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Kill switch necessity and wiring..

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koolio
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Joined: 08 Apr 2011
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PostPosted: 13:05 - 30 Dec 2014    Post subject: Kill switch necessity and wiring.. Reply with quote
I have the option of buying a RHS handlebar switch without a kill switch (which would make it significantly cheaper overall) or a much more expensive switch with a kill switch which would also mean having to buy levers etc.

Bike is a CB450 k2 with ignition key under the tank.

...are handlebar kill switches really necessary as I have never found myself ever using one?

...how exactly is a kill toggle switch wired? I was thinking a relay setup from the main ignition?
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stinkwheel
Bovine Proctologist



Joined: 12 Jul 2004
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PostPosted: 14:04 - 30 Dec 2014    Post subject: Reply with quote
They are entirely unecessary UNTIL you actually need one. Then they are essential.

Two situations I'm aware of where they are invaluable.

1) In case of a positive throttle lock (throttle sticks open). I've had one on a bike with no kill switch. Couldn't take my hands off the bars to reach the key. Managed to stop it on the brakes but pooed a little.

2) Total brake failure. Non-running engine in gear gives you maximum engine braking.

To wire it up on a CB450, assuming it's like all the other Hondas of that era, you should just need the switch to connect the LT side of the ignition coil (usually black with a white stripe) to earth.
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koolio
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PostPosted: 17:58 - 30 Dec 2014    Post subject: Reply with quote
The difference for no switch and switch is around £80 for me, so switch being much more expensive (given all the peripherals I require).

I can't imagine the first one ever happening to me as that is a maintenance question + you can pull the clutch in.

With the 2nd one you could easily down shift even with the engine on, my 1st gear is low.

I don't imagine 60s and older classic bikes had kill switches, can't imagine it was a big deal not having them.
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stinkwheel
Bovine Proctologist



Joined: 12 Jul 2004
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PostPosted: 18:57 - 30 Dec 2014    Post subject: Reply with quote
koolio wrote:

I can't imagine the first one ever happening to me as that is a maintenance question + you can pull the clutch in.


Well. In my case, the clip that holds the throttle cable up against the frame under the tank pinged itself open at some point which allowed the cable to drop down and touch the cylinder head of my T500. Next time I gave it full-bore-roar it got hot enough to melt the plastic, jamming it in that position.

Couldn't reach the key because, like yours, it was located down under the tank.

Yes, I could have pulled in the clutch if I wanted to instantly blow my engine.

You could make a kill switch using a simple lucas-style horn switch that earths to the bars.

Many (most?) 60's Brit. bikes would have had a decompressor lever though.
____________________
“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.
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jjdugen
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Joined: 03 Jun 2011
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PostPosted: 19:38 - 30 Dec 2014    Post subject: Reply with quote
My 450 (1967) had no kill switch, no kittens appear to have died as a result.
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Last edited by jjdugen on 18:42 - 31 Dec 2014; edited 1 time in total
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koolio
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Joined: 08 Apr 2011
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PostPosted: 10:58 - 31 Dec 2014    Post subject: Reply with quote
Quote:
You could make a kill switch using a simple lucas-style horn switch that earths to the bars.


I may do this as it'd save me a lot of money.

Quote:
My 450 (1967) had no kill switch, no kittens appear to have died as a result.


My thoughts exactly.
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Just_James
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Joined: 29 Aug 2014
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PostPosted: 11:15 - 31 Dec 2014    Post subject: Reply with quote
What about when you land a jump wrong and end up with bike on top of you, throttle stuck in the mud on full wind and the rear wheel buzzing over you at 1 million rpm like something out of a saw film? Shocked

Oh wait, that was on crossers... still like to have some form of emergency cut off on my bikes though Very Happy

Stop being tight and do it right! You can use the money I'm saving you on the van to buy the bits you need Laughing
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koolio
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Joined: 08 Apr 2011
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PostPosted: 14:57 - 31 Dec 2014    Post subject: Reply with quote
Quote:
Stop being tight and do it right! You can use the money I'm saving you on the van to buy the bits you need Laughing


Very Happy I know I know! Trouble is I have all the new levers, throttle bodies etc. and just require the right switch without the kill to be complete!

I'd have to sell all that to get XS750 switches and then pray it'd match the thread and size on the Honda throttle cable.
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Just_James
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Joined: 29 Aug 2014
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PostPosted: 15:35 - 31 Dec 2014    Post subject: Reply with quote
Just bolt one of these on then, £2.99 Very Happy Thumbs Up

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Universal-Motorcycle-Scooter-Quad-ATV-Dirt-Pit-Bike-Kill-ON-OFF-Button-Switch-/361107054348?pt=UK_Motorcycle_Parts_13&hash=item5413a85f0c
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Old Thread Alert!

The last post was made 11 years, 108 days ago. Instead of replying here, would creating a new thread be more useful?
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