Where do I put a hydraulic brake light switch?

[simonp]

82 GS850GL

I've had it with trying to get the POS stock front brake light switch to work reliably so I'm looking for a hydraulic replacement.

I've been searching and have found this:

http://www.denniskirk.com/jsp/product_catalog/Product.jsp?skuId=210370&store=Main&productId=p210370

My question is where does it go? Into the master cylinder? Wouldn't it block the brake line? Shouldn't there be some kind of pass through or T to let the brake fluid flow?

--Chris

[t3rmin]

If you PM Distraction628 he may be able to help. I think he's running one.

[kingofvenus]

That replaces the stock banjo bolt that connects the brakeline to the mastercylinder.

[diesel]

It's a Banjo Bolt

82 GS850GL

I've had it with trying to get the POS stock front brake light switch to work reliably so I'm looking for a hydraulic replacement.

I've been searching and have found this:

http://www.denniskirk.com/jsp/product_catalog/Product.jsp?skuId=210370&store=Main&productId=p210370

My question is where does it go? Into the master cylinder? Wouldn't it block the brake line? Shouldn't there be some kind of pass through or T to let the brake fluid flow?

--Chris

You replace one of the bolts that connect the banjo fittings on the ends of the brake lines with this switch. Make sure you get the correct switch. The description on the link suggests that most Japanese bikes have 1.25 pitch threads. However, GS850GLZ banjo bolts are 1.00 thread pitch so you want the 21-0370 switch.

I'd suggest you follow the brake line down from the front master cylinder to the JOINT, BRAKE HOSE (thats what it's called on the fiche - I just call it a manifold) that's attached to the bottom triple clamp. There you'll find two hoses connected to one side and a single hose on the other side - IIRC the connection on the right side is the double and the connection furthest from the master cylinder is the single. Since the switch is a single length bolt, you need to replace the bolt that connects the single line to the JOINT.

Alternately you could use the switch to replace the single length bolt at the master cylinder. I suspect that won't be as clean because it might interfere with the rubber boot that covers the connection at the master cylinder. You'll also want to consider which location works best with the location that the wires for the switch enter the harness.

[demark]

My original switch lasted for 22k miles, while the replacement hydraulic one lasted for 3k. I just went back to the mechanical.

[1980GS1000E]

I am still running the OEM switch and was thinking of changing to hydraulic, but two questions come to mind-
Does the use of this switch add sponginess to the brake lever and-
What is the reliability of the hydraulic switch over time when exposed to the pressure? I would also be concerned about the possibility of leakage with a possible catastrophic outcome.

[Dink]

No issues after using one for four years so far, I replaced the master cylinder banjo bolt with the switched banjo. No change in feel, no failures etc so far.

Dink

[1980GS1000E]

When mine inevitably goes south, I will try one.

[Greg O.]

My front switch didn't work for awile, but I am always careful to use my rear brake as well, so light always comes on anyway.

Greg O