Front Brake Switch GS1000

[Vmass]

I did the search and was unable to find a photo or schematic of how the front brake switch pieces get installed.

Can anyone help?

[BassCliff]

Hi,

Have a look on my website.


Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

[Vmass]

Basscliff Site

Thanks Bass,

I did look at that tutorial on your site earlier today.

Sorry, but for some reason, it did not help me. I don't see a clear description or picture of how the switch/spring/contact get placed into the slot.

[sedelen]

I'll try but it's been awhile.
Here's a picture,

http://www.ebay.com/itm/GS50-GS850-GS1000-GT380-GT750-FRONT-BRAKE-LIGHT-SWITCH-/270847227987?hash=item3f0fc0b853&item=270847227987&pt=UK_Motocycle_Parts&vxp=mtr

The little black post which also has the little itty bitty spring and the copper U shape part, shown here as one unit, I do believe it goes in first (don't lose that spring! you might want to put those two pieces in later), anyway I do believe it goes in round post first and fits into the slot of your brake lever (which you might want to remove and it has to be properly aligned to work), then the spring fits into it, the the U. The U part slides up and down mates up against the two copper pieces that stick out of the terminal block wiring harness, so it needs to mate longwise, or the ends that point up on the U line up pointing with the ends of the wiring harness terminal block.
The terminal block goes next with the two copper pieces facing up, and you can put the terminal block and cover, (the cut out is for the wires), and the two screws and install it as a unit, do not tighten until you get the brake lever in the proper position, a flash light should help. When you move the lever, it moves the post which has the spring, which put pressure on the U, which slides up and down the length of two copper strands on that terminal block. The elongated screw holes allow you to adjust as to when the brake light comes on.
Confused, yeah, as long as you don't lose any parts, and don't tighten down too hard until you get it right, you should be able to figure it out.
Don't lose that spring!

[7981GS]

You could just buy a new OEM one from Boulevard Suzuki with free shipping today for $12.11

Daniel

[DaveR]

Thats a good description. I just disassembled, cleaned and fixed mine because it wasn't working. The problem was the slot for the plastic post in the bottom of the aftermarket lever wasn't shaped quite right and didn't position correctly onto the contacts. The switch is still on the bench. I can take a picture of the assembly if you need it.

[Frank Z.]

You could just buy a new OEM one from Boulevard Suzuki with free shipping today for $12.11

Daniel

yep just did

[sedelen]

There's a pic on the parts fische that shows how it goes together.
I guess the key is getting the post to work with the brake lever, some aftermarkets don't work too well. I had this problem putting recessed levers on my GS1000 because I liked the black recessed levers. I had to modify the hole the post fits into for the same switch used as a clutch safety switch.
Anyway, if you go to Boulevard Suzuki,

http://www.boulevardsuzuki.com/

Then go to the parts fiche, then '79 GS1000C,EC,N,EN, 1978-1979, then RH HANDLE SWITCH and it shows in poor detail the switch as it comes apart.

[Vmass]

OK, I ordered mine on ebay for $7.70. I will use it all but the new post.

I thinkI understand the procedure now. Thanks

[DaveR]

I guess the key is getting the post to work with the brake lever, some aftermarkets don't work too well. I had this problem putting recessed levers on my GS1000 because I liked the black recessed levers. I had to modify the hole the post fits into for the same switch used as a clutch safety switch.

Exactly. JB Weld is wonderful stuff.

[sedelen]

Exactly. JB Weld is wonderful stuff.

I McGiver'd it, somehow made the hole bigger in the lever, still didn't work as smooth as with the original lever, but finally "wore" in. Works like a champ now.
Love those black recessed levers, basically the only part of the bike that isn't stock.

[SVSooke]

I'll be the first to say hydraulic switch.Going that way on the Skunk and Old Yeller.Stupid slide switches are a PITA

[sedelen]

Thats a good description. I just disassembled, cleaned and fixed mine because it wasn't working. The problem was the slot for the plastic post in the bottom of the aftermarket lever wasn't shaped quite right and didn't position correctly onto the contacts. The switch is still on the bench. I can take a picture of the assembly if you need it.

Actually, it wasn't an "aftermarket lever" I had problems with, but a newer bike lever, the '78/'79 GS1000's didn't use recessed levers, and I couldn't find any recessed levers that stated they would fit the '79 GS1000. But you know, I had put a set on my '78 GS1000E many years ago, like '79. I had forgotten about it until I stumbled on this picture of my bike with them on it. So, I figured, I did it then, I could do it now and put on a set for my '79. But I didn't have to deal with the clutch safety switch fitting in the lever of the '78, as it didn't have one.

[DaveR]

Damn, the bike looks so tidy, so crisp and clean when it was new. You too Steve.