Rear brake switch HELP


Information and questions on GL1500 Goldwings (1988-2000)
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PaulAshcroft
Posts: 9
Joined: Wed Apr 12, 2023 1:58 am
Location: Blyth
Motorcycle: GL1500 SE SET 1996/7

Rear brake switch HELP

Post by PaulAshcroft »



Hiya folks. Attempting to change a rear brake switch tomorrow. Complete beginner. Press lever only 1 click need 2 clicks (I have one just the cruise control cancel which works)

The rear brake lights works (2 faint clicks) when pulling the front lever. So bulbs and power to rear is fine. Assume when I change the switch I will get 2 clicks again from the rear and this means it's working is this correct

REAR brake switch update 1500SE. Lubed and adjusted wheel. No luck. Still one click. Springs in place and moving fine, brake lights light up on front lever fine. Thing is with the 2 side panels off I can't see how I can get to the switch end without removing the whole right side. Can it be done without? Cheers struggling here 😅 I have a new switch just don't know how to get to it.


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Andy Cote
Posts: 1185
Joined: Sun Feb 27, 2011 11:38 am
Location: Windham, ME
Motorcycle: 2015 Goldwing, basic black

Re: Rear brake switch HELP

Post by Andy Cote »

It's been a while for me so I don't remember exactly. The brake lever configuration actually has two switches, hence the two clicks. I can't remember the switch setup for the pedal. I remember there are different switches for different years. I seem to remember that is a pain to get out but can be done with sufficient wiggling. Might have to remove a backet.

Sorry I don't have the secret solution. Assume you have searched all the other threads.
2015 Goldwing, basic black

Previously: GL1200 standard, GL1200 Interstate, GL1500 Goldwing, GL1500 Valkyrie Standard, 2000 Valkyrie Interstate, many other Hondas
PaulAshcroft
Posts: 9
Joined: Wed Apr 12, 2023 1:58 am
Location: Blyth
Motorcycle: GL1500 SE SET 1996/7

Re: Rear brake switch HELP

Post by PaulAshcroft »

I've looked everywhere inc you tube. Defo should have 2 clicks but only has one. So I fiddled with the adjuster some more and very briefly did get the rear to light howver the cable cover got warm wasn't sure if this is normal. Backed off the adjuster and it went off. But don't think it's spring adjust as when I went the other way it wouldn't come back on. 1 click throughout. Perplexing and annoying as I know it will fail on MOT. no chance I'm going to be able to change the switch entirely without removing the lower rear foot peg panel and the entire right upper side panel. Surely can't be that difficult!
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Rambozo
Posts: 4045
Joined: Sun Apr 01, 2018 8:36 pm
Location: Disneyland
Motorcycle: 1992 GL1500 Aspencade
Ducati Monster

Re: Rear brake switch HELP

Post by Rambozo »

The cruise cancellation and brake light are two separate switches. The one for the lights is adjustable and is a plunger switch pulled by a spring. The one for the cruise is a small microswitch.
PaulAshcroft
Posts: 9
Joined: Wed Apr 12, 2023 1:58 am
Location: Blyth
Motorcycle: GL1500 SE SET 1996/7

Re: Rear brake switch HELP

Post by PaulAshcroft »

UPDATE **

Weirdly seem to have resolved it. So the top of the spring that pulls the pin in and out of the switch was working ok after wd40 2nd click returned at the rear. However wasn't lighting the rear until I twisted the pin about 2mm clockwise ie turning it rather than pulling up and down. Brake lever works fine now. If I reach in and turn spring (ie switch pin) 2mm counterclockwise it stops working. Must be a contact issue inside.
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Rambozo
Posts: 4045
Joined: Sun Apr 01, 2018 8:36 pm
Location: Disneyland
Motorcycle: 1992 GL1500 Aspencade
Ducati Monster

Re: Rear brake switch HELP

Post by Rambozo »

You adjust the brake light switch by turning the knurled collar to move the switch closer or farther from the pedal.




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