Engine Stop Switch -- Really?

[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 :yikes:. 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.

:agree: Actually watched a video of a :spyder2: 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.

:agree:

 

[ARtraveler]

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

 

[iker]

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

 

[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. :yikes:ray:

 

[DJFaninTN]

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. :yikes:ray:

that's always a fun time :shocked::shocked::shocked::shocked::banghead::banghead::banghead:

 

[bronzeflex42]

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.

Good explanation, but i don't use mine either, guess i need to thoughopcorn:

 

[Trbayth]

I use it all the time. Let's me get going a little bit quicker after I gas up.

 

[Firefly]

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.

Perhaps an MSF course would be a good thing for you to attend sometime.. they can give you dozens of scenarios where using the kill switch might save you... but it's all the reasons they don't tell you about that really matter.

Every Spyder owner should take an MSF course.... you'll come away with knowledge that just might save your life.

 

[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.

 

[ABQSpyder]

Ok
So do you follow the MSF T-CLOCK since everyone keeps saying you should take a course!
I feel this is the one to be adhered to before every Ride.

 

[Firefly]

Ok
So do you follow the MSF T-CLOCK since everyone keeps saying you should take a course!
I feel this is the one to be adhered to before every Ride.

I keep my Spyder in good shape and give it a good inspection once a month. Not as anal as the T-Clock, but then again I'm not riding an HD... lol

 

[asp125]

Why would Can Am put in a kill switch if it wasn't meant to be used? Just like the safety card.. oh wait. nvmd, :roflblack:

 

[ABQSpyder]

I keep my Spyder in good shape and give it a good inspection once a month. Not as anal as the T-Clock, but then again I'm not riding an HD... lol

Well sorry I'm so anal but have always been that way with all my Bikes. Just resentonaly was coming home from Trip towing my trailer did my usual pre ride inspection and found out my left side trailer lights weren't working. Glad I didn't wait a month. Just sayin!!
I keep my Spyder in Good working condition also!

 

[TexAmRider]

I used the kill switch once !

:agree: Actually watched a video of a :spyder2: 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.

I used the kill switch once. Just to cause my wife some greif trying to figure out how to start the Spyder !! :roflblack:

 

[BitSlayer]

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. :yikes:ray:

:yikes:I did the. Rey same thing yesterday. Luckily, nobody was behind me. :yikes:

 

[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. :shocked:

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.

 

[Road-Kill]

Perhaps an MSF course would be a good thing for you to attend sometime.. they can give you dozens of scenarios where using the kill switch might save you... but it's all the reasons they don't tell you about that really matter.

Every Spyder owner should take an MSF course.... you'll come away with knowledge that just might save your life.

I done both the MSF and Experience Rider Course. Couple that with investigating accidents tells me the "Kill Switch" is not about safety but rather just another means to turn off the engine. Common sense says that the 1-2 seconds before an accident the "kill switch" plays absolutely no assistance in anything, and yes accidents happen that fast.

Another poster to this thread stated they use the kill switch without even thinking about it. This is because they litteraly are doing it as a routine and not because of saftey. We all press the eco button for the same reason....WHO ACTUALLY OPENS THE SIDE PANEL AND READS THE SAFETY CARD? This make pressing the eco and kill switch meaningless to prevent anything. I stand on my previous statement.

 

[Easy Rider]

I stand on my previous statement.

As is your right.

I NEVER use the kill switch.

BUT getting into the habit of using it CAN save you more than a few seconds getting the engine turned OFF AFTER an accident.

This is more important, I would think, when on 2 wheels since the vast majority of the time your bike ends up on it's side with the engine still running.

If that were to happen to a Spyder, the rider probably wouldn't still be close enough to use EITHER the kill switch or the ignition.

Good habit to get into: maybe.
Necessary: With a 3 wheeler, not really.

Just jumping on the brakes hard likely will kill the engine anyway.

 

[Firefly]

I done both the MSF and Experience Rider Course. Couple that with investigating accidents tells me the "Kill Switch" is not about safety but rather just another means to turn off the engine. Common sense says that the 1-2 seconds before an accident the "kill switch" plays absolutely no assistance in anything, and yes accidents happen that fast.

Another poster to this thread stated they use the kill switch without even thinking about it. This is because they litteraly are doing it as a routine and not because of saftey. We all press the eco button for the same reason....WHO ACTUALLY OPENS THE SIDE PANEL AND READS THE SAFETY CARD? This make pressing the eco and kill switch meaningless to prevent anything. I stand on my previous statement.

The fact that 1-2 seconds can make all the difference is exactly why the kill switch is a good practice. Why add the few seconds it takes to move your hand off the bar and to the key? Having it programmed into your 'muscle memory' is a good practice.. just like using your turn signals ALL of the time... you program your body to do that before turning or changing lanes.

To each their own, I'll stick with what every MC safety class teaches... which is to use it every time. There simply are not enough good arguments for not using it. It also may be a bit of a theft deterrent. Also not a bad idea to go out and practice on a back road using it while at speed to get a feel of what a total engine cutoff feels like.

To each their own....