83 GS1100E Brake light comes on when locking steering

[Anonymous]

Hey guys, I haven't done any tests yet as I just discovered this last night... but I wanted to throw this out there in case anyone else has come across it.

I knew my brake light didn't come on when I pulled the front brake lever, but when I lock the steering using the key the brake light comes on. What I'm wondering is if it's possible that any wires from the ignition switch have to do with the front brake light switch. Maybe the PO plugged them in wrong?

Any ideas?

Thanks!

[SqDancerLynn1]

It depends on which way you turn the key left locks it !!!! Rt locks it & turns on the brake light. For parking emergencys ???

[BigMattyD]

Yes, that is the "parking light." It leaves the tail light on and locks the steering column so you can remove the key. It is the most clockwise key position. If you turn the key all the way counter clockwise, with the handlebars turned all the way left or right, it will lock the steering without turning the lights on.

Matt

[Anonymous]

Ok cool, that makes sense. Thanks guys for the input!!