Hydraulic front brake switch...new issue

[81ZUKI75]

I installed hydraulic brake light switches on both GS's over the last couple of years. So, far I've been happy with the results.

During a check of the E model I discovered that the lever requires a LOT of force before the brake light is triggered. In normal operation it would never trigger. I mounted this one at the splitter below the headlight as it made for a cleaner installation. Concerned that something might be plugged, I opened the bleeders (left first) and made sure fluid was getting through both calipers. This looked good.

The switch on the T-model is mounted at the master cylinder as it is a single disc setup. This one works fine. Triggers the light with a "light" touch on the lever.

I'm a crush washer short or I'd just move the switch on the E to see it it made a difference so I thought I would ask this bunch if location makes a difference. Doesn't make any sense to me that it would, but I'm surprised the switch now requires so much force to work.

Any thoughts?

[mattfeet]

IIRC they are meant to be installed at the MC.

[850GT_Rider]

I've got mine mounted at the splitter, but also run individual brake lines from there to the calipers - no "up and over". The light turns on just fine and before braking actually begins.

[81ZUKI75]

I've got mine mounted at the splitter, but also run individual brake lines from there to the calipers - no "up and over". The light turns on just fine and before braking actually begins.

Yup...that's how mine is (stainless braided lines). Took a quick spin this afternoon on my local twisty road and the front brakes are just dandy. I'm thinking I need a replacement switch ...

[mrbill5491]

Yup, mine is at the MC, very light touch and the brake light comes on. Works much better then the old mechanical switch ever did.

[Steve]

I have experienced a few hydraulic switches on other members' bikes, did not like how the light did not come on until you were already applying braking force.

All of my GSes have stock switches that still seem to work just fine.

.

[eil]

It should not matter where you mount the switch, when you squeeze the lever, the pressure is the same everywhere almost instantly.

Very likely the pressure switch just went bad. They are pretty cheap, doesn't surprise me that they are made cheaply.