Euro kill switch

[Knifemaker]

Perhpss a silly question. I know the issue of using the kill switch to turn off the motor when you stop all the time is a subject discussed on most forums at some point. Not wishing to do that here. It was mentioned however that the kill switch on bikes/atv's was a federal guideline here in the USA.

I know the FJR is a "world" bike, but was wondering if they have the same switch on european bikes, not sold here. Do all countries bikes have this feature?

oh..please move this if this is not the right spot for this post.

KM

 

[orestes]

Yes they do

 

[dcarver]

I have to ask what prompted this question?

 

[mcatrophy]

...t the kill switch on bikes/atv's was a federal guideline here in the USA...

KM

Yes they do

Legal requirement in UK and (I believe) all EU countries.

 

[Checkswrecks]

They do have the kill switch as others mentioned, but other countries also have two switch features that our US versions do not. The headlight OFF switch, which would be illegal by NHTSA requirements, and the hi-beam passing switch for your left fore finger.

btw - If you buy a handlebar switch set from a 2004 Euro bike, it won't plug into the main harness of a US 2004 FJR. I learned that one the expensive way.

 

[Knifemaker]

I have to ask what prompted this question?

Someone posted a poll asking which do you use all the time to turn off the motor when you stop...the ignition switch or the kill switch.

I voted for ignition switch.... But was surprised how many riders were using the kill switch instead. Curious, I searched other forums that had posted similar threads. The split seemed to be about equal ...with kill switch use being a lower figure on most other forums.

One post I came across said that the switch was just another government/liability thing...like side stand cut offs and always on headlights.

I always thought all bikes ....atvs...scooters...came with kill switches regardless of region...that it was just part of the agreed standards like brakes on the right and shifter on the left.

But not having knowledge of the motorcycles made for the other hemisphere...I chose the most intelligent forum I knew to ask.

My feeling on the subject is that the kill switch was not meant for normal use in turning your motor off, but was designed as an "emergency" switch should something go wrong. Every owners manual I could find seems to echo that .... But I did not want to go as far to say using the kill switch was "wrong"....just that it was not what I considered proper bike ettiquite.

Just my opinion of course. I did however find a few problems with using the switch on certain bikes... But nothing that clearly said one should never use it.

Anyway thanks for the info.

 

[mcatrophy]

... My feeling on the subject is that the kill switch was not meant for normal use in turning your motor off, but was designed as an "emergency" switch should something go wrong. ...

FWIW - I don't use the kill switch to turn of the motor. However, when I had a bike with one of those old-fashioned conventional manual clutch lever thingies (my Trophy and previously), when stopping in awkward places (up a hill, on a slope or whatever), when I wanted both feet planted, I couldn't let go of the brake or the clutch or change into neutral. So, thumb the kill switch.

 

[Makuna]

I have to ask what prompted this question?

My feeling on the subject is that the kill switch was not meant for normal use in turning your motor off, but was designed as an "emergency" switch should something go wrong. Every owners manual I could find seems to echo that .... But I did not want to go as far to say using the kill switch was "wrong"....just that it was not what I considered proper bike ettiquite.

Just my opinion of course. I did however find a few problems with using the switch on certain bikes... But nothing that clearly said one should never use it.

Anyway thanks for the info.

When I took the safetly class, the instructor was always forcing us to use the kill switch. When I asked him this question, his answers was that once you are in the habbit of using the kill switch always, then when the **** hits the fan you will reach for it. Sounds sane to me.

 

[Neil San Diego]

Someone posted a poll asking which do you use all the time to turn off the motor when you stop...the ignition switch or the kill switch.

Funny, I don't use either - I use the kickstand.

 

[SacramentoMike]

I use the kickstand.

This is actually a pretty good idea, and I"m going to start doing the same. At least when I'm planning to park or whatever. This way, the bike's will be left properly in first gear, and second, the kill switch won't be left in the "off" position, always a source of a second's confusion when you try to start with it already "killed." Yeah, I know. What an *****.

But I do use the kill switch to shut down sometimes, usually for the same reasons Mcatrophy gave--not having a free hand right at the moment. And I also like the thought about making it a habit, just in case, per Makuna. Still, I have killed the bike with the switch before and been distracted by something and left the ignition on, or left the key in the ignition. The results of that can be kind of bad, as you may imagine. Or remember.

 

[user 213]

Bottom line, use what you are used to using. It's the habit you want ingrained, so that you are consistent. The ***** is if different bikes in the stable require different techniques. Every bike I've had since the '40 Knucklehead had a kill switch, and that's my habit. Not right or wrong, just my habit.

 

[Knifemaker]

.
When I took the safetly class, the instructor was always forcing us to use the kill switch. When I asked him this question, his answers was that once you are in the habbit of using the kill switch always, then when the **** hits the fan you will reach for it. Sounds sane to me.

I think the only flaw there is you are not learning to use it in stress filled event, just under normal use. "when the **** hits the fan" ...I doubt you'll even think about hitting your switch as you will have other things on your mind.

The learned responce agruement sounds sane, but unless trained under stress you likely would fail. Sort of like saying you use your brakes every day...so when faced with an emergency situation..you'll not have a problem stopping....When we all know you need to practice HARD braking enough that you do not panic in an emergency and overbrake. (of course a bit harder to do with an ABS bike)

I never use the switch but am aware of its presence...and one time long ago my little dirt bike suddenly started making a racket deep in the motor...and I did have it together enough to yank in the clutch and hit the kill switch pretty quickly. (which unfortunetly did nothing as it was something that got loose in the transmission...and clutch in or not, the rear wheel locked up)

But as mentioned , it's just what you are used to, stick with it if it works for you.

KM