Rear brake light switch issue

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undead
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Rear brake light switch issue

Probably a real simple one...

Have not had time in daylight to look properly yet, basically my business parter was following me on the bike, and noticed that the rear brake light was flicking all the time.

This is a relatively new problem, as I have had people follow me last week, who I have checked with, and it was fine.

The brake lever feels loose, and tighenting the bolts on top of the brake level (which were not loose anyway) does not seem to have any effect.

It would seem that the slightest touch on n the contact where the brake level pushes lights up the rear brake, and I cannot see any obvious way of changing this...

Is there a way of adjusting the brake switch sensitivity, or is it likely there is a part come loose somewhere that can be adjusted?

Yours technically incompetant,

Chris!

Jasper
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Re: Rear brake light switch issue

I have the same problem a few months ago, rear brake light flashing on & off. I noticed this when looking in my rear view mirror, the refection of my rear brake light flashing on the back on road signs as I passed them.
The problem is the rear brake light switch plunger wearing out, causing the switch to become sensitive to the slightest movement of the brake lever. This can activate the brake switch on & off with just the lever moving up & down when riding.
The answer is to replace the switch with a new one; I tried to order one from Vectrix but was unable to because of their resent bankruptcy.
I found a compatible replacement from Italjet, the switch seems better than the original. The only major difference is the diameter of the barrel is larger but the protective rubber cover will still slide over & protect the switch.

https://secure.italjet.co.uk/onlineshop/product_info.php?products_id=170

Regards,

Paul

I will just keep riding till it goes bang!

undead
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Re: Rear brake light switch issue

On closer inspection, it would appear that you are right!

I have contacted Hesketh UK as bike is still under warranty for the moment, will see what happens...

RaDy
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Re: Rear brake light switch issue

I have always had this problem, the first time i realised about this "glitch" was when we had the first Barcelona reunion, the person who was behind me told me about the rear light switching.
I asked the the technical service and they said it was probably my way of driving with 2 fingers always on top of the brake, but i have comfirmed it is a brake lever problem, even if you dont put your fingers on top of and you drive over a "pothole" or something the rear light will go switching on/off.
So its a production defect, not a driving habit defect.You have comfirmed this for me.
Thankyou for the advice as to how to replace the "glitch".
RaDy

Drew
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Re: Rear brake light switch issue

I've had the same problem - rear brake lever was a bit loose and rubbed the switch contact plunger away every time I went over bumps in the road. My solution - drill and tap the handle and fit an adjuster grub/set screw to offset the switch action slightly. It works really well and I am sure that I haven't weakened the handle significantly! The grub/set screw is potted in place with threadlock. At least my brake light works correctly now - it was such a distraction before. Best wishes, Drew

Drew

X Vectrix
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Re: Rear brake light switch issue

One thing you may want to check (if this problem is happening when the throttle is in the neutral position) is that the throttle is centered when you enable the scoot. If it is slightly biased in the positive throttle direction when enabled it will be slightly biased in the regen direction when released. So any little nudge could cause it to apply the brakelight b/c it thinks its regenning. This does not apply if the problem is ocurring while the throttle is not near neutral.

Reid250
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Re: Rear brake light switch issue

I have found and fixed the same problem with many IC bikes. I scuff the end of the plunger with a file and put a dab of epoxy on it. Sometimes it is perfect, sometimes it takes a couple of strokes of the file after hardening to get the best length.

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