I believe the manual tells you NOT to use the kill switch to turn off the bike. Use the key.

 

the kill switch kills the whole ignition system, only the lights stay on, everything else is dead. even the alarm wil arm if you kill it on the switch!

 

yea, the manual said the kill switch is only intended for emergency situation and should not be use regularly. not sure whether there's any validity behind those instructions. but i still do it per manual, just in case. it also mentioned that ignition (ie key) should not be left on. so i don't even bother turning off the kill switch anymore. maybe someone here wiser than i can explain the science behind it.

 

very well then.

is that in the user manual supplied with the bike, or in the after market service manual?

nonetheless, i'll just leave the kill switch on always and start using the key... saves one step for me!

thanks folks!

 

I was told, by my instructor, to always use the kill switch to turn off the bike. He said that way it becomes automatic in case you need for an emergency. I don't know how valid that is, but that is what I was taught.

So, I guess I have to get out of that habit on this bike.

 

Triumph rep and dealer stressed not to use the kill switch unless in an emergency.

 

i always use the kill switch. This was a topic on another forum I on and no one could give a reason for why not to use the kill switch.

 

I unfortunatly do not have a 675 yet, however as a MSF rider coach it is correct that we ALWAYS use the engine cut off(not the KILL switch, bad word) I would really like to see in the MOM were it says NOT to use the switch in less it's an emergancy. If you never use it, you may not be farmiliar with where exactly it is or how it's opperated and not be able to use it when you NEED it. If you use it everytime, you don't even have to think about it, bamb, it's done.

 

The reason is the fuel injection. Notice how your bike makes noise when you flip the ignition on? And then after you turn it off, give it a minute, and it makes more noise. That the fuel system. If you use the kill switch that priming and flushing doesn't happen. You might come out one day to find your bike not starting if you use the kill switch regularly. It's not the end of the world, but it's not good either. Think of it like unplugging your computer instead of shutting it down properly.

As for the MSF thing, that's like motorcycling for dummies. Don't take that the wrong way, I think the MSF course is a good thing, but they teach you the lowest common denominator in there. My MSF instructor told me always use all 4 fingers when braking. The same guy was the person leading the tour when the Triumph truck came to town and told us to only use 2 fingers cause Triumphs brakes are so tight.

 

Engine Shut Off Switch

I use the kill switch and then turn off the ignition. I don't believe there is anything wrong with this. I have a dirtbike that all I use to shut off my bike is the kill switch. Granted the systems are different but my 675 still makes the internet connection noise when I turn it off everytime.

 

^^^Your dirtbike is not fuel injected like the 675 either. Just read the manual and it explains you should only use the engine cut-off switch in an emergency. I guess it is entirely possible it is an emergency situation to shut off the 675, strictly because this thing begs to be ridden, but sometimes we must shut'er down.

I don't use the switch, as it says not to and could damage the system from prolonged use IMO.

 

I use the key first to shut off the bike....and then use the switch just to make sure its off...that way, when I start the bike, I have what I call "reverse habit" of knowing that I need to use that buttong in case of an emergency.

This brings up a very valuable lesson. I was riding a booty ass bike one time and the throttle got stuck....stuck accelerating!!! I remember watching the movie Days of Thunder where the car's accelerator got stuck...the coach told him to just hit the clutch and blow the engine...I came so close to doing it but luckily the angel on my shoulder told me to hit the kill switch instead...I did...the bike shut off...and I just coasted and came to a smooth stop. After playing with it, it came loose again...and made it home (mind you I didnt have a cellphone on me).

So from that experience...I know its value, but I only use it for emergency purposes....And to keep my mind and habit up to par with it, I do it after shutting off the bike with my key..........may sound strange for you guys....but it works for ME

 

That the fuel system. If you use the kill switch that priming and flushing doesn't happen. ........... The same guy was the person leading the tour when the Triumph truck came to town and told us to only use 2 fingers cause Triumphs brakes are so tight.

#1 - I'd liike to see your references regarding the priming. I'm assuming that you mean on startup? IOW - prove it.

#2 - Taking RIDING advice from the Triumph truck? I don't even know where to begin a discussion on how bad an ideat *THAT* is.....

 

That the fuel system. If you use the kill switch that priming and flushing doesn't happen. ........... The same guy was the person leading the tour when the Triumph truck came to town and told us to only use 2 fingers cause Triumphs brakes are so tight.

#1 - I'd liike to see your references regarding the priming. I'm assuming that you mean on startup? IOW - prove it.

No. Priming occurs when you turn the ignition on, and flushing occurs when you turn the ignition off. My fuel injected car does the same thing.

As far as proof goes, I'll have to send you some certified mail notarized by authorities in your country of choice. C'mon, don't be silly. If you have something to add to the conversation then please do. Don't try to start flame wars.

#2 - Taking RIDING advice from the Triumph truck? I don't even know where to begin a discussion on how bad an ideat *THAT* is.....

My point in that was that it was the same guy that taught my MSF course. He didn't work for triumph. He was a local volunteer who was leading the rides that the dealership arranged.

The point of the MSF course is to give the absuolte beginner the best chance of survival. As such, it was not made with brand new high performance motorcycles in mind.

If 50% of you want to use the kill switch, hey I'm not gonna try and stop you. I am just sharing my opinions on the subject, since the poster asked.

 

So from that experience...I know its value, but I only use it for emergency purposes....And to keep my mind and habit up to par with it, I do it after shutting off the bike with my key..........may sound strange for you guys....but it works for ME

Sounds perfectly reasonable to me...

 

That the fuel system. If you use the kill switch that priming and flushing doesn't happen. ........... The same guy was the person leading the tour when the Triumph truck came to town and told us to only use 2 fingers cause Triumphs brakes are so tight.

#1 - I'd liike to see your references regarding the priming. I'm assuming that you mean on startup? IOW - prove it.

No. Priming occurs when you turn the ignition on, and flushing occurs when you turn the ignition off. My fuel injected car does the same thing.

As far as proof goes, I'll have to send you some certified mail notarized by authorities in your country of choice. C'mon, don't be silly. If you have something to add to the conversation then please do. Don't try to start flame wars.

#2 - Taking RIDING advice from the Triumph truck? I don't even know where to begin a discussion on how bad an ideat *THAT* is.....

My point in that was that it was the same guy that taught my MSF course. He didn't work for triumph. He was a local volunteer who was leading the rides that the dealership arranged.

The point of the MSF course is to give the absuolte beginner the best chance of survival. As such, it was not made with brand new high performance motorcycles in mind.

If 50% of you want to use the kill switch, hey I'm not gonna try and stop you. I am just sharing my opinions on the subject, since the poster asked.

I'm not trying to start *any* flame wars. I just don't believe that you're correct. If you're touting this "priming" as gospel.... I'd just like to see your proof. That's all.

While I believe that there is pressurization of the system when the ignition comes on... and that a cold-start shot is injected into the cylinders as a cold-start-enrichment occurs... the terms priming and flushing, to me, indicate that the injector rail is dry when the bike is off.... and I just don't believe that to be the case.

I'm sorry if you find this offensive. It wasn't meant as a flame-war-initiation dance.

 

I'm sorry I took your "IOW prove it" statement the wrong way. No, I am not a Triumph mechanic. Yes a lot of what I am saying is speculation. I do have knowledge of fuel systems, but not specific to this bike. Yes fuel systems vary from engine to engine. Lets call my ideas an educated guess.

 

I have a Really Dumb Question about the kill switch, on any bike. If, say by accident, you kill the engine at speed on the freeway with the bike in gear (and don't pull the clutch in)...will the rear wheel lock up?

I know it's a strange thing to ask, but y'never know. Both bikes I've owned have had sort of flimsy kill switches. If by some freak occurrence some debris, or a bird, hit it....



:roll: no I don't spend sleepless nights worrying about this. just wondering.

 

Noam,

No your rear wheel will not lock up. The engine will keep turning, being driven by the back wheel. If you wait awhile to re-start - you can get a backfire when you start up due to fuel buildup in your exhaust (on carborated bikes). How do I know? It is a game several of my very close riding buddies play on eachother. (As in I trust my life with them). We sneak up and see if we can hit the kill switches when in flight.

Childish, yes - but fun.

 

When I took my Direct Access course, my instructor said never use it. His arguement was the key is mechanical and the switch is electrical and the switch will always be the first to malfunction if they are used equally.

That's obviously not a scientific arguement, but it was good enough for me never to use it.

 

If you look at the wiring schematic, the key/ignition switch needs to be closed to bring Ground to the kill switch. Closing the kill switch allows Ground to reach the fuel pump with 12 Volts coming from the ECM/ECU computer/whatever.

It seems that turning the key off shuts everything down (fuel pump, instruments, lights, horn, etc..). Makes sense to me eventhough I always used the kill switch with every other bike I've owned. Time to change my routine up..........

 

Killswitch

Triple grrr, Yes I know the differences in the fuel and electrical systems in a dirtbike are different. Thats exactly what I stated in my original comment.
And I have friends that play the Killswitch game to Kneepuck, isn't that so exciting :?: 8)

 

I unfortunatly do not have a 675 yet, however as a MSF rider coach it is correct that we ALWAYS use the engine cut off(not the KILL switch, bad word) I would really like to see in the MOM were it says NOT to use the switch in less it's an emergancy. If you never use it, you may not be farmiliar with where exactly it is or how it's opperated and not be able to use it when you NEED it. If you use it everytime, you don't even have to think about it, bamb, it's done.

Most current bikes advise against using the engine cut off switch as your primary 'off' switch. Especially the FI one's, it would seem.

Here is a rare instance where MSF is just out of date, and adding a pointless step to an already complicated procedure. When was the last time you used a kill switch/engine shut off switch on a car? Turning a key IS reflex. How many people have stranded themselves using the engine cut off switch, and leaving the lights on?

 

Re: Killswitch

Triple grrr, Yes I know the differences in the fuel and electrical systems in a dirtbike are different. Thats exactly what I stated in my original comment.
And I have friends that play the Killswitch game to Kneepuck, isn't that so exciting :?: 8)

If I remember correctly, the only way to kill most dirtbikes is with the engine kill switch, or pop the clutch!!

But as it states in the manual, don't do it on this bike unless it is an emergency.

 

It's not the end of the world, but it's not good either. Think of it like unplugging your computer instead of shutting it down properly.

I have both a D675 and Sprint ST. This discussion has been brought up on other Triumph models. When you use the kill switch, the on-board computer can get corrupted.

Some people on the Triumph RAT site have reported that they were having problems with their fueling acting up. When they had the dealer re-download the fuel map, they were told that the problem was probably caused by using the kill switch.

Bottom line: Read the manual and follow what it says.