Rear brake light issues; again

It seems to me that I submitted a thread last year or so about my brake light issues. I went to a motorcycle swap meet yesterday with some friends and then rode out toward Union on the Hood Canal with them. We stopped by one of our local watering holes for a beer before heading for home and my two buddies told me I didn't have a brake light, that it just stayed on. When we stopped, one of the guys stood behind the bike while I pushed down on the pedal. It went off and on as it was supposed to but then with my foot not on the pedal, it went back on. I did it a number of times and it finally stayed off. I assume it is something in the switch but this makes no sense. Switches are of/on, not phantom on. Has anyone experienced this issue or know how to resolve it?

does it do the same thing with both the front brake (only) being applied, and the back only being applied?

jrhorton said:

My brake light switch failed when it was fairly new. After the bike heated up, the pressure switch would stick in the on position...rendering the brake light useless for warning others.

I bought a new switch and replaced it myself. It's in a difficult location and you have to remove the shield and brake line to replace it. If I had a lift it would have been easier, but I proved it can be changed sitting on the kickstand.

Some have had electrical connection problems, but mine was definitely in the switch itself. Here's the part numbers you need, along with fresh brake fluid to bleed the rear brakes.

http://vrcc.photostash.com/vrcc_6897/DSCF0930.JPG

Click to expand...

Well that's not good news but the switch is probably the issue. I haven't even been able to put my hands on the switch and now understand why. It is simply not accessible. Having a brake fluid activated switch is bad enough but having it unaccessible and requiring that the brake like be removed to replace it is truly a brain dead design.