1980 gs550E brake light not working

[apcsox]

hey guys, new to this forum, just discovered it.... so, here's my issue.... I don't know how long it's been going on for, but tonight I noticed that when I pull my handbrake, my brake light doesn't light up, but iof I sue the foot brake, it does... I'm not very good when it comes to electronics on anything, so i was wondering if anybody had any ideas as to why this may be happening

[mike_of_bbg]

Two possibilities:

1) Your switch mech is going bad. Here's some repair info:

http://members.dslextreme.com/users/storagecliff/images/front_brake_switch_repair.pdf

the switch contacts can be adjusted somewhat, or they might be bad.

2) Your master cylinder return port is blocked and your brake is too stiff

[apcsox]

hmmm, probably option A, because the brakes don't feel any different since I got her inspected

[Redman]

hey guys, new to this forum, .............
.............
I noticed that when I pull my handbrake, my brake light doesn't light up, but iof I sue the foot brake, it does...

Welcome to GSR.

Not only have an idea about the brake light, but have fixed this very thing on two GSs in recent years. The switch on the front brake lever.

Maybe first just loosen the scews a bit and slide the switch body one way and the other, and see if it works then.

The tutorial in link above (from BassCliff website ...dslextreme....bikecliff) tells you about everthing I could tell you and does it better than I can describe.

Maybe you can clean up the contacts like shown in the pictures,... .... ... or maybe the contacts are all worn away or maybe contacts are corroded away. Can get replacement switch assembley/harness for about $18 at BikeBandit or other.

.

[apcsox]

thanks, it worked, after a quick fiasco of somehow blowing my main fuse even though I didnt have the key in the ignition, but....