The CB1100 Community Forum

I use the kill switch all the time to ensure it still works. Just something I've practiced since riding inception. Thankfully, I have never had kill switch gear fail on me.

I really detest kill switches as they are often a source of trouble. I've had a problem with mine when the bike was new and I inadvertently brushed it with a glove while riding and the motor suddenly quit. The switch was not turned off but after turning the switch off and back on the motor started. All the years I've ridden motorcycles I can never recall ever needing this useless device.

(12-19-2020, 08:13 AM)GoldOxide_imp Wrote: [ -> ]I use the kill switch all the time to ensure it still works. Just something I've practiced since riding inception. Thankfully, I have never had kill switch gear fail on me.

That's funny...I go the other route. I never use it; I figure it's a part that can wear out, so why use it if you don't have to.

I’m like GO. Hopefully exercising it now and then keeps the contacts clean.

Ya know Redbirds, it could be jumpered easily enough if it bothers you that much.

(12-19-2020, 04:10 AM)GeorgiaRider_imp Wrote: [ -> ]This was exactly it. After flipping the kill switch about 50 times I finally heard the fuel pump activate and it cranked instantly. How hard was it to disassemble and clean?

(12-18-2020, 09:10 AM)Flynrider_imp Wrote: [ -> ]

(12-17-2020, 01:50 PM)GeorgiaRider_imp Wrote: [ -> ]Thanks guys for the feedback. The kill switch is the first I double checked ... and in neutral with green N light on. I’ve tried all the normal things. I’m going to get a charger on it tomorrow and see if that does the trick.

He GeorgiaRider,

I and a few others have had a problem with an intermittent kill switch (mine left me stranded on the side of the highway). The obvious issue is that you don't hear the fuel pump cycling when you turn the key. In my case, even after cycling the switch a few times, I still wasn't hearing the fuel pump. It eventually had to be disassembled and cleaned up.

The way to find out if the kill switch is the culprit is to watch the lights when you turn the key. Normally, this causes the oil temp, oil pressure and check engine lights to come on. After a few seconds, the oil temp and check engine light should turn off.

If the kill switch circuit is activated, after turning the key you'll hear no fuel pump activation and the oil temp and oil pressure lights will come on (NO check engine light). Both of the lights will remain illuminated.

It's a quick and easy test to elimate or pinpoint the kill switch circuit as the issue.

He GeorgiaRider,

I and a few others have had a problem with an intermittent kill switch (mine left me stranded on the side of the highway). The obvious issue is that you don't hear the fuel pump cycling when you turn the key. In my case, even after cycling the switch a few times, I still wasn't hearing the fuel pump. It eventually had to be disassembled and cleaned up.

The way to find out if the kill switch is the culprit is to watch the lights when you turn the key. Normally, this causes the oil temp, oil pressure and check engine lights to come on. After a few seconds, the oil temp and check engine light should turn off.

If the kill switch circuit is activated, after turning the key you'll hear no fuel pump activation and the oil temp and oil pressure lights will come on (NO check engine light). Both of the lights will remain illuminated.

It's a quick and easy test to elimate or pinpoint the kill switch circuit as the issue.

Glad you found the issue. This one is a bit frustrating.

I was in the middle of a road trip, so it was done by a Honda shop. It only took about 1/2 hr. They just disassembled the switch housing and used contact cleaner and a little abrasive paper to clean the contacts. That was three years ago and I haven't had a problem since then.

(12-19-2020, 08:08 AM)The ferret_imp Wrote: [ -> ]I was wondering if you gents that have had this issue normally use it for killing the bike?

I consider it an emergency off switch (always have) and have only used the key for turning my bikes off. I doubt if I have ever even flipped it on my CB1100 in 6 years.

Not me. I never use the kill switch, which was why I was baffled when mine went bad.

I always thought that exercising causes wear on the body , could be the same on bikes.

No doubt the switches wear. But water intrusion and corrosion are a more common failure mode.

(12-19-2020, 08:28 AM)redbirds_imp Wrote: [ -> ]I really detest kill switches as they are often a source of trouble. I've had a problem with mine when the bike was new and I inadvertently brushed it with a glove while riding and the motor suddenly quit. The switch was not turned off but after turning the switch off and back on the motor started. All the years I've ridden motorcycles I can never recall ever needing this useless device.

lol - In theory, hopefully never!

How many have had the opportunity to remember to flick the [emergency cut-off] switch as they go flying over the handlebars and towards the concrete curb?

Too much drama about a little switch....

Can we please switch to something else .......