Engine Kill Switch (Engine Stop Switch)

The engine kill switch, or engine stop switch, is usually a red rocker or button on the right handlebar switch housing. Moving it to the off position cuts the ignition (and on fuel-injected bikes the fuel pump), stopping the engine without reaching for the key. Lights and other electrics may stay powered, so it does not replace switching off the ignition.

It lets you stop the engine quickly with your thumb in an emergency, after a fall or if the throttle sticks. Off-road bikes often have a separate kill button, and some have a lanyard (tether) switch that stops the engine if the rider falls off – required on jet skis and some racing classes.

If a bike suddenly won't start, check the kill switch first – it is the most common “fault” of all.