brake light

[not a biker]

my brake light does not come on with the front brake lever , it does come on with the rear brake on. think it might just need adj at the switch , or do these switches go bad often. thanks. i do have a shop manual and know how to test this. i just thought i would ask.

[catbed]

there is a switch. its under an elliptical cover on the clamp. they sometimes go bad. you can get a new oem one or a hydraulic pressure switch that activates with a change in pressure of the brake fluid.

[Dave8338]

They usually just get corroded and need a good cleaning. Mine was that way when I bought it, as well. Take things apart at the right hand control (two screws underneath) and carefully remove the switch assembly, making sure not to loose any of the small stuff. Clean the brass/copper contacts and coat them lightly with dielectric grease and reasemble.
That's it. If that doesn't fix the problem, you'll need to trace power with a multi tester.

[bwringer]

It's a really crappy switch design, and they pretty stop working on every GS eventually. Sometimes you have to loosen the screws and slide it one way or the other a bit until it works correctly, or file the mounting holes a bit so you can move it a little further

You can get a replacement switch from Suzuki for about $10, or an aftermarket equivalent for the same amount.

Mine eventually wore out at about 80,000 miles, so I replaced it with an equivalent from CRC2:

Third item down, $8.95:

http://crc2onlinecatalog.com/brake_light_switches.htm

[lucabond]

When you get it apart just short the 2 copper strips on the board if the light comes on your wiring is ok. If not you have to trace the wires to track it down. If the spring is mush you can use 1 from a ball point pen cut to length. Good luck

[not a biker]

bk sw

thank you for all the good info. what will fall apart as i take it apart ? springs balls etc ?

[bwringer]

thank you for all the good info. what will fall apart as i take it apart ? springs balls etc ?

Nothing will go flying at high speed, but it is pretty common for bits to fall out on the floor and get lost.

Just hold it in with your thumb while removing the screws, then slowly lower it with your hand cupped over the switch and you shouldn't lose anything.

If you're replacing the switch, you'll also have to take the headlight out to reach the connectors tucked into the headlight bucket.

[lucabond]

It might be a little easier if you loosen the 2 bolts that hold the master
cylinder to the handle bar and rotate it alittle. Good luck

[boathead]

i had this problem this summer...like lucabond says, the brake light wire has these two little contact stips...mine had worn down completely, so i had to order another one. cost 10 bucks.

the trick is the little doohickey that lodges in the brake lever. i could not get it in there for the life of me. the only way i was able to do it was, first make sure the cap on the brake fluid reservoir is screwed tight...then i turned the whole assemble upside down, put the doohickey into its groove, and i was good to go.

i know how to do nothing. and i was able to do this. with lucabond's help.

[Nessism]

Definetly flip over the master before attempting to work on the switch or the bits will spring out and get lost.

[robertbarr]

Definetly flip over the master before attempting to work on the switch or the bits will spring out and get lost.

... and/or (preferably and), have a friend hold a container beneath the switch when you take it apart and when you attempt reassembly. Perhaps an empty bucket. Once it's apart you will see clearly what needs to be done. It's a very simple design.

[not a biker]

thanks to all

yep cleaned the contacts and the switch works now. i had to do it a few times. just cleaning did not work. one strip was worn and i a had to elongate the holder to get a good contact. mucho thanks.

[argonsagas]

Cleaning it properly makes a difference in performance and longevity, but the latter is extended with the right grease added.


Also


BEFORE opening the switch, get a large, clear, plastic bag.

Put the bag around the switch, put your hands inside and do the work inside the bag.

Nothing gets lost.

[scrapper]

I got a 82 650L and had the same problem. The contact and the spring were gone. I got the parts from bike bandit for about 6-7 bucks shipped. They had more parts but I didn't need any , just the missing ones. In fact the part was about 2 and the rest was shipping. Works great. Good luck