81 GS400 - brake light doesnt engage

[Guest]

My tail light is constant but stays constant even when front brake is engaged - no brake light.
curious, are there separate bulbs for brake light and tail light?
Maybe the Fuse?
Also, looking for a manual for my bike, any suggestions.
Thanks!
A

[tkent02]

Usually it's a switch problem or corrosion in some connector. Got a multimeter?

[fyarl666]

Is it constantly on "bright" or just on and doesn't go "bright" when you hit the brake levers? There's a single bulb with two separate filaments, on for "on" and one for "brake". Try the front and back brake separately, see if that does anything. You might just need the switches cleaned.

[OldVet66]

If the rear break switch is adjusted improperly it can keep the break light on and you wouldn't see any change, or the break light filament could be burnt out. The first would have a very bright light, the second, a normal running light, neither would react to the brake levers front or back.

[somaticshorty]

Thanks for your responses - double checked and it is only the front brake that does not engage the brake light, the rear break changes from constant to brighter. So best to attempt cleaning switches first?

[posplayr]

Thanks for your responses - double checked and it is only the front brake that does not engage the brake light, the rear break changes from constant to brighter. So best to attempt cleaning switches first?

Deoxit spray

[GS(X)400]

clean the switches as suggested or change the whole break switch assembly with a new unit.

Also check to make sure the front break hasn't been install backwards (or connectors are reversed)...Did this the first time i put that little unit back together!

[Gorminrider]

It's a real pain working on the OEM front brake switches. at least use the "Baggie around the job" trick that will keep you from losing the tiny pieces.
I have scavenged from two old switches to get one working and thereafter,I gave up ....There are cheap "fluid pressure"ones (about 8$) on ebay that work pretty well.

http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_trksid=p2050601.m570.l1313.TR0.TRC0.H0.Xmotorcycle+brake+switch&_nkw=motorcycle+brake+switch&_sacat=0&_from=R40

[GS(X)400]

Yea you can go the fluid pressure one or find an after market switch kit. they are also pretty cheap