rear brake light not working ?

[Tigerboy]

Well, good to know there are explanations for these switch failures. Also good to know that they are easily found and replaced. I guess I'll have to order the BMW-specific front because the illlustration is exactly what I need. As for replacing the rear, is there any consideration of bleeding the brakes when I do so? I just want to make sure I don't make a big mess, brake fluid all over the floor or something. Having a container ready would be good.

Now, I'm wondering if perhaps I've been riding around for some time with one or both of these non-functional. But now that I have discovered it, they've got my immediate attention. Not only for the practical side of needing them functional to pass the annual safety inspection but on a much more serious note, I don't want to ride around knowing that my rear brake light doesn't work. At the very least I won't be relaxed and I'll always be nervous when someone is visible in my mirrors when I slow down. I want to mitigate any worry and anxiety - riding is supposed to be FUN!

And finally the legal aspect. You'll get the attention of law enforcement when some safety device is out, and give them more reason to pull you over for something else they might otherwise let slide. I don't need the aggrivation when I could have easily fixed the problem.

[mr-brightside]

not sure what the law is where you are but here in the UK i think a lot of older bikes only work the brake light with either the front or rear brake and not both but if the switch is fitted to both then it has to work with both. also looks like once you take the old switch off the brakes will need bleeding as mines not working to good now so ile have to sort that tomarrow,

[DAVID THOMPSON]

i have found the rear one on my rt125 to be a big pain to bleed

but it can all come off the rt125 as a unit

i hang it from the ceiling and bleed it by forcing fluid
in the puck end and out into the reservoir
it has to have all the air out to work correct

and it is a pain

dave

[mr-brightside]

yes i see what you mean i did mine today its a lot better then it was but still not perfect. i was also going to change the pads in the front but the bolts seem to be stuck solid so ile leave that for another day when ive more time.

[Meeners]

I bought a new switch and I already had to replace it because it broke again on the second day! I had to fab up a metal switch button to fit in there but the thing fell out under a hard braking coming from work yesterday. Why don't they make the button part on the 61 31 1 244 070 BMW piece metal instead of plastic!!!!!! My tail light is out again, hopefully I don't get a ticket!

I ordered two more from Capital Cycle... do you know anyone else that makes this switch that is more durable? Should I lube the inner surface of the brake lever that activates it?

[cat]

You can put a film of grease there but the switches are crap, typically. It reminds me, a couple weeks ago I saw that a vendor in Australia (with an ebay store as well) has nice stainless steel switches, so then i googled it and found only one other vendor that had them (or something similar). But the are inline switches, not a direct replacement.

[Meeners]

You can put a film of grease there but the switches are crap, typically. It reminds me, a couple weeks ago I saw that a vendor in Australia (with an ebay store as well) has nice stainless steel switches, so then i googled it and found only one other vendor that had them (or something similar). But the are inline switches, not a direct replacement.

My rear switch has been replaced as well... I should get the original bmw part switches in the mail this week... I'll try one more time, and if they go I'm thinking I'm going to replace the front with a pressure banjo switch... If I can confirm the threads on the MC for the banjo I can let you guys know which one works, these are a lot better.

Like these...

[cat]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Goodridge-Brake-Light-Switch-Banjo-Bolt-10X1-Stainless-Brake-Fitting-/120838349339?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item1c2286e21b#ht_2599wt_1270

[Meeners]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Goodridge-Brake-Light-Switch-Banjo-Bolt-10X1-Stainless-Brake-Fitting-/120838349339?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item1c2286e21b#ht_2599wt_1270

Yeah, but I need to confirm the thread pitch is right for the front. There are posters saying its the same as the rear thread, but I need solid information on the correct pitch... if it's m10 x 1.5/1.25/1.00

This says it is m10x1.00 but I have read multiple posts here that have countered otherwise... only irritating things about forums.
http://www.lambrettaspares.com/spares/h ... l0590.html

Here's a little cheaper one in m10x1.0
http://www.ebay.com/itm/SUZUKI-gsxr-DUC ... 09&vxp=mtr

[basser23]

The one I used on my skorpion is a Ducati switch 10x1.0.....nuff said?

[Meeners]

The one I used on my skorpion is a Ducati switch 10x1.0.....nuff said?

Awesome! Purchased the right one!

[Tigerboy]

bmw number for front
or aprilia number for rear
dave
the front one is a bmw part
61 31 1 244 070

This FRONT part fits models listed for year 1981 maybe others
R80, R80ST, R65, R80RT, R80GS, R100/7, R100CS, R100RS, R100RT, R65LS

also fits 2002 mz rt125cc and 1995 saxon tour and harley davidson sprint from early 1970's

looking at my notes from past work on my bike
aprilia number on parts bag is 8124479
this is for rear of rt125
search word brakeswitch

This is exactly it. I had to order the switches from two separate dealers (one for Aprilia, the other for BMW). Overall cost was about $50 with shipping for the two switches. Seems rather expensive but at least my Baghira passed inspection and I can now ride safe.

I'm wondering if the switches blowing were responsible for blowing my main 20A fuse? I seem to remember there was some kind of connection to the two events (for example, I stomped on the rear brake and the entire bike went dead). Always carry spare fuses with you. I actually had to get a lift to Advance Auto Parts from a motorist who happened to be passing by, which was rather embarassing.