Brake Light

[PanManScottie]

I have a 78 GS550 and I am having some trouble with the brake light. My brake light was working fine for the better part of two months and now it doesn't seem to want to work any more. I've changed the bulb and it works great while the ignition is on, but as soon as I start the bike I press the brake once and then the bulb blows almost instantly. I've gone through three bulbs testing this out. I don't know if this could be a problem with the bulb I am using or something else. The bulb that is in there right now is a 1154, but i was reading on another thread that people were suggesting the 1157 but it was for a different model bike. If anybody has any suggestions on things I could check that would be great! I am really hoping to avoid having to take it into the shop. Thanks!

[Flyboy]

Sounds like it is getting way too much juice once the stator is up and running and supplying voltage.
How is your charging system, especialy the regulator/rectifier?
It should not let more than about 14v through from the stator, what about your other lights?

[bluewool]

isn't 1154 often(?) (always?)a 6v bulb. 1157 is a 12v

[PanManScottie]

Ok, you are correct just looked at the packaging I had for the 1154 bulb and it is only 6volts, went to the store and got the 1157 (which is 12 volts) put it in and it is working great now. Started it and tried it multiple times, and it is working great now. I was also having a problem with the bulbs for the guages not working either, also turns out that they were a 6v bulb. I will try and order some 12v bulbs for that this week and see if that's all that was wrong there as well. I guess the guys at the shop by me dont really know what they are doing. haha Do you know where I could order those bulbs at a resonable price? I've found one place and they are selling for $2.97 each. I feel that is a bit steep. Thanks for your help!

[BassCliff]

Greetings and Salutations!!

Hi Mr. PanManScottie,

You'll find lots of GS lovin' on my little website. I just stopped by to welcome you to the forum in my own, special way.

If there's anything you'd like to know about the Suzuki GS model bikes, and most others actually, you've come to the right place. There's a lot of knowledge and experience here in the community. Come on in and let me say "HOoooowwwDY!"....

Here is your very own magical, mystical, mythical, mind-expanding "mega-welcome". Please take notice of the "Top 10 Common Issues", the Carb Rebuild Series, and the Stator Papers. Now let me roll out the welcome mat for you...

Please click here for your mega-welcome, chock full of tips, suggestions, links to vendors, and other information. Then feel free to visit my little BikeCliff website where I've been collecting the wisdom of this generous community. Don't forget, we like pictures! Not you, your bike!

Thanks for joining us. Keep us informed.

Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff