Won't Turn Off

[xc2]

I have an 89 FJ 1200 that keeps running even with the key off. I have to pull the main fuse to turn it off. I was thinking it's the ignition switch, so I unplugged it - still acts the same. 

1) If the ignition/key switch is bad, unplugging it should allow the bike to turn off, correct?
2) What's the next thing to check?

Obviously I have a short somewhere and I'm looking for some guidance how to track it down.
Thanks in advance.

[fj11.5]

does it stop with the kill switch,,

[xc2]

The kill switch will stop the motor but everything else (lights, etc) remains on.

[Slick]

I suggest looking around where the ignition attaches to the main harness. There has to be a bad wire (sounds like two actually) getting power. I had the ignition connector on the harness side melt/deform from something, new harness solved that...

[moovyz]

Hey there, hope you still come here. My '89 FJ is doing the same thing. I even took the ignition switch apart so it couldn't possibly be sending power past it, and the bike stayed on.

Did you ever figure out what caused it? It has to be a relay stuck on but I don't know which one.

Anyone? Help!

[racerrad8]

If the alternator wires are hooked up backwards the bike will not shut off after starting.

Randy - RPM

[FJ_Hooligan]

Really?

Can you explain why?  Sounds like an interesting subject.

[racerrad8]

Really?

Can you explain why?  Sounds like an interesting subject.

Yes, it is true...

The alternator is actually a generator. Both of the wires to the generator are battery voltage. The brown tinted wire is a switched 12v source to energize the charging system and the red wire is a constant 12v supply from the battery.

If the wires are hooked up backwards that bike will keep running because once the generator is field charged, you have to break the proper circuit to stop break the charge field. So, hook them up backwards, the switch can be turned off and the generator will continue to supply the electrical system via back feed from the constant 12v source wire from the battery.

Randy - RPM

[FJ_Hooligan]

Makes sense!  Thanks!