Banjo Bolt Pressure Switches

[850GT_Rider]

The front brake switch on my bike is definitely not impressive in it's construction. Simple, yet flimsy.

Who has converted to one of these? Any issues encountered?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/BRAKE-LIGHT-BANJO-BOLT-W-PRESSURE-SWITCH-10-x-1-00-SB-/280684678373?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&hash=item415a1c4ce5

[Joe Nardy]

The front brake switch on my bike is definitely not impressive in it's construction. Simple, yet flimsy.

Who has converted to one of these? Any issues encountered?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/BRAKE...item415a1c4ce5

I have used these on a couple bikes, including my '83 GS1100. They work perfectly and have more than enough wire length and correct connectors to plug into the existing harness. The only (small) issues are that the wires make it harder for the rubber cover to fit over the bolt and the wires have to twist quite a few times if you need to remove the banjo bolt which could lead to a broken wire if you're not careful. These a re very small issues and, in my opinion, don't even come close to overriding the benefits of this setup.

Thanks,
Joe

[MAC10]

Z1 carries them.I replaced the oem switch on my gs and have never had any more trouble.

[850GT_Rider]

Thanks for the input.

For the front, I was thinking of putting the switch down at the splitter instead of up on the master cylinder. Easier to tuck the wires out of the way.

[850 Combat]

Thanks for the input.

For the front, I was thinking of putting the switch down at the splitter instead of up on the master cylinder. Easier to tuck the wires out of the way.

Good idea.

[SqDancerLynn1]

I put one under, at the junction on my 850 several years ago Works great

[DanTheMan]

I put mine on the master on my 850. Works perfectly, much better than that chintzy mechanical thing.

[portdave]

Put one on at the MC on mine a few years ago. Never had to touch it since then...

[850GT_Rider]

Thanks to all. Pretty much unanimous.

Given (a) how important it is that the brake lights work EVERY time, (b) how little confidence I have in that OE switch and (c) how inexpensive the banjo bolt pressure switch is, I'm going to put one in. Probably will use one in the rear too.

[Johno]

Put one on at the MC on mine a few years ago. Never had to touch it since then...

I was having a great run with my banjo bolt pressure switches both front and back but now they appear not to operate without significant brake pressure.

With the HEL steel lines I am running I don't require much pressure to achieve braking effect.

Is there any way I can have the brake light activate with minimal pressure?

It often appears to riders following that the brake light is not working

[Steve]

I was having a great run with my banjo bolt pressure switches both front and back but now they appear not to operate without significant brake pressure.

With the HEL steel lines I am running I don't require much pressure to achieve braking effect.

Is there any way I can have the brake light activate with minimal pressure?

It often appears to riders following that the brake light is not working

I noted that on one bike that I had with a pressure switch. Not sure if they come in different ratings or not, but I did not like the fact that you actually had to be ON THE BRAKES before the light came on. I prefer to have the mechanical switch (chintzy or not) so that it will come on with the slightest movement of the lever, even before the brakes are applied.

.

[Johno]

Does anyone have any advice on how I can increase the sensitivity of the pressure switch?

[AJ]

Trying to figure out why the pressure switch is better than the original mechanical motion switch. You can't adjust it. It's not that cheap. If it fails, you need to break into the hydraulics. It's hard to torque properly. It puts delicate wires out exposed where they are more likely to be hit and damaged. And this is better why?

[Steve]

Because the people that are interested in doing it are tired of playing with their 30-year-old, corroded parts that they can replace for $10, and choose to instead put out about $20(?) or so for a hydraulic switch with all those lovely "features".

.

[AJ]

Because the people that are interested in doing it are tired of playing with their 30-year-old, corroded parts that they can replace for $10, and choose to instead put out about $20(?) or so for a hydraulic switch with all those lovely "features".

.

LOL!

The one advantage I can see is if your controls are not stock Suzuki or somehow damaged so that it won't accept the stock mechanical switch.