery doesn't have enough time to recharge and eventually it'll be flat when you try to start again

Eh?
What d'ya mean it leaves the headlight on?


I've never personally used the kill switch before, only to turn it back on if one of my mechanics ever switch it off which as mentioned can throw you for a split second.

[Grahamm]

Eh?
What d'ya mean it leaves the headlight on?

On an FZ6, the headlight switches on when you start the engine.

If you hit the kill switch, the headlight will remain on until you turn the key off.

[darrsi]

Eh?
What d'ya mean it leaves the headlight on?

On an FZ6, the headlight switches on when you start the engine.

If you hit the kill switch, the headlight will remain on until you turn the key off.

Needs to be renamed a "Still Alive Switch" by the sounds of things!

[His Dudeness]

I used to use the kill switch and switch the key off as the last thing I did, until I discovered that, of course, it leaves the headlight on.

So if you start and stop a lot of times in quick succession, the battery doesn't have enough time to recharge and eventually it'll be flat when you try to start again

If you started it in quick succession it'd be flat because of the starter motor not the bulbs. 700W vs 55W

[Freck]

I always use the key, mainly because of my other bike, a Triumph Daytona.


There’s a quirk with them where damage has been known to happen to the ECU because of using the kill switch.
When using the key a relay is activated keeping power to the ECU allowing a shutdown sequence to occur. This doesn’t happen using the kill switch which cuts power immediately, and has been known to cause irretrievable corruption of the ECU.
Not something you really want, and would prove pretty costly. 

[fazersharp]

I always use the key, mainly because of my other bike, a Triumph Daytona.


There’s a quirk with them where damage has been known to happen to the ECU because of using the kill switch.
When using the key a relay is activated keeping power to the ECU allowing a shutdown sequence to occur. This doesn’t happen using the kill switch which cuts power immediately, and has been known to cause irretrievable corruption of the ECU.
Not something you really want, and would prove pretty costly. 

Is that after a build up over time or can it happen at any time from just one switch - if so I would be inclined to glue it on.