Brake light and Front Brake Lever

[ruSTyEB]

did a quick search but not immediate answer, so I was hoping the magic of the interwebs would have one waiting for me when I awake from my slumber.

I have a 93 ST1100, and whilst doing a quick light check tonight noticed my rear brake light did not illuminate when depressing the front brakes lever.  I hear a click as though a switch is being pressed, but no light.  Rear brake works fine and is bright. 

Question:  is the front brake supposed to activate the brake light?  I would assume so as other bikes do.

If the answer is yes, I will start troubleshooting a likely loose wire or faulty switch.

[alans1100]

Faulty brake light switch..........generally I replace mine every 18 months to two years

[ruSTyEB]

Cheers Alan. Haven't had the ST long and hadn't noticed before it not working.

[saaz]

It should. I had to clean mine with contact cleaner soon after I got the bike. Also check that the wires have not come loose, as they can be fiddly to put on.

[ruSTyEB]

Corroded contacts.  Bit of WD40 fixed them up.  The rubbers weren’t on so that’s what led to the corrosion.  The switch does have a dead spot in the middle of the contact range, so I’ll be ordering a new switch regardless.  Thanks for the input guys!

[Biggles]

Corroded contacts.  Bit of WD40 fixed them up.  The rubbers weren’t on so that’s what led to the corrosion.  The switch does have a dead spot in the middle of the contact range, so I’ll be ordering a new switch regardless.  Thanks for the input guys!

With a nickname like that I'd be checking the rest of the bike thoroughly for corrosion!