Posts: 1,268
Threads: 6
Likes Received: 0 in 0 posts
Likes Given: 0
Joined: Jul 2014
On a modern fuel injected bike they're just another place to have electrical problems. Just ask some Moto Guzzi owners.
That's why I mentioned to work the switch from time to time to maybe work thru any corrosion starting.
I did have to replace my kill switch just this summer on my 1978 CB400T. Took me a long time to find one, and it wasn't cheap either. But I wanted to keep the bike 100% because I knew I'd be selling it. Dang cheap Honda part failed after only 36 years!
Posts: 2,757
Threads: 26
Likes Received: 0 in 0 posts
Likes Given: 0
Joined: Mar 2014
(11-05-2014, 01:02 AM)ClassicVW_imp Wrote: On a modern fuel injected bike they're just another place to have electrical problems. Just ask some Moto Guzzi owners.
That's why I mentioned to work the switch from time to time to maybe work thru any corrosion starting.
I did have to replace my kill switch just this summer on my 1978 CB400T. Took me a long time to find one, and it wasn't cheap either. But I wanted to keep the bike 100% because I knew I'd be selling it. Dang cheap Honda part failed after only 36 years! 
That's probably very good advice - and I'm smart enough to take it
Posts: 1,268
Threads: 6
Likes Received: 0 in 0 posts
Likes Given: 0
Joined: Jul 2014
Thanks!
Now if I could only remember to put it back into its "RUN" position every time after using it....!
Posts: 3,872
Threads: 186
Likes Received: 0 in 0 posts
Likes Given: 0
Joined: Dec 2013
This is obviously a defective switch and no amount of switching it on and off is going to fix it. I've never had a problem with a kill switch before but I will disassemble it and find the cause.
Posts: 2,232
Threads: 85
Likes Received: 34 in 20 posts
Likes Given: 116
Joined: Apr 2025
I actually use my kill switch all the time to reduce the load on the ignition switch when turning the bike on. It may be worth it, or not, but it makes me feel better about it.
Posts: 1,268
Threads: 6
Likes Received: 0 in 0 posts
Likes Given: 0
Joined: Jul 2014
(11-05-2014, 08:22 AM)redbirds_imp Wrote: This is obviously a defective switch and no amount of switching it on and off is going to fix it. I've never had a problem with a kill switch before but I will disassemble it and find the cause.
You misunderstood my comment. My suggestion was not for a repair, but for a possible prevention.
Posts: 1,357
Threads: 51
Likes Received: 0 in 0 posts
Likes Given: 0
Joined: Mar 2014
I keep my kill switches off while there in my shop. When I turn on key to check fuel amount, miles etc my fuel pump don't have to cycle on and run. Also a safety factor if my 3 year old grandson was to turn key on he could not start it. Over all the years of riding I have had bikes fall over on me and the kill switch is a fast way to kill motor while your in pain in a bind! Easyer than turning the key.
Posts: 2,290
Threads: 75
Likes Received: 1 in 1 posts
Likes Given: 0
Joined: Aug 2013
I use the kill switch occasionally when I want to kill as I come to a stop. Yeh, yeh, I know, no need to tell me. But I have been bitten. Done that and got distracted. Flat battery and bump start. Luckily both times Push Samaritans were on hand. A kill switch that operates with a brush of the hand needs fixing, or replacing.
Cheers
Posts: 1,385
Threads: 42
Likes Received: 0 in 0 posts
Likes Given: 0
Joined: May 2013
It's better than a dodgy viffer.
Posts: 107
Threads: 6
Likes Received: 10 in 2 posts
Likes Given: 40
Joined: May 2025
Redbirds, did you ever resolve this? I'm at the rally having trouble with mine. If the switch is fully on, it doesn't run. It has to be positioned about 1/32" from fully on to work properly. I'm wondering if cleaning it will help.