Brake Light switch on 1979 R65

[bbelk]

Texas has passed an unfortunate law that forces me to get a safety inspection for the first time on my old motorcycles.

I just checked out the lights on my 1979 R65 and low and behold, the break light doesn't work. I have no idea how long its been like this. It is stuck on. The rear brake switch works fine. Its the front one that is stuck on. I unplugged it for the time being and will try and pass inspection with just the rear switch working.

So here is the question, what can go wrong with a front brake switch. It is easy to get to mounted in the brake lines under the head light. I assume it is a pressure switch. Can I get one from anyone other than BMW? Can they be cleaned.

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Brad

[Kurt in S.A.]

A guy on the MOA forum asked the same thing about this switch for an R65. The end result was just to buy another one. Take yours out and see if you can resurrect it...otherwise, probably check with Motorrad Elektrik for a replacement.

This Texas law...just passed or has it been there a long time? Every time for the 5-6 years I've gone to the BMW place to get my /7 inspected, they check brake lights. That's why my other two bikes are registered as antiques...no inspections. The /7 would qualify if I wanted to pursue that.

Kurt in S.A.

[bbelk]

This Texas law...just passed or has it been there a long time?

Kurt in S.A.

The requirement for the inspection has been around a long time. I just ignored it and sort of dared the cops to give a ticket to a bike older then they are. The new law is that there is no more sticker, but you can't get your plates renewed unless it has been inspected. I guess it works. I have just inspected my camper for the first time ever and both motorcycles and on one of them found the faulty brake light switch as a result.

When I pull that switch out, is brake fluid going to run all over the place?

[Rob]

It is a hydraulic switch, and while easy to replace, you will have to bleed your brake line afterward.
They get filled up with old, nasty brake fluid, and then they cannot retract.

OEM is crazy expensive. Motobins is your best bet. Part No.75400

I wouldn't be surprised if the local auto parts store would have something compatible.

[Kurt in S.A.]

OK, I thought you were talking about the front brake light switch...no fluid, just electrical. Brook Reams posted a short video of what his oil pressure switch looked like internally...probably will be similar to what your switch will be like.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/brook-reams/20785066122/

Kurt in S.A.

[bbelk]

Thanks Kurt and Rob. I am sure this switch is the same principle as the oil pressure switch, except that it has two terminals rather than just going to ground. I am not sure the Auto Parts store will have a generic two terminal switch, but I will check.

[Bamboo812]

That looks like any standard brake pressure switch from what I can see. Something to fit a '60s VW, and many other vehicles from that era, will work.

[montmil]

Brad, Is your old Airhead registered with Texas Antique Motorcycle plates? All three of my classic Airheads roll with the $60.00 for 5-years plates. No inspection required. But all the same, I have functional brake lights.

[chasbmw]

Over in the UK we have annual inspections 3 years or over, inspections don't cost much and usually my vehicles pass without problems, though a failed catalytic converter on a small alfa was very expensive. I'm happy with the way the scheme manages to get rid of some mobile death traps.

Funnily enough on a vehicle built before 1961, you don't need a test and on vehicles over 40 years old I don't pay any road tax. Sounds great I know, but I think that it might just be followed up by useage restrictions on older vehicles as the disparity in safety performance between old vehicles and new gets wider and wider.

[bbelk]

Motobins is your best bet. Part No.75400

I wouldn't be surprised if the local auto parts store would have something compatible.

I did find a generic one that probably would have worked but it was only a couple bucks less than Motobins. I ended up spending around $300, the the switch is coming with a couple oil and air filters and a set of mufflers.

Brad, Is your old Airhead registered with Texas Antique Motorcycle plates? All three of my classic Airheads roll with the $60.00 for 5-years plates. No inspection required. But all the same, I have functional brake lights.

I will be looking into this in the Fall before I have to renew.

Both my bikes passed, so I am legal for now.