GS1100EX - All Electrical works fine...no brake light.

[Emptynester]

Restoring this classic runner. All bike functions operate perfectly...except rear brake light.
Rear light has both running and license plate light working fine.
When I press foot lever or right handlebar lever no brake light.
Bulb is fine, I replaced both brake switches recently.
What am I missing here? Thanks,

 

[Steve]

Check the other things that operate off the same fuse:
- horn
- turn signals
- warning lights (oil pressure, neutral, etc.)

.

 

[Emptynester]

Hi there...all those are operating perfectly...the fuse looks good.

 

[salty_monk]

Bulb seated properly?

Wires on the back of the bulb socket in good shape & still attached/soldered? Sometimes they corrode & separate.

Been in the headlight bucket recently? Dislodged wiring there maybe.

Assume it doesn't burst in to life when you discount one switch or the other? Both can be bypassed pretty easily.

I would also trace the wiring through, that wiring is quite convoluted as it goes to the front, back & middle of the bike...

Lastly I assume you haven't made any adjustment on the rear side recently? The rear doesn't need to be far off not to trigger & the front switches are somewhat finicky at 40 years old in my experience... it would be a coincidence but both switches going out... stranger things have happened

 

[salty_monk]

Also check that the brake filament is not permanently lit rather than not coming on... you'd have an extra bright tail light permanently in that case. Sounds obvious I know... sorry if teaching to suck eggs!

 

[Emptynester]

Thanks Guys...found the problem. A dirty lead/plug connection in the headlight housing. This is a great forum. Ride Safe...Randy

 

[rphillips]

Don't it feel good to find & fix a problem, especially when it's cheeeep. Congrats & Welcome.