My switch has suddenly started acting up and the motor often dies while riding - the switch no longer has a set on position. If I move it slightly, it goes to on, but it is not easy to find the spot where it will stay on. I've never used the switch, as I always just use the key to turn it on/off - anyone know how to disable so that the engine will always be on via the key regardless of the position of this switch? Thanks, Ron

 

IMO you should invest in a new switch! Safty should be your first priority!
If your throttle were to stick wide open you won't have time to reach down and turn the key off but may be able to flip the kill switch!
Don't disable it, Fix It!
Sorry, I don't want to sound too harsh but thats my opinion.

 

I agree that it should be fixed. I believe there was a recent accident with a forum member where his throttle stuck and in the blink of an eye he was in the wall. It can happen quick and it would be alot better to move your thumb to shut it down versus taking a hand that you may need to maintain control and reach for a key. IMO you should not mess around when it comes to safety.

 

Also agree...fix it...
The switch is fairly expensive to replace so before doing that I would see if I could fix the switch...looks like the biggest challenge might be getting it apart...
Alot of those switches have a piece of spring steel that provides tension against the notches to hold it in position and make it "click"..that maybe sprung or broken...
In any case if you can't fix it..replace it...

 

Thanks for the responses. I agree that for some it may be a safety issue, but in all honesty I never even think of that switch, so if anything were to happen, I know my first instinct would be to get to the key, just as you would in your vehicle if something happened there.

 

Well, if you do decide not to use it, you've given a new meaning to kill switch.

 

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: bad87gn

Thanks for the responses. I agree that for some it may be a safety issue, but in all honesty I never even think of that switch, so if anything were to happen, I know my first instinct would be to get to the key, just as you would in your vehicle if something happened there.</end quote></div>


Well....then maybe you should start thinking about the switch..I would suggest you start using it to get into the habit,but then it would just wear out quicker..
But at least think about the switch..it really can save you..I know..long story but I had to use the switch in an emergency in the past..jammed throttle climbing a hill..no way I could have let go and got to the key..and there is a real good chance that if I didn't kill it the machine would have flipped over on me..it all happened so fast,and because of terrain I would not have been able to bail..

 

One more vote for fixing it, for what it's worth. As Highoctane says - maybe you(we) should get in the habit of using it.

Not trying to lecture here, but I got thinking about this. I'm not in the habit of using the kill switch. If I had something go really wrong, I'm not sure I would hit the kill switch.

That's what I like most about this forum - always good info to help everybody out.

 

I too faced an emergency recent past Thanksgiving day with my throttle sticking that sent me straight into my backyard deck. I was hurt, messed up my leg abit and did lots
of plastic damage to my wifes SP450 whole front end.

Up to that point I never trained myself for quick reaction and do some drills for sudden kill switch. IF I HAD BEEN in that state of READINESS like the Military refer to then my results may have been different. All had laid on all my brakes and it would not stop my SP450.

Sorry for the preaching of safety you may not have asked for all our opinions I know!

But just good looking out for our fellow ATV'r. If I may it may be worth it to just replace your
whole switch man, believe me I never thought I would really need it, but it wasn't in my
thinking at that time either, and NOW IS! Best wishes on your decision Bad87gn!

Cheers,

R'

 

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: RticKwad

I too faced an emergency recent past Thanksgiving day with my throttle sticking that sent me straight into my backyard deck. I was hurt, messed up my leg abit and did lots

of plastic damage to my wifes SP450 whole front end.



Up to that point I never trained myself for quick reaction and do some drills for sudden kill switch. IF I HAD BEEN in that state of READINESS like the Military refer to then my results may have been different. All had laid on all my brakes and it would not stop my SP450.



Sorry for the preaching of safety you may not have asked for all our opinions I know!



But just good looking out for our fellow ATV'r. If I may it may be worth it to just replace your

whole switch man, believe me I never thought I would really need it, but it wasn't in my

thinking at that time either, and NOW IS! Best wishes on your decision Bad87gn!



Cheers,



R'</end quote></div>


R'...I hear ya man..I do think about stuff like all the time..I don't dwell on it..but I do think about and try to mentally prepare myslef..same goes for having a bail plan..
I guess it is a benefit of being in the military...lol So I have trained myself to use that switch...and as I said it has saved me..