August 11th, 2011, 10:32 AM | #1 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Nicholle (Nikki)
Location: Las Vegas, NV
Join Date: Jul 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Kawasaki Ninja 250r Posts: 39
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I am so not worthy to have a bike
This morning was going well, enroute to work on my bike, and cruzing along. Another motorcyclist rides by waves, and I waved back with my throttle hand. As I put my hand back on the throttle, my bike has no power! I am in the middle lane of a freak'n freeway and drifting along. I downshifted to 1st, would not start, no turnover and such. Needless to say, I had to come to a complete stop in the middle lane in morning traffic. A car behind me assisted me to get my bike and me to safety. I had a motorcycle friend come and pick me up. He walked up to my bike and told him that bike has power, signals work, lights in cockpit work, just no headlights and will not turnover or even make a sound of starting. Well, to make this story shorter, my motorcycle friend figured it out, it was the damn kill switch. I bumped it when I took my hand off the throttle. A couple of positive things came out of this...I faced one of my fears as to if something happened on the freeway while on my bike, what would I do...I'm still alive....my bike is not hurt (the owners ego is crushed). I don't use my kill switch, dealership told me not too becuz they are known to wear out quicker than anything and to just use the key swtich to turn on/off the bike. I soooooooooooo feel like a moron!! LMAO:ba nghead:
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August 11th, 2011, 10:36 AM | #2 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Eric
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LOL I've done the kill switch too, my time at least wasn't a freeway but I know how your ego feels
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August 11th, 2011, 10:41 AM | #3 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Nicholle (Nikki)
Location: Las Vegas, NV
Join Date: Jul 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Kawasaki Ninja 250r Posts: 39
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Well...at least I know that I am not the only one..::::shaking head::::...gonna give Zen a bath tomorrow morning to make it up to her for sitting on the side of the freeway like a floozy for an hour due to her owner was a dingaling...lol
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August 11th, 2011, 10:41 AM | #4 |
ninjette.org sage
Name: L
Location: WI
Join Date: Apr 2011 Motorcycle(s): '09 250R, '13 CBR500R Posts: 709
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atleast you didn't get rear ended or anything. all is well and you learned something new.
i use my kill switch all the time, i think the dealer is just bs with you. did you take a msf class? they teach you to always use the kill switch when you turn off the bike. FINE-C. fuel, ignition, neutral, engine cutoff, and clutch/choke. |
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August 11th, 2011, 10:43 AM | #5 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Nicholle (Nikki)
Location: Las Vegas, NV
Join Date: Jul 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Kawasaki Ninja 250r Posts: 39
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Trust me...when I came to a stop....my butt cheeks were puckering very tight....lol
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August 11th, 2011, 10:45 AM | #6 |
ModMy250.com
Name: Tri
Location: St, Louis
Join Date: Sep 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250R, 2005 R6 Posts: A lot.
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I use my killswitch all the time as well. No problems here. I always wave with my left hand. Gotta maintain throttle on the freeway. Only time I wave with the right is at a stop and my left has the clutch pulled.
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August 11th, 2011, 10:45 AM | #7 |
ninjette.org dude
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Good story. Glad you're OK. Discount what you heard from the dealer. The kill switch is no more reliable/unreliable than the key mechanism.
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August 11th, 2011, 10:48 AM | #8 |
ninjette.org sage
Name: Alex
Location: michigan
Join Date: Jul 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Ninja 250r Posts: 784
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ive done this too. i was driving about 75 mph and i took my right hand off to tighten my backpack. well, i accidentally bumped the killswitch and killed my bike at 75 mph. i was able to get it going again before i needed to slow down, thank god.
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August 11th, 2011, 10:50 AM | #9 |
Gear crash test dummy
Name: Max
Location: South Bay (So. Cal)
Join Date: May 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Ninja 250 race bike, 2014 ZX-636r Posts: A lot.
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I use the kill switch about half the time but would probably be just as confused as you for a minute. At least now it's on the top of your list of things to check if it happens again!
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August 11th, 2011, 10:52 AM | #10 |
There's a limit to s2pdty
Name: A.D.
Location: NoVa the burg
Join Date: Apr 2011 Motorcycle(s): 250r ninja (sold) Posts: A lot.
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That happened to me too, traffic on route 7. good thing I was able to go on the side, I was like dang I think I over heated, but in a couple of minutes figured that it was the kill switch... I got back into traffic and was laughing all the way.
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August 11th, 2011, 10:55 AM | #11 |
"scandal!"
Name: Adan
Location: Somewhere
Join Date: May 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2011 250R(Crashed 2/26/2014), 09 ER6n Posts: 660
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I've done that too before. Took me 10 minutes to get out of the dealership because I didn't realize why the bike wasn't starting.
"Sir I do believe your mechanics have broken my bike, it won't start" -"kill switch" *ego murdered* I never use the kill switch haha |
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August 11th, 2011, 10:57 AM | #12 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Binh
Location: N. Cali
Join Date: Oct 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2010 ninja 250 Posts: 85
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I always use my kill switch 100% of the time. That's what MSF class taught me.
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August 11th, 2011, 11:00 AM | #13 |
wat
Name: wat
Location: tustin/long beach
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+1 killswitch every time i stop the bike. even when i stop it with the key or kickstand first.
as a side note... i never bother waving on the freeway. also unless you're crazy like Alex and have fancy cruise control, it's probably a better idea to wave with your left hand
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August 11th, 2011, 11:00 AM | #14 |
ninjette.org sage
Name: Alex
Location: michigan
Join Date: Jul 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Ninja 250r Posts: 784
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August 11th, 2011, 11:02 AM | #15 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Chris
Location: Pike County, PA
Join Date: Jul 2011 Motorcycle(s): Ninja 250, Vulcan 500 Posts: 50
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Did it too on my 1000. Was sitting at the lights and bumped it. Had to push the bike to the side. Just when I got the bike on the side of the road I realized I hit the switch.
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August 11th, 2011, 11:03 AM | #16 |
ModMy250.com
Name: Tri
Location: St, Louis
Join Date: Sep 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250R, 2005 R6 Posts: A lot.
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I've had to point out to someone that their bike wasn't starting because their kickstand was still down
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August 11th, 2011, 11:07 AM | #17 |
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Name: Mike
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August 11th, 2011, 11:21 AM | #18 |
Wartown, USA
Name: Bryan
Location: Warner Robins, GA
Join Date: Nov 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250R SE, 2007 Ninja 650R, and assorted other bikes Posts: A lot.
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Kill switches are cheap, key ignition switches are not...that being said, i kill mine with the kickstand most of the time.
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August 11th, 2011, 11:49 AM | #19 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Nicholle (Nikki)
Location: Las Vegas, NV
Join Date: Jul 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Kawasaki Ninja 250r Posts: 39
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You guys rock!! Thank you!!I really don't feel so bad now. Whew!! I will start using the kill switch for now on so that it will always be on my mind and routine checks. Lesson well learned and cruzing along. Whatcha expect, I only have 1180 miles of experience under my belt and still loving it!!
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Keep it real and never ride beyond your limits!! |
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August 11th, 2011, 12:24 PM | #20 |
ninjette.org Pirate
Name: Seph
Location: San Diego
Join Date: Nov 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250r Posts: 301
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Glad all that happened to you was a bit of embarrassment. I've done this once as well, after my incident I wave with my left hand now, haha.
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August 11th, 2011, 01:09 PM | #21 |
Dakine...
Name: AJ
Location: DFW
Join Date: Jun 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250R (Sold) | 636 (hopefully soon) Posts: A lot.
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That happeded to me too, but i was at a stop light...and i figured it out and started her back up before the light turned green
edit: Im glad you and ninjette are unharmed.....well...except for your ego...haha |
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August 11th, 2011, 01:10 PM | #22 | |
ninjette.org guru
Name: Steve
Location: DFW
Join Date: Apr 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Ninja 250R Posts: 294
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Quote:
I, too, have freaked out when my bike would start until I realize I've bumped the swtich. Funny thing? I've done that in my car too, accidently turning the key off and wondering why my car just died. |
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August 11th, 2011, 01:25 PM | #23 |
ninjette.org member
Name: matthieu
Location: france
Join Date: Aug 2011 Motorcycle(s): ninja 250r 2010 green Posts: 25
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This happened to me on a broad bumpy road with pavements in Paris, 8AM with all the traffic jam. First at the traffic light, I engage the first gear and the engine dies. OK must be the kickstand, but no it isn't. It was the killswitch, it must have nearly switched with the vibrations and the stroke when I engage first has ended it. Took me more than 30 seconds to find that it was the kill switch, with all the cars behinf horning like deaf.
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August 11th, 2011, 02:25 PM | #24 |
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Name: rock
Location: greenville, south carolina
Join Date: Jun 2009 Motorcycle(s): black Posts: A lot.
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I think most every motorcyclist has had a kill switch episode at least once. THAT'S YOUR ONCE!
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Always get a second opinion because most of these people are makin' this stuff up |
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August 11th, 2011, 02:35 PM | #25 |
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Name: rock
Location: greenville, south carolina
Join Date: Jun 2009 Motorcycle(s): black Posts: A lot.
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Ridicule would be in order on the second offense, of course
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Always get a second opinion because most of these people are makin' this stuff up |
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August 11th, 2011, 02:56 PM | #26 |
Milkshake Drinker
Name: Skippii
Location: Richmond, Va
Join Date: Aug 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2007 Orange DRZ400-S, 2005 Ninja 250 & Custom Thundercunt Dirt Chopper Posts: A lot.
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Yep, I think I'm gonna fit in here just fine.
No, I haven't had any killswitch moments, but I did buy UNI pod filters for my bike, freshly oiled them up with the finest aerosol spay, and then immediately welded an extra support on the frame above them. Took my mask off to discover, of course, that the new pods were engulfed in flames.
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August 11th, 2011, 03:12 PM | #27 | |
Gear crash test dummy
Name: Max
Location: South Bay (So. Cal)
Join Date: May 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Ninja 250 race bike, 2014 ZX-636r Posts: A lot.
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You may be one of the more gifted of us (speaking for myself of course) |
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August 11th, 2011, 05:16 PM | #28 |
Gear crash test dummy
Name: Max
Location: South Bay (So. Cal)
Join Date: May 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Ninja 250 race bike, 2014 ZX-636r Posts: A lot.
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August 11th, 2011, 08:28 PM | #29 |
ninjette.org guru
Name: Jonathan
Location: Ottawa, Ontario
Join Date: Mar 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250 Posts: 398
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Can't say I've ever had a killswitch incident like that. There have been times I've gone to start my bike in my driveway/parking lot and sit there mystified for a few seconds till it clicks in I don't have my switch engaged.
That being said, if you drive a bike, be prepared to have your ego killed. Goes with having a big ego as you drivedown the streets looking good and making everyone envious they don't have a bike.
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August 11th, 2011, 08:54 PM | #30 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Alan
Location: Delaware, USA
Join Date: Jul 2010 Motorcycle(s): '10 Ninja 250 Posts: 221
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The MSF class also taught me to use the kill switch to turn the engine off. But, I noticed the other day while leafing through the owner's manual that there is a note... "Although the engine stop switch stops the engine, it does not turn off all the electrical circuits. Ordinarily, the ignition switch should be used to stop the engine."
It was the "ordinarily, the ignition switch..." statement that I thought to be odd. My guess is that Kawasaki was trying to get the point across that the battery is still being used when the key is in the "ON" position, so don't rely on the "engine stop switch" to turn the bike off. Later in the manual, in the "Stopping the Engine" section, it gives these steps: - Close the throttle completely. - Shift the transmission into neutral. - Turn the ignition key to "OFF". - Support the motorcycle on a firm, level surface with the side stand. - Lock the steering. Notice no mention of using the "engine stop switch". Hmm... maybe we need a poll on this? |
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August 11th, 2011, 09:00 PM | #31 |
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Name: Brian
Location: Detroit, MI
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August 11th, 2011, 09:24 PM | #32 | |
ninjette.org member
Name: Dash
Location: PA
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Quote:
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August 12th, 2011, 03:04 AM | #33 |
Ninja chick
Name: Allyson
Location: Athens, GA
Join Date: Jun 2009 Motorcycle(s): '13 Ninja 300 Posts: A lot.
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It's a freaky feeling suddenly losing power, especially if you don't know why! At least you learned something from it and came out a-ok! No worries, we all do things we laugh about later while we're learning (and, um, sometimes after we've been riding a long time. )
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August 12th, 2011, 03:38 AM | #34 |
B-Town Ninja
Name: Nathan
Location: Bloomington, IN
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I think I told this story here before but when I first brought my Ninja home I stopped off at Subway to get something to eat. When I came out to get back on and head home, it wouldn't start.
I was freaking out because I thought it was broken already and I just got it. After about 5 minutes, I took my phone to call the dealer when I saw that the kill switch was set to 'kill'... I facepalmed and took off. As for using kill switch, my belief is that even if using it daily SOMEHOW causes it to not work when I need it to, I still have my key/kickstand to use and kill the engine. I'm not the least bit worried...
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August 12th, 2011, 03:50 AM | #35 | |
Milkshake Drinker
Name: Skippii
Location: Richmond, Va
Join Date: Aug 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2007 Orange DRZ400-S, 2005 Ninja 250 & Custom Thundercunt Dirt Chopper Posts: A lot.
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Quote:
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August 12th, 2011, 03:54 AM | #36 |
B-Town Ninja
Name: Nathan
Location: Bloomington, IN
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Lol that never even crossed my mind I guess. It's a simple on/off switch so I'm still not worried about it. Seems like it would be easier to fix/replace than just about anything else I've worked on on the bike haha.
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Downgraded to a 2013 636. Previous owner of a 2010 250r --------------------------------- My moto-vlog YouTube channel http://www.youtube.com/bloomingtonninja |
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August 12th, 2011, 08:08 AM | #37 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Valerie
Location: south central PA
Join Date: May 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2011 Ninja 250R SE White Posts: 58
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Sooo... perhaps this has been covered before, but i missed it - when you're cruising along at 60mph, and you flip the killswitch like that, do you just flip it back on, restart the engine and proceed as you were? Or is there downshifting involved? Do you need to stop and start over? I'm noob-confused.
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August 12th, 2011, 08:12 AM | #38 |
ninjette.org dude
Name: 1 guess :-)
Location: SF Bay Area
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Just flip it back on while you're still in gear and the motor will immediately restart.
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Montgomery Street Motorcycle Club / cal24.com / crf250l.org / ninjette.org ninjette.org Terms of Service Shopping for motorcycle parts or equipment? Come here first. The friendliest Ninja 250R/300/400 forum on the internet! (especially Unregistered) |
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August 12th, 2011, 08:21 AM | #39 | |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: D
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But if you did stall the bike at 60 by hitting the kill switch like that, you can restart it without stopping. Don't downshift unless you are planning on stopping. Just pull the clutch, flip the switch back, push the starter button, increase throttle to proper RPMs, and slowly release the clutch. You can probably do it without hitting the starter button, but I have never done it that way. I have never hit the kill switch in motion like that, but I have stalled in motion by not being in the right gear.
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August 12th, 2011, 08:24 AM | #40 |
Ninja chick
Name: Allyson
Location: Athens, GA
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I've always said I'm so glad the kill switch is on the right, not the left. Using your left hand to wave means the worst that could happen is you'll turn your brights on or off. I do that all the time. lol!
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