Do you need a kill switch?

[gusto]

Can you just kill bike by turning off key if you wire the br and w/r together? Just got one coming anyhow but don't need the starter part. Was thinking of using a cheaper switch. But really don't know which switch is going to work with harness I got coming since I see one with plug and one with bullets. I might end up doing my own harness. Seems like I got a 74 and fuses were not on it so I didn't open and got a 78 coming with a fuse box on it already since I was a little lost on where to put fuses. Seems like I might do the DIY reg / rec. However got a professional one but twice as much. Don't know might have to Fab some mount for pro one but that's hold back on the DIY calls for a mount make too. I heard the DIY reg might be better quality. Also heard something about don't need a kill switch from someone. Thx

 

[Its been a long time]

The key switch and the ignition kill switch are wired in series. Either shuts off power to the ignition system.

I did the DIY rectifier and regulator. It's cheap and reliable.

 

[gusto]

What you think of 18 gauge for it? I forget if it says a guage. I just studied up on some wire diagrams tonight after ordering some stuff so I guess I sound I little wish washy. My own harness might be cleaner or wires everywhere. It's an unknown. There's just a ton of wires to the speedo so not sure if I want it. It seems like it has 4 lights none of which is a neutral light if I recall right and it's either a 74 or 77. Maybe I'll take a pic of it. Guess I can wire one of the four lights to be a neutral if I use it.

 

[grouchie77]

A kill switch on the handlebar can shut your bike down MUCH quicker in an emergency than reaching over and fumbling around with a key.

 

[650Skull]

What you think of 18 gauge for it? I forget if it says a guage. I just studied up on some wire diagrams tonight after ordering some stuff so I guess I sound I little wish washy. My own harness might be cleaner or wires everywhere. It's an unknown. There's just a ton of wires to the speedo so not sure if I want it. It seems like it has 4 lights none of which is a neutral light if I recall right and it's either a 74 or 77. Maybe I'll take a pic of it. Guess I can wire one of the four lights to be a neutral if I use it.

74-80 speedo's had 2 gauge lights. L, (blue) power and B, (black), ground or earth to each bulb.

Rev counter has 4 lights 74-75 and early 77. 77 changed to 3 lights mid year. 76 rev counter had 5 lights

 

[Its been a long time]

For me the main reason I use a kill switch is this. If you're leaving the ignition switch in the on position for any time, like adjusting brake light switches, investigating a fault etc...... If you leave the ignition system powered up you are possibly going to fry the ignition coil. So, under those circumstances I power the bike up with the kill switch off. That way I know I can work on other electrical systems and not have to worry about frying the ignition coil.

 

[gusto]

 

[gggGary]

XS650 specific? If you are at a stop in first and can't get neutral, with no kill switch, there you sit holding the front brake and clutch in. Butterscotch (71 doesn't have a kill from the factory) and occasionally I miss it.

 

[gusto]

What do y'all think of the stop lamp and brake lining spelled wrong or foreign? Not a clue to how to wire it or what it means. Got a kill switch coming. Recently put a kill switch on dt1 69 endro but haven't tested it yet. It's kind that grounds out power before coil. The xs650 one power runs threw it. Thanks for the help.

 

[gusto]

Y'all think brake lining light is for front brake line? And stop lamp for taillight?

 

[K1w1Boy]

Brake lining light (on my 74) is connected to a wear indicator built into the rear brake - lets you know when the cam has rotated too far because of wear to the linings on the brake shoes.
Stop lamp light (again on mine) is triggered by hydraulic pressure to the front (switch is in that weird chamber mounted on the steering head) and/or motion of the switch at the rear.

 

[gusto]

Big thanks. Be lost without y'all. Bought bike in parts half there so one reason I'm slack at knowing what's what. Maybe I'll make stop lamp into neutral light since there's none. Seems more important.

 

[K1w1Boy]

So maybe you haven't been given the original tach, then.

 

[gusto]

Yo I'm retarded or just looking at dusty stuff in dark shed. I got a high beam and neutral in tach! Guess I was just looking at where the xs400 neutral light is too. I did need the help especially on the lining light. Sorry for y'all posting due to my misunderstanding.

 

[Ben1]

I Love kill switches... a long time ago I was test piloting a CR 500 for a friend, at the time I raced (or at least tried to ) in the 250 class..... any way I can tell you this ... nothing like shifting through gears with the front end in the air with no hand on the throttle trying to hit a kill button while still accelerating 2 stroke 500's are pure violence still was fun tho