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.

[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...

[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.

[newbert]

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

[Maddoggie501]

If you are going to use the kill swith to shut the bike off, please remember to also turn the key off. I worked several years in a Harley shop and the porters who were MSF trained to use the kill switch, did. However, they would forget to turn the key off and we had more dead batteries than you could shake a stick at! For that reason I don't use the kill switch.. I would probably forget to turn the key off.

[RinconRyder]

I don't use the kill switch either. I have seen too many of them fail and you wind up with a dead ride. One reason is use - there are only a set number of times you can use it before the contacts and little springy thingies inside fail and the kill switch is right there on top of the handlebar where it gets all manner of dirt and water which is always a bad combination for switches.

If mine fails I would much rather it fail ON than OFF. I am not worried about killing the engine in an emergency.

[asp125]

Drilled into me by years on a motorcycle - kill switch is right there next to your hand. On some Triumphs, Harleys, Hondas.. the key is not right in front of you but on the fork, or next to the seat, or somewhere. Kill switches are always on the handlebar. In an emergency you don't have to reach for or fumble for the key location especially if you ride different bikes.

[SpyderAnn01]

I don't use the kill switch either. I have seen too many of them fail and you wind up with a dead ride. One reason is use - there are only a set number of times you can use it before the contacts and little springy thingies inside fail and the kill switch is right there on top of the handlebar where it gets all manner of dirt and water which is always a bad combination for switches.

If mine fails I would much rather it fail ON than OFF. I am not worried about killing the engine in an emergency.

I use mine every time I start and shut it off and I've got 118,000 miles on my bike and it hasn't failed me yet. And it sure didn't fail me on my 13 when I was on fire. What exactly is that "set number of times you can use it"? If I haven't hit that number yet it is pretty likely that the rest of you won't ever hit it.

[Copperman]

I use mine all the time. It's like second nature.

[Bfromla]

I prefer the kill switch over the MODE button

[JayBros]

I use mine all the time. It's like second nature.

+1!

[Road-Kill]

Never used the engine cutoff as a routine and never will unless Can Am says it protects the electrical system. As far as a "safety" feature the cutoff is worthless in an accident. I have investigated HUNDREDS of accidents including many motorcycle accidents. They happen fast and without warning leaving the rider/driver no time to do anything.....other then scream "sh*t". I wonder what people think they are accomplishing by flipping that kill switch? If you can't remember to turn the key to off then you might forget to brake or stop at red lights or chew before you swallow. Maybe Can Am will have people press the Eco to remind them of another useless worthless lawyer inspired lawsuit reducing procedure.

Go ahead and flip that kill switch.....and throw out a boat anchor while your at it, you never know, a tsunami might be heading your way.

[Rattlebars]

Kill switch? I will cycle the switch several times as part of my periodic maintenance but won't use it to kill the motor every day (several times). Forgetting to turn off the key would be a problem if I did . If you want to add an extra level of security it's good, tho. The complex procedure to start and run the bike itself is a great anti-theft device and the extra step of the kill will add one more.

[BitSlayer]

Kill switch? I will cycle the switch several times as part of my periodic maintenance but won't use it to kill the motor every day (several times). Forgetting to turn off the key would be a problem if I did . If you want to add an extra level of security it's good, tho. The complex procedure to start and run the bike itself is a great anti-theft device and the extra step of the kill will add one more.

Actually watched a video of a being repo'ed. The guy had the key but could not figure out how to get the thing started. The previous owner just sat back and laughed. They finally figured it out, but it too a while.

[SteveLaoyster]

If you want to add an extra level of security it's good, tho. The complex procedure to start and run the bike itself is a great anti-theft device and the extra step of the kill will add one more.

[ARtraveler]

Great stuff. More things to ponder for me. Many pros and cons. Currently, I am not using the switch.

[iker]

old time rider (82) .long time rider and bike wrench for 20 plus years. hate

to work on electrics always worry about that switch failing therefore i dont

use it. its there if you want to use it. see yea, ike

[quasi]

I've only used mine a couple times, once doing 80 mph on the interstate! bumped it with my drink cup. you'll slow down REAL quick.