How should you use your kill switch?

Do you use your kill switch to turn off your motorcycle? Or do you use the key to turn the ignition off?

A quick Google search will bring up many forum conversations that outline the pros and cons of each method and you can read comment after comment of people swearing every improbable outcome surrounding this debate happened to them. Either way, here are a few ways you can turn off you motorcycle.

1. Use the key to turn the ignition off.
2. Push the kill switch then use the key to turn off the ignition
3. Put the kickstand down then use the key to turn off the ignition
4. Use the start/stop button

What’s a kill switch?

The kill switch or emergency switch or engine shut off/cut off (switch) (even the naming is ambiguous) is a red switch located on the right handle bar of just about every modern motorcycle commercially manufactured today. It is a safety feature that can be used to cut power to the engine in the event of an emergency. The kill switch is part of a redundant system, meaning it is not the only way to cut power to the engine. For many motorcycles there are 3 ways. Use the kill switch, turn the ignition to off using the key or, for some bikes, if the engine is running and the motorcycle in gear, putting the kickstand down will cut power to the engine. If you’re wondering which method or combinations of these methods is the best or correct way to turn off your motorcycle, I cordially invite you to the debate.

The kill switch camp

It can seem like pushing the kill switch is adding an unnecessary step to the process but those in the kill switch camp don’t seem to mind. You can activate the kill switch by keeping your hands on the handle bars which means its faster. Just use your thumb to cut the power. If you have a heavier bike, you can keep the bike stable and stop your rumbling motor very easily. Some argue that using the kill switch keeps you aware of its position and develops a muscle memory that will come in handy when you’re in an emergency situation. You won’t have to look down to find it practice will make its use second nature. Others argue it’s a way to quickly stop your bike for a short time, to relay directions, or in traffic.

Many dirt bikes and modern bikes don’t have keys just a start/stop button. In their case, the kill switch is part of how they turn off their bike.

The no kill switch camp

Those that argue against the use of the kill switch every time you turn off your bike mainly see it as unnecessary. Arguments have been made that if you forget to disengage the kill switch and keep trying to repeatedly start your bike, your stator (motorcycle equivalent of an alternator) will be destroyed. Continuous cranking could have consequences if your motorcycle is carbureted, (the successive cranking will flood the carbs). Some say that such frequent use of the kill switch could contribute to the switch wearing out and failing by melting wiring, confusing the ECU and leaving components like the fuel pump running. Also, some manufacturers like Triumph have instructions in the owner’s manual to not use the kill switch unless it is an emergency.

The Verdict?

The jury is still out. Though many motorcycle riding schools teach using the kill switch as a part of the starting up and turning off your motorcycle sequence. 

The kill switch, the ignition switch and the side stand engine cut off are all part of the same circuit that includes your motorcycle’s battery. One of them isn’t better than the other. You won’t melt wiring, these are modern machines. Manufacturers include that direction in their manuals because using the kill switch cuts power to the engine but electrical power is still provided to the rest of the motorcycle. If you don’t turn the ignition to off, your battery will die. A lot of people worry about moving parts potentially wearing out. The ignition switch has a plate that moves to connect wiring and consider the fact that your turn indicators are on a switch that can also be worn out.

When should you use it?

If you’re in a scenario where you’re travelling at 280 kmph your accelerator cable snaps and your throttle becomes unresponsive, then a kill switch is the only thing you’re going to be able to use to stop your bike. That’s a MotoGP scenario but that’s where the technology came from and even with considerably less speed the scenario remains the same.

If you do end up in an accident and your bike ends up on its side, hitting the kill switch is an easy way to stop the engine from overheating and creating more problems. Ignitions are not always in convenient locations and finding the ignition switch could take up valuable time.

When do I use my kill switch?

I use the kill switch whenever it is convenient. I don’t have any concerns about it wearing out or causing a problem. My bike gets really hot so I sometimes use it to stop the engine but keep my fans running. I use it to quickly talk to someone. I really don’t think about it much, because like many debates motorcycling related or not, for every rider there is going to be a different preference. You could say I'm in the "it doesn't matter" camp which means for me, that’s the end of that debate.