Kill Switch

[3pod]

This is a basic question I'd like to know from you Spyder owners. When I had my Harley it was suggested that to turn off the engine you used the Kill Switch rather than key. If this is preferred with the Spyder operation I was never told this by the dealer on purchase. Obviously the kill switch has a purpose.

Which is proper to turn off engine = kill switch or key ? OR does it matter.

I think this website is fantastic cause any and all questions always get anwered in a helpful manner.

Oh yes I'm loving my Spyder more and more each ride. It kinda helps me forget my 2 wheel blues

[Rando]

Use the kill switch so in an emergency, it will be an automatic reflex to use it. This is what they recommend in the motorcycle safety training classes.

[BikerDoc]

One small issue though. After using kill switch - don't forget to turn the key off. A buddy of mine did this on his Spyder last night and if I had not noticed his lights being on a half hr later - it would be dead in the water this morning.

[fastfraser]

Use the kill switch so in an emergency, it will be an automatic reflex to use it. This is what they recommend in the motorcycle safety training classes.

One small issue though. After using kill switch - don't forget to turn the key off. A buddy of mine did this on his Spyder last night and if I had not noticed his lights being on a half hr later - it would be dead in the water this morning.

good to know where the kill switch is when you need it.

[Campverdefela]

Or in an emergency just use the key, if that's what your use to especially if you have the key fob. Quite frankly it seems just as fast.

[Weave2u]

Use the kill switch so in an emergency, it will be an automatic reflex to use it. This is what they recommend in the motorcycle safety training classes.

Good point... I think I'll take to doing this when I stop for gas, etc. But at home and work, I better stick to the key, because I will forget LOL...

on!!

[Hokiev]

I was told by technician for my BMW LT to never use the kill switch unless it is for emergency as they are prone to brake. (they use a small plastic "L" shaped switch that is brittle with age).

However, on the Spyder the switch is made different. The manual indicates to use the KILL SWITCH then Key.

[spydee owner]

I always use the key. My recommendation to you is to use what ever you are more comfortable with.
The really important step here is to have the key in the on position, with you on the seat (preferably facing forward) with the bike facing the open road as often as possible.

[Firefly]

Always always always use kill switch. This is what they will teach you in riding schools. Hogwash on them breaking--- it's a cheap switch to replace should they fail. 41,000 miles on mine and no breakage. The idea is to use it so you have a memory reflex during an emergency. During an emergency you don't want to remove your hand from the bars to reach for the key.

[AMTJIM]

I remember most dealers mentioning to be familiar with all functions during your orientation before you leave the dealership. In regards to the kill switch, it was hard on the ignition components electrically, they suggested the to use the key for normal use.

[Firefly]

I remember most dealers mentioning to be familiar with all functions during your orientation before you leave the dealership. In regards to the kill switch, it was hard on the ignition components electrically, they suggested the to use the key for normal use.

Sorry- but any dealer that said that is wrong. It won't hurt anything by using it.

[boborgera]

The only time i ever had to use a killswitch was with my 70's Arctic Cat's snowmobile's sometimes they would freeze up [-20 below f ] And the only way to shut the engine off was to hit the switch!
IN 35+ years of motorcycling and ATVs , I never once had a reason to ever use it.
What is the paranoia about that switch??

[MarkLawson]

I was told by technician for my BMW LT to never use the kill switch unless it is for emergency as they are prone to brake. (they use a small plastic "L" shaped switch that is brittle with age).

However, on the Spyder the switch is made different. The manual indicates to use the KILL SWITCH then Key.

A Harley mechanic friend tells me that the kill switch is just another potential source of problems that may leave you stranded. He's replaced many of them & recommends they not be used for normal riding.

[AMTJIM]

Let the opinoins flow. I only go with being familiar with with all functions of your machine.

[Trickie Dick]

Always always always use kill switch. This is what they will teach you in riding schools. Hogwash on them breaking--- it's a cheap switch to replace should they fail. 41,000 miles on mine and no breakage. The idea is to use it so you have a memory reflex during an emergency. During an emergency you don't want to remove your hand from the bars to reach for the key.

[bone crusher]

I never used the kill switch until recently...I also figure it's an added measure of protection for the bike...so, I leave it in 1st gear, use the kill switch, and also lock the steering...then put the parking brake on...

[arntufun]

In an emergency I'm going to bail off the bike !!! I don't give a crap where the Spyder ends up. That time to think to hit the kill switch, I'm going to be well on my way off the bike.
I have a SM5, my Spyder will stall out on it's own.

[Weave2u]

I have a SM5, my Spyder will stall out on it's own.

....stop! You're killin' me Larry! ...

[kman]

I never use the kill switch even though they did teach that at the MSC.I understand the concept of using the kill switch on 2 wheels in case you go down but on the Spyder you are not going to drop it and if you do use it you would no longer have control over the bike(power steering).

My dealer(Harley rider) also told me he doesn,t use the kill switch either due to them breaking.

[boborgera]

In an emergency I'm going to bail off the bike !!! I don't give a crap where the Spyder ends up. That time to think to hit the kill switch, I'm going to be well on my way off the bike.
I have a SM5, my Spyder will stall out on it's own.

Correct, Any bike with a Manual Trans will stall if you bail, Even the Spyder will.

[Yazz]

I never used the kill switch until recently...I also figure it's an added measure of protection for the bike...so, I leave it in 1st gear, use the kill switch, and also lock the steering...then put the parking brake on...

+1 One more button pushed, is one more reason someone not familiar with the Spyder, will be able to ride it away.

Also, very interesting that most of the advice given for not using the kill switch comes from non-Spyder 'professionals.'

[bluestratos]

Not sure how this plays into it but many of my earlier bikes had the key on on side or the other. Once I got cut off by a car and had to lay the bike down. I was temporarily trapped under the bike but could not turn it off. Fuel was leaking out of the gas cap but fortunately the guy that cut me off ran right back and helped me and the bike up. I suspect they may have added kill switches, at least in part, for this reason (that bike had no kill switch by the way).
That being said, I believe using the kill switch is a good habit but I personnally prefer turning it off with the key.

Regards,

Randy

[Neez]

The kill switch is on the Spyder for a reason. It is colored red for a reason. It is located by your right thumb for a reason. Manufacturers would not install kill switches without a reason, it costs money to do so. This is not rocket science.

[Sonrisa]

Use KILL switch, set parking brake, turn off with key. Always do this and you will develop a good habit. And as stated earlier, if you need to use the kill switch, your habit has maybe saved you

[AMTJIM]

The kill switch is on the Spyder for a reason. It is colored red for a reason. It is located by your right thumb for a reason. Manufacturers would not install kill switches without a reason, it costs money to do so. This is not rocket science.

And the hand brake lever, what's the argument here about safety or proper operation? It's OK to have the "creature of habit" effect for the "kill switch", but eliminate the right handed rocket science of a hand brake lever because of costs? One of the main reason I don't let another rider use my machine, especially after seeing them try to grab the handbrake on demo runs. And yes, the spyder is not rocket science, Nasa or the FAA would have grounded this thing so many times by now, we would never get a chance to ride it.