In my honest opinion, installing a kill switch is somewhat similar taking out insurance coverage.
Sure, you might never use it… But the fact that you have it, in the event that it’s needed, gives you the peace of mind to breath easy when riding.
This post will teach you how to test, install and bypass a motorcycle kill switch, safety switch and fuel system cut-off valve.
And I’ll also sprinkle in a few of the top products that I recommend for each installation too!
>> If you’re planning on bypassing the circuit, then click here to learn about the symptoms of a faulty kill switch before deciding that a bypass is the best course of action for you to take.
Ok, Had your Weetabix? Great! Because it’s time to dive into the first section.
A Quick Step-By-Step Guide To Installing a Motorcycle Kill Switch
Installing a motorcycle kill switch is simple. All you have to do is:
- Attach the kill switch housing to the motorcycles handlebar (or another place of choice)
- Locate the motorcycles ignition coil and CDI unit
- Identify the wires that are providing power and a ground for the ignition coil
- Feed the kill switches wiring down to the area containing the ignition coil
- Splice into the cables that are providing the power supply and a ground for the ignition coil
- Start the engine and activate the kill switch to shut off the engine (and test if it has been correctly installed)
Sidenote: The steps above are just to give you an idea of how to install a motorcycle kill switch, and is also the reason why you should jump to our in-depth guide below.
What Are The Best Type Of Kill Switches To Install On A Motorcycle?
In most cases, the make and model of a motorcycle will determine the most suitable type of kill switch to install. For example, some bikes use 9-pin plugs while others use just 6, some are fitted with starter relays while others have a simple red button.
So, really the best type of kill switch to use is the one that you’re prepared to install, as the more features it has, the more complex the installation becomes.
This is why it’s important to take a look at the bike beforehand to get an idea of the method, tools and components (such as relays) that you’ll need for carrying out the installation.
That being said, the majority of kill switches I’ve found being sold online are somewhat mediocre at best. So I’d highly recommend that you check if your motorcycle’s manufacturer offer a high-quality product before attempting to buy one online.
One generic kill switch that will likely do the job and is currently being sold on Amazon is the Gebildet 2pcs 22mm Handlebar Mounting Switch.
what Tools Do you need to Install A kill switch?
Ever heard the saying “a mechanic is useless without his tools”…? Well, if you haven’t, then now you have. And there’s a lot of truth in this statement as without the right tools, you’re essentially shooting in the dark.
The following section will cover a list of recommended tools for installing a kill switch. However, if there are tools you don’t have or simply cannot get hold of then do not worry as not every tool on this list is essential.
Check out the list of tools below:
- Multimeter (optional but recommended for testing circuit)
- Test Light (optional)
- Ring terminals
- Wire crimping tool
- Electrical connectors
- Cable Ties
- Low Voltage Wire Connectors – 3 terminals (for two-stroke motorized bikes only)
- Cable wrap sleeves (totally optional but recommended)
- Diagonal cutting pliers
Testing Your Kill Switches Circuit For ‘Continuity’
First things first, your new kill switch must be tested for ‘continuity’, but what the heck is ‘continuity’ and why should you be testing for it?
The word “Continuity” derives from the word ‘continuité’ in the language of ‘Middle French‘, which is essentially a word used (by electricians) to describe (or prove) a continuous path of which electrical current flows (i.e., a closed circuit)’. This type of test is carried out using a multimeter when set to ‘Ohms/resistance’ (Ω) or set to, you guessed it… “continuity”.
The image below illustrates ‘continuity’, or otherwise provides an image of a closed circuit to show proof of a continuous flow and the current passing through.
Carrying out A Continuity test
To begin the test, take each probe (from the multimeter) and attach each of them to the ends of wires from the kill switch (either way is fine).
When the kill switch is in the normal position (i.e., de-activated/off) there is no continuity. Conversely, when the switch is ‘on’ (i.e., activated) then continuity should be present.
Note: When continuity is not present the multimeter will display ‘O, L’ (open loop), however, if continuity is present then the multimeter will give you a reading above ‘0’ (typically between 0 and 1 Ohms for non-load components such as switches, thermostats and fuses).
But, if you’re still unsure, then watch the video tutorial below to learn how to properly carry out a continuity test.
What should be the Goal When Installing A Kill Switch?
Regardless of whatever bike you have, the principle of installing and operating a kill switch will always remain the same… The goal is to ground or kill power going to the ignition coil.
This is because if we ground the power, then we prevent the spark plugs ignition. And if we prevent the spark plugs ignition, then we prevent the engine from being able to ignite fuel and air.
Simple enough…but not always easy!
And it’s likely you may still encounter differences in ignition systems for varying engine types. So use the list below to jump straight into the most relevant section:
- Four-stroke engine ignition setup
- Two-stroke engine ignition setup
- Motorized Bike (with Magneto coil assembly)
Installing A Kill switch to the Ignition System
Remember, We are trying to ground out or short power supply to the ignition coil.
But with varying manufacturers comes varying colours associated with the ground and power wires within a circuit. So I’ve divided the most common types of wiring looms into sections to help you figure out the best route to go down.
Four-Stroke Engine Ignition System Setup
Most four-stroke engines use a universal ignition system comprising an ignition coil, CDI and battery. Within this type of system, the ignition coil will contain two sides. One side will have two terminals (for the earth and power supply), and the other side will have a single terminal (that attaches to the spark plug via the HT lead/cable).
The following sections will provide you with instructions for installing a universal motorcycle kill switch to a four-stroke engine:
Step 1
Locate the spark plug (i.e., the spark plug cap) and work your way back from there.