-
Engine Stop Switch -- Really?
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!
-
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.
2017 F3T-SM6 Squared Away Mirror Wedgies & Alignment
2014 RTS-SM6 123,600 miles Sold 11/2017
2014 RTL-SE6 8,600 miles
2011 RTS-SM5 5,000 miles
2013 RTS-SM5 burned up with 13,200 miles in 13 weeks
2010 RTS-SM5 59,148 miles
2010 RT- 622
-
Originally Posted by 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 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.
2014 RTL Platinum
-
Good idea...
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...
2012 RS sm5 , 998cc V-Twin 106hp DIY brake and park brake Classic Black
-
I admit
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.
Originally Posted by 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.
Is it Friday yet? ... Oh yeah, I forgot. I'm retired
Past bikes
2010 RS - Sold
2012 RT - Sold
2014 RT - Testing completed
2016 F3-T Audio package - Sold
-
Originally Posted by 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.
That makes sense. Duh.
2014 RTL Platinum
-
Very Active Member
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.
AKA Jud Smales, Four Year Spyder Ryder!
"Quando Omni Flunkus, Moritati"
The Critter 2016 RT-S
Cat Bypass from Lamonster
BajaRon Sway Bar
Hella dual horns with relay
BRP Hitch with trailer module
Foam Grips
Adjustable Air Deflectors
Driver & Passenger Gel Pads in Seat
Shorty antenna
Ultraguard half cover
Gremlin bell from my son
Break Stripe Kit from Wrap My Spyder
-
Thanks for your thoughts on this, guys. I'll have to get into the habit of using it.
-
Very Active Member
Originally Posted by SteveLaoyster
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
Harrington, Australia
2021 RT Limited
Setup for Tall & Big.... 200cm/6'7", 140kg/300lbs, 37"inleg.
HeliBars Handlebars
Brake rubber removed to lower pedal for easier long leg/Size 15 EEEEW boot access.
Ikon (Aussie) shocks all round, with sag adjusted for extra 3/8” clearance up front
Russell Daylong seat 2” taller than stock (in Sunbrella for Aussie heat & water resistance)
Goodyear Duragrip 165/60 fronts (18psi) - provides extra 1/2” ground clearance.
Kenda Kanine rear.
2021 RT Limited , Brake pedal rubber removed for ease of accessing pedal with size 15 boots. Red
-
Very Active Member
Originally Posted by Peteoz
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!
AKA Jud Smales, Four Year Spyder Ryder!
"Quando Omni Flunkus, Moritati"
The Critter 2016 RT-S
Cat Bypass from Lamonster
BajaRon Sway Bar
Hella dual horns with relay
BRP Hitch with trailer module
Foam Grips
Adjustable Air Deflectors
Driver & Passenger Gel Pads in Seat
Shorty antenna
Ultraguard half cover
Gremlin bell from my son
Break Stripe Kit from Wrap My Spyder
-
Yep.....that's the way I shut down my Indian
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
When life throws you curves, aim for the apex
Current stable: 09 Thruxton / 09 FZ6
Sold List: 97 Ninja500R, 03 SV650K3, 01 Ducati 750Sport Dark, 73 CB350/4, 03 F650GSA, 08 Gixxer600, 03 Gixxer600, 91 VFR750F, 09 KLX250, 06 Thruxton 900, 08 Spyder RS , 12 Street TripleR, 15 RC390, 02 VFR800, 09 KLX250S, 10 F650GS
JLohPhotos
... Motorcycles are kind of like Baskin Robbins... You're looking at 31 flavors of ice cream, don't you kind of want to know what they all taste like?...
-
Originally Posted by 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.
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.
2017 F3T-SM6 Squared Away Mirror Wedgies & Alignment
2014 RTS-SM6 123,600 miles Sold 11/2017
2014 RTL-SE6 8,600 miles
2011 RTS-SM5 5,000 miles
2013 RTS-SM5 burned up with 13,200 miles in 13 weeks
2010 RTS-SM5 59,148 miles
2010 RT- 622
-
Very Active Member
I use mine all the time. It's like second nature.
2020 Chalk, RT Limited, Dark and matching RT622 trailer and BRP hitch. BRP Drivers Backrest, Auxiliary Light, Garmin Zumo XT, GPS Support, RT Rear Panel and Travel Cover. Spyderpops LEDs on fenders, mirrors, saddlebags, top case and RT rear panel. Spyderpops Rock Guard. BajaRon Swaybar, Wolo Bad Boy horn, Freedom Windshield, Elka Shocks.
-
Very Active Member
I prefer the kill switch over the MODE button
2013 STL SE5 BLACK CURRANT
SpyderPop's: LED bumpskid
SmoothSpyder: dualmode back rest
T r * * LED:foam grip covers, Tricrings, FenderZ,
brake light strips, wide vue mirrors
Rivico SOMA modulation brake leds
sawblade mowhalk fender accents
minispyder dash toy
Lid lox
KradelLock
Pakitrack
GENSSI ELITE LED H4 headlights
FLO (Frunk Lid Organizer)
BRP fog lights, trailer hitch
SENA 20S EVO
-
Very Active Member
Originally Posted by Copperman
I use mine all the time. It's like second nature.
+1!
Artillery lends dignity to what would
otherwise be a vulgar brawl.
******************************
Cognac 2014 RT-S
-
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.
-
Very Active Member
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.
2016 F3-T SE6 Roadster , Extended brake pedal for which I drilled out the brake rod yolk to lower it and added spacers to lift it slightly Black/Grey
-
Originally Posted by 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.
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.
-
Very Active Member
Originally Posted by Rattlebars
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.
AKA Jud Smales, Four Year Spyder Ryder!
"Quando Omni Flunkus, Moritati"
The Critter 2016 RT-S
Cat Bypass from Lamonster
BajaRon Sway Bar
Hella dual horns with relay
BRP Hitch with trailer module
Foam Grips
Adjustable Air Deflectors
Driver & Passenger Gel Pads in Seat
Shorty antenna
Ultraguard half cover
Gremlin bell from my son
Break Stripe Kit from Wrap My Spyder
-
Very Active Member
-
kill switch
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
-
Posting Permissions
- You may not post new threads
- You may not post replies
- You may not post attachments
- You may not edit your posts
-
Forum Rules
|