Stop Lamp Indicator Operation

Here's a basic question.
The red light on my instrument cluster for the Stop Lamp comes on whenever I use my brakes as though it was wired in parallel to my rear brake light. The rear brake light works fine with either the front or rear brakes. I've always assumed that's what it's supposed to do even though it is odd to see a red light come on in an area that would normally be reserved for an "oh heck!" type of warning.
Is this normal operation or do I have a problem here?
-Too much time on my hands...

Honestly, I am not sure. Some old test reports tell of a lamp that lights up every time you brake as to tell you your lamp is OK - if it doesn't light up, the bulb has blown. My Z400 twin was like that until it became erratic and finally failed. I fitted a unit from my spare bike - same year, same model - and it only lit up when I turned on the ignition for a few seconds to show it was working, then would stay dark until the bulb went. So there are either two different systems made, or one of mine was defect.

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It's normal. That light comes on with the brake light whenever the front or rear brake is applied to show you the brake light is working properly. Ed

DiamondSkyBlue1000 wrote: Here's a basic question.
The red light on my instrument cluster for the Stop Lamp comes on whenever I use my brakes as though it was wired in parallel to my rear brake light. The rear brake light works fine with either the front or rear brakes. I've always assumed that's what it's supposed to do even though it is odd to see a red light come on in an area that would normally be reserved for an "oh heck!" type of warning.
Is this normal operation or do I have a problem here?
-Too much time on my hands...

It is supposed to come on when the brake light is on. If the rear brake light bulb is blown, it will be on when the brake is pressed and then flashing continuously when you let off the brake pedal. It's a rear bulb failure warning.

The indicator lamp is supposed to come on when you apply the brakes, either front or back. If it fails to light, either the indicator lamp is out or the brake lamp itself. It is designed in this way to keep the system simple but yet effective. Remember, bulb failures were more common back in the day, as the original spec of these bulbs was only a few hundred hours.

It's genius!