Brake Light switch on 1979 R65

[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.

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

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

For bikes over 25-years old. Texas Antique Motorcycle plates are produced in one big run with an expiration date, currently of March 2018. They are prorated thru the 5-year period so if you go this route in the Fall, your tag will cost you $36.00.

The law states that the bike may be ridden in "parades, organized club events, rally, etc. The kicker that keeps you legit 24/7 is the line that states the bike is being ridden for maintenance checks. Although I've never ever been stopped by the 5-0, the legal statement that, "I'm checking the proper operation of the bike's de-atomizer high-compression chamber" will meet the letter of the law. Three classic Airheads all rocking the Texas discount license plates.

[Kurt in S.A.]

Or you could use year-of-manufacture license plates as I am on 3 vehicles. You could be riding to the MOA National Rally, held next year in Hamburg, NY. Yes, officer, it's a club event!!

Kurt in S.A.

[jjwithers]

I am up against the same problem with a 1980 R65. The hydraulic brake switch gets stuck 'on'.
It will eventually go off after the bike sits for a while but once it goes on again, it stays on.
The bike has been sitting for many years, but the brake fluid is clear and clean.

My question is... how to replace that switch behind the headlight without making a total mess?

I guess drain the fluid from the caliper...
put rags all over the headlight area to catch the fluid
and then replace the switch.
add fluid, flush the system for bubbles, etc...

I hate anything to do with brake fluid. It always turns into a mess.