Brake light sensitivity on a KZ650

  • murquiza
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Brake light sensitivity on a KZ650

04 Mar 2014 07:01
#624129
I have a question for you all guys with a KZ that uses the pressure sensor on the brake line to turn on the brake light.

How much pressure do you have to put on the lever for the light to turn on? Mine turns on in the last half or third of the lever total travel. Many times I'm braking lightly and the light won't come on. The back light is easier to regulate but I'm wondering if I have to replace my brake light switch and if a newer one wil switch sooner.
Bikes:
1979 KZ650-D2 SR
2006 Vulcan 2000-A
2006 ZX10R
2008 Versys KLE650

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  • 650ed
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Re: Brake light sensitivity on a KZ650

04 Mar 2014 07:55 - 04 Mar 2014 07:55
#624134
I've owned my KZ650-C1 since it was new. The front brake lever has always needed to be pulled in with a fair amount of pressure before the brake light comes on. Your description sounds the same as my bike. I suspect a new switch will act the same. Ed
1977 KZ650-C1 Original Owner - Stock (with additional invisible FIAMM horn)
Last edit: 04 Mar 2014 07:55 by 650ed.
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  • baldy110
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Re: Brake light sensitivity on a KZ650

04 Mar 2014 20:19
#624211
Mine just needs a light pressure on the brake and I too have owned it since new.

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  • wireman
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Re: Brake light sensitivity on a KZ650

04 Mar 2014 23:35
#624223
I wonder if cleaning the switch and reinstalling it would make a differance?
posting from deep under a non-descript barn in an undisclosed location southwest of Omaha.

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Re: Brake light sensitivity on a KZ650

05 Mar 2014 12:57
#624261
murquiza wrote: I have a question for you all guys with a KZ that uses the pressure sensor on the brake line to turn on the brake light.

How much pressure do you have to put on the lever for the light to turn on? Mine turns on in the last half or third of the lever total travel. Many times I'm braking lightly and the light won't come on. The back light is easier to regulate but I'm wondering if I have to replace my brake light switch and if a newer one wil switch sooner.
My KZ-750 has always had the same problem. The front (hydraulic) brake light actuator switch often takes a fair amount of pressure to work. I always lay my foot on the rear to light the brake light to make sure I am showing the light.
1979 KZ-750 Twin

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Re: Brake light sensitivity on a KZ650

05 Mar 2014 12:58
#624263
wireman wrote: I wonder if cleaning the switch and reinstalling it would make a differance?
Made no difference on mine.
1979 KZ-750 Twin

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Re: Brake light sensitivity on a KZ650

05 Mar 2014 15:49
#624277
wireman wrote: I wonder if cleaning the switch and reinstalling it would make a differance?

Cleaning does not help. I overhauled the whole system and cleaned until the brake cleaner came out clear from all the parts.

Not having another one to try it I couldn't tell if it was normal or not. The rear brake trick works, but I just wanted to find out if a new part was going to be of help.
Bikes:
1979 KZ650-D2 SR
2006 Vulcan 2000-A
2006 ZX10R
2008 Versys KLE650

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  • baldy110
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Re: Brake light sensitivity on a KZ650

05 Mar 2014 19:35
#624308
What happens to the switch is usually a result the brake fluid absorbing water over time. If the brake fluid is not changed regularly then the water in the brake fuild starts to corrode the internal componants of the switch so the sensitivity of the switch is then compromised. Cleaning it will do nothing, get a new one or a known good one and change the brake fluid every once in awhile

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