Worn front brake light switch

[fgh]

My 1983 GS750ES has a component with two contacts hard wired into the wiring harness. When you apply the front brake a piece in the lever slides a contact across the two contacts that are hard wired. Unfortunately the one of the contacts on the hard wired piece is badly worn. Has anyone fixed this without changing the harness?

[IanFrancisco]

You could try ebay for a used front brake lever/master cylinder assy. Or, very carefully disassemble the switch and sand and polish the worn contact smooth, then either shim or bend the spring so it pushes the contact out as far as before. If the contact is too far gone, if you have any fabricating skills you could try and make a replacement and solder it in.

Or, just ride!! and use the back brake in conjunction with the front to get the light working when you stop.

[RJ]

Double check on that hard wire thing. My '82 1100E's brake light switch pugs into the wiring harness inside the headlight bucket. If the contacts are worn it can be replaced for cheap. I paid like $6 for mine last year. You can also use the switch on the clutch lever that forces you to hold the lever to start the bike. Just take the two wires that the switch plugs into (also in the headlight bucket) and plug them together (if that hasn't been done already). Then just swap the switch over to the brake lever, and adjust it so the brake light comes on with just a light squeeze on the lever.

[fastpakr]

You're sure it's hard wired? It should have bullet connectors if you go a few feet down (I think they come together behind the headlight but wouldn't swear to it). You can get replacements from quite a few sources, but the BEST option is a hydraulic switch (although it's a few dollars more). Those are available through Dennis Kirk, and probably others.

edit: That's what I get for starting a post and getting side tracked by real work. Looks like your question's already been answered above!

[Joe Nardy]

Cycle Recycle in Indianapolis has a replacement kit for $9.95. They are a highly recommended shop by many GSR members, myself included. Here's a link: http://www.crc2onlinecatalog.com/Index_Main_Frame.htm

Click on 'Brake Parts' then 'Brake Light Switches'

Joe

[Evil Hobbit]

You could try ebay for a used front brake lever/master cylinder assy. Or, very carefully disassemble the switch and sand and polish the worn contact smooth, then either shim or bend the spring so it pushes the contact out as far as before. If the contact is too far gone, if you have any fabricating skills you could try and make a replacement and solder it in.

Or, just ride!! and use the back brake in conjunction with the front to get the light working when you stop.

This was my solution.

[robinjo]

You can get the little part separately http://67.15.65.225/spst/1983%20GS750ES/45.htm
or just make your own, Hoomgar posted a good way to make one but can't find it right now.