Front Brake switch engagement point

1610 Views 5 Replies 3 Participants Last post by rcannon409, Dec 4, 2015

maniak

Discussion Starter · Dec 3, 2015

I noticed yesterday morning that my brake light wasn't turning on with the front brake lever.. I worked fine with the rear brake....

When I got home I fiddled with the brake switch and connector and it appears that the connectors was not making good contact. A little bending on the tabs on the switch and now the light works every time....

While testing it though I noticed that I pull the lever and hear a click but the brake light still isn't on.. I pull it in farther and the lights turns on.. That means with a light pull on the front brake I don't have brake lights....

So, my question is... When does you brake light turn on when pulling the brake lever? Is it right when it clicks or do you have to pull the lever in farther?

Also, can you see the wires on the back of the connector that plugs into the brake switch? I would have expected some kind of cover over the back of that connector but in my case I can see the wires..

I know the switch is a cheap part (< $15) but I figured I'd check before I order a part.. especially since my 2k12 is still under the Kawasaki extended warranty... I just don't trust many people to work on my vehicles...

~Mark

Save

1 - 6 of 6 Posts

rcannon409

· #2 · Dec 3, 2015

That part,or that switch, it rather cheesy, isn't it?

Sadly, the switches on all bikes are junk.

If your switch is working, odds are the new one will be just the same and close at the same point.

When you remove your old one, be sure and use a soldiering iron on the screw head. You'll find threadlock on the screws. You pretty much need a number 1 jis screwdriver to remove them without stripping the screw.

I am running a ducati master cylinder, and using its switch. My light comes on just as the audible click happens. Yes, it s switch is a junky as ours.

Save

Reactions: 1

maniak

Discussion Starter · #3 · Dec 4, 2015

rcannon409 said:
That part,or that switch, it rather cheesy, isn't it?

Sadly, the switches on all bikes are junk.

If your switch is working, odds are the new one will be just the same and close at the same point.

When you remove your old one, be sure and use a soldiering iron on the screw head. You'll find threadlock on the screws. You pretty much need a number 1 jis screwdriver to remove them without stripping the screw.

I am running a ducati master cylinder, and using its switch. My light comes on just as the audible click happens. Yes, it s switch is a junky as ours.

I was able to take the screw out.. I was hoping it would have some adjustment so I could move the engagement point but alas, not much movement....

I had no problem pulling the screw out with a #2 screwdriver once I loosened the brake line and rotated it a little. I loosened the banjo bolt just enough to rotate the line and I re-tightened the banjo bolt with the line in the new position so it won't be in the way anymore...

Now I just need someone who still has the factory switch/harness to look at the connector (on the harness side).. I need to know if there is a cover missing from my harness.. I'd be surprised it the bare wire/connector is right..

Since the switch is so cheap, I may pick one up and see when it engages.. If it engages right at the click I'll switch it. If it still waits then I'll probably modify/sand/something the plunger so it will engage earlier.. I don't like that I can't put on the brake light without the brakes being applied quite a bit..

~Mark

Save

Jeckler

· #4 · Dec 4, 2015

My light comes on as soon as the switch clicks, light pressure. Here's some pics...

See less See more

Save

maniak

Discussion Starter · #5 · Dec 4, 2015

Jeckler said:
My light comes on as soon as the switch clicks, light pressure. Here's some pics...

Thanks.. Your pics show the back of the electrical connector being open just like mine. You can see the wire/metal on the back of the connector... I'm really surprised they didn't put a cover over that.. Seems like a good way to get corrosion...

Since yours engages on the click I may swing by the dealer today and see if I can get them to change the switch. We'll see how good they are.. If they blow this chance to make a good impression I'll treat them like car dealers.. I have yet to buy a car and like the dealer since their attitude changes completely once we leave the lot with our 30k investment...

Car dealers never see any money from me once I buy the vehicle.. I'll do the work myself or go somewhere independent shop... All they see me for is warranty work...

~Mark

Save