The kill switch is a red safety mechanism button located on the handlebar of the motorcycle to the right. Without grabbing the keys, you can rapidly turn off and then back on the engine by using the kill switch.
On a motorcycle, the kill switch is also known as the emergency switch, or the engine turn OFF switch. The switch comes in handy. It facilitates turning the motor on and off for bike riders without requiring them to take their hands off the throttle. It is helpful in emergencies.
Function Of A Kill Switch
All modern and new motorcycles have a red kill switch located on the right handlebar. In an emergency, a motorcyclist can utilize this security measure to cut off the engine.
The nomenclature is imprecise. Other names for the kill switch are motor shut off/remove, emergency, crisis, and engine cut off/off switch. There are too many names to remember. For now, let’s continue using the kill switch.
A crucial element. The engine won’t quit suddenly after the kill switch is turned ON. Instead, it progressively comes to an end. This is because even after you switch them off, the engine that was operating up until that moment will need some time to stop completely.
Turn The Kill Switch On Or Off
The kill switch is in the ON position if it is pressed upwards. When the kill switch is engaged, the motorcycle will not start.
However, the kill switch is in the OFF position if it is pressed down. Now that the kill switch is off, the motorcycle will start.
Kill Switch: Only The Engine is Cut Off
One crucial element. The motorbike engine and the motorcycle engine alone lose power when the kill switch is turned ON. The kill switch just stops the engine, as opposed to the ignition key switch, which turns off the motorcycle’s whole power source.
It is also observable to you. Turn on your motorcycle’s headlights. Or activate the turn indicators. Next, flip on the kill switch by pushing it up. The indicator lights or headlights will still be visible. The engine is the only thing that is off. That is quite a distinction. The power to the engine and any other accessories on a motorcycle is affected by turning the ignition switch ON and OFF.
On/Off kill switches, however, only have an impact on the engine. The engine shuts off if the kill switch is activated.
How Do Kill Switches Operate?
The purpose of the kill switch is to cut off the spark plug’s power source. Through the production of a high-voltage electric spark, the spark plug starts the engine. When the kill switch is turned ON, the engine’s fuel mixture is not ignited by the spark plug. The engine cuts off. Let’s explore this further.
The spark plug receives its high-voltage electrical power from the capacitor discharge ignition (CDI) unit.
The kill switch impacts the CDI unit. The CDI unit does not power the spark plug once the kill switch is turned ON. The spark plug is no longer receiving high-voltage power. Thus, there will be no more spark ignition. The blend of gasoline won’t burn. Not another burning. Thus, the engine comes to a stop.
Why is a Kill Switch Needed For Motorcycles?
The kill switch’s primary function is to cut the engine in a common roadside emergency. Situations that can be considered emergencies include brake failure, jammed ignition keys, and throttle cable jams.
In addition, there are more uses. Two methods exist for stopping a motorbike:
- Ignition switch.
- Kill switch.
Naturally, the easiest way to come to a stop is to turn off the ignition without a question. When the ignition is turned off, the engine, battery, and any electrical accessories are likewise turned off. But what happens if you choose to switch off the engine but leave the electric accessories and battery running?
It is possible to switch the ignition ON and then OFF. That functions. However, turning on the kill switch is much simpler.
Next, if you wish to stop the engine when you are stopped in traffic briefly, it takes a little work to turn the ignition ON and off. In contrast, consider the kill switch. It’s not even necessary to take your hand off the throttle. All it takes to activate the death switch is a thumb.
When To Turn On The Kill Switch?
So when should you engage your motorcycle’s kill switch? There are two primary scenarios in which a kill switch is functional:
1. If you’re stuck in traffic, you can turn off the engine without getting out your ignition key by using the kill switch. Keeping your hand on the throttle, you can activate the kill switch. This method is more traditional and more straightforward.
2. To ensure safety during critical or emergencies, you can utilize the kill switch to stop the engine quickly. A trapped ignition key, brake failure, or jammed throttle cables are a few examples of a crisis.
