Is leaving the run switch on OK?

[Wrgiacona]

Since I started that "chasarms" linked to and have since that thread not even touched the kill switch I can say that not doing so has saved me the concern of running down the battery and the bike has not exploded.

[Dave63]

The "kill switch" is mandated switch for motorcycles. It allows the rider to turn the bike off without removing a hand from the grips. Using or not using it does nothing. Not using it does nothing harmful to the bike, does not cause a power surge or anything other than prime the efi system at the same time as energizing the ignition and turning the lights on.

Since all these circuits are on separate breakers, the bike comes alive the way its designed to.

Whether you turn it off first or leave it on makes no more difference than whether you mount or dismount your bike from the right or left side. Its a safety device mandated by the federal government for production motorcycles/scooters/mini bikes/3 wheelers and 4 wheelers.

[buckanear007]

I almost never use kill switch never had any issue because of this

[ShakyBob]

Been doin that for years. Shut the bike off w/ switch, wait a couple seconds and flip it on, then shut bike down with tank ignition switch. In manual it says if bike falls over to hit kill switch and leave off for 10 seconds to reset computer. So basically you are reseting the computer every time you'r shutting down bike. I dont think this is a bad thing.

[DevilDawg1]

Have used the kill switch just a few times in my 25+ years riding, never had a problem with this.

[secoleman57]

I always use the kill switch (never had one wear out .... yet) however actually seen a couple of guys that would rant and rave until someone walked over and turned it back on so they could start their bike.

Even though I've got an EFI bike I still from time to time find myself reaching for the fuel valve on shut down or start up.

I guess it's what you are use to doing but like everyone has said no biggie either way.

[mrmetal]

I never used a handlebar switch to shut the bike off.
The only time I might use it is when I'm working on the bike.

[B.C.CrossBones]

I was once told that the kill switch was not to be turned on and off frequently as if there was a small ball bearing inside and was not as durable as the ignition. I am under the impression that it may contribute to failing and not allow the bike to run if it fails. I may be wrong but I never turn it to off.

[bobf]

Either switch works, hell guys this isn't rocket science. It's just two different switches. The kill switch allows killing the ignition without removing your hand from the bars, and sometimes, when on uneven surfaces or when unbalanced it can make life a lot easier. But as you found, it does not kill the lights, so if the ignition is left on the battery will die.

This is a prime example of the teachers not explaining why you "should" do something, just making a rule for you to follow.

[chasarms]

Originally Posted by B.C.CrossBones

I was once told that the kill switch was not to be turned on and off frequently as if there was a small ball bearing inside and was not as durable as the ignition. I am under the impression that it may contribute to failing and not allow the bike to run if it fails. I may be wrong but I never turn it to off.

I use the kill switch everytime I use the bike. I started on dirt and every metric street bike I ever owned up until my H-D had only a similar kill switch along with a keyed ignition. When I started riding the Harley, it was just second nature. In my mind the kill switch is the switch and the ignition switch is the "key."

I agree that there is no right or wrong. But, I do think the norm for long-time H-D guys is to leave the kill switch alone and just use the ignition switch.