Engine Stop Switch -- Really?

[newbert]

After picking up my new Spyder this afternoon, I've been pouring thru the manual.

I see that it recommends turning off the engine by using the "Engine Stop Switch" rather than simply turning the key and removing it (like you would with a car). I guess my question is whether that extra step (turning off that switch, then having to turn it back on when re-starting the Spyder) is really necessary? Do all of you experienced Spyder Ryders use than switch (on/off) each and every time?

Thanks!

[SpyderAnn01]

Yes, you should use the engine cutoff switch every time you shut your Spyder off. That way in an emergency you won't be searching for it. I was riding down the freeway when my bike went up in flames, the first thing I did was hit the emergency flashers followed by the engine cutoff switch. Also, if you were in an emergency and wanted to quickly shut down the bike if you used the key that would require removing your hand from the handlebars and that could be a bad idea.

Have you taken a motorcycle safety course? If not, you should really think about it as the Spyder is more like a motorcycle than you may think.

Enjoy your new ride.

[Blue Star]

that I do not use the kill switch, but use the key. I have never read the reason for using the kill switch this way, and now I think I need to start using it to turn off the Spyder. Thank you.

Yes, you should use the engine cutoff switch every time you shut your Spyder off. That way in an emergency you won't be searching for it. I was riding down the freeway when my bike went up in flames, the first thing I did was hit the emergency flashers followed by the engine cutoff switch. Also, if you were in an emergency and wanted to quickly shut down the bike if you used the key that would require removing your hand from the handlebars and that could be a bad idea.

Have you taken a motorcycle safety course? If not, you should really think about it as the Spyder is more like a motorcycle than you may think.

Enjoy your new ride.

[UtahPete]

Yes, you should use the engine cutoff switch every time you shut your Spyder off. That way in an emergency you won't be searching for it. I was riding down the freeway when my bike went up in flames, the first thing I did was hit the emergency flashers followed by the engine cutoff switch. Also, if you were in an emergency and wanted to quickly shut down the bike if you used the key that would require removing your hand from the handlebars and that could be a bad idea.

That makes sense. Duh.

[SteveLaoyster]

I remember there being a thread on here a while back about the kill switch. Some people were quite set on not using the kill switch because it is not necessary to do.

Of course it isn't necessary to use but it's a good idea to become familiar with it. Regardless if you use it or not, it's a good idea to check it before starting your trike.

When I had the motorcycle safety course they said to turn off the bike with the kill switch & then turn off the key.

I'm sure there are quite a few people out there that have had problems starting their ride because someone flip the kill switch & they never got into the habit of checking it.

[Peteoz]

I'm sure there are quite a few people out there that have had problems starting their ride because someone flip the kill switch & they never got into the habit of checking it.

Hahaha......yep......that would be ME, Steve.

So to save me getting my manual out, it's a case of Park Brake On, hit Kill Switch, turn Ignition Key off ?

Pete

[SteveLaoyster]

Hahaha......yep......that would be ME, Steve.

So to save me getting my manual out, it's a case of Park Brake On, hit Kill Switch, turn Ignition Key off ?

Pete

Yep. Don't forget to pocket the key too. Starting is insert key, kill switch, foot on brake, turn key on, wait for the gauges to start their sweep, push the mode button and then the start button. It's the Canadian version of a Chinese puzzle. I've found pushing the mode button before the gauges sweep doesn't work. Happy Ryding!

[tomand]

Yep.....that's the way I shut down my Indian

[Easy Rider]

I'm sure there are quite a few people out there that have had problems starting their ride because someone flip the kill switch & they never got into the habit of checking it.

I discovered that my "dismount" technique on the Spyder causes my gut to bump the kill switch to OFF.

It is a tradeoff. Most of the people who have trouble with the switch are the ones who USE it all the time; it wears out.

[newbert]

Thanks for your thoughts on this, guys. I'll have to get into the habit of using it.

[UtahPete]

After picking up my new Spyder this afternoon, I've been pouring thru the manual. I see that it recommends turning off the engine by using the "Engine Stop Switch" rather than simply turning the key and removing it (like you would with a car). I guess my question is whether that extra step (turning off that switch, then having to turn it back on when re-starting the Spyder) is really necessary? Do all of you experienced Spyder Ryders use than switch (on/off) each and every time?

Thanks for bringing that to my attention. I have not been doing that. Earlier on this forum there was a flurry of posts about failed switches so I wonder if that's Can-Am's way of ensuring it gets cycled often enough to keep it working? I guess I'm willing to give the engineers the benefit of the doubt.

[Chupaca]

If you get in the habit of usingvthe kill switch it becomes second nature and a sure safe way the shut down the machine especially in an emergency...

[Bfromla]

I prefer the kill switch over the MODE button

[Firefly]

Thanks for bringing that to my attention. I have not been doing that. Earlier on this forum there was a flurry of posts about failed switches so I wonder if that's Can-Am's way of ensuring it gets cycled often enough to keep it working? I guess I'm willing to give the engineers the benefit of the doubt.

Meh... 100,000+ miles between my 3 spyders and never a kill switch failure. You probably have a better chance of failure due to non-use and corrosion than you do from over-use.

[trickstar911]

After picking up my new Spyder this afternoon, I've been pouring thru the manual.

I see that it recommends turning off the engine by using the "Engine Stop Switch" rather than simply turning the key and removing it (like you would with a car). I guess my question is whether that extra step (turning off that switch, then having to turn it back on when re-starting the Spyder) is really necessary? Do all of you experienced Spyder Ryders use than switch (on/off) each and every time?

Thanks!

ive a faulty stop switch , is it servicable ?? ie presure on .. bike starts release pressure .. stops...