Brake lights

[chromium05]

Evening people.

Just developed a problem with my rear brake lights. They don't come on when either lever is used.

Rear lights come on when headlights are in use - just no braking illumination.

This is basic **** I should be able to sort out so I feel a bit stupid asking, but with no electrical knowledge whatsoever I am not sure where to start.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Darrell

[v8-powered]

Start with checking the fuse or bulb - Could be that simple. Replace with known good ones.

Not going to be a switch, a front and back brakes use separate switches.

[Lateshift]

First of all check the bulbs to make sure that if they are double filament they havent blown the brake light ones (although its rare for both to go)

Second check would be to check the fuse on the brake light path

Brake light circuits arent that difficult to work through, once the ignition is on the circuit works when the brake switch on the lever or the pedal is depressed (thus making a circuit) so there is very little to them, especially on older bikes.

[kasandrich]

A meter would be a very usefull tool for diagnosing this. You can heck the resistance of the bulb filaments to confirm they are OK, you can stick a probe into the bulb holder with a bulb removed, to confirm whether 12v is present and you can check the switches.

When is the last time you checked that both switches worked, by checking both the front and the rear brakes operated the lights?.......no I thought not! so it is possible BOTH switches have gone, it is unlikely, but do not rule it out.

If you were closer I would offer to come and sort it out for you.

[crescent750]

nine times outa ten.... its the bulb.... i've had the same problem in the past. the first thing i normally do before anything is chuck a new bulb in. if it don't work then try the above...

[chromium05]

OK. Cheers for that fellas.

I started looking around the bike trying to follow the cables and it was like rummaging through a bowl of spaghetti. I have a wiring diagram but I went all dyslexic when I looked at it. I did manage to find a fiver in my bike. Must've dropped it when getting petrol and it managed to get inside the fairing panel. A bit damp and slightly greasy but I'm sure One Stop will have it....

First question, where can I get some bulbs and fuses from?

Second question, where can I get a meter - is there any particular thing I should be looking for? Oh...and can I get one in Argos :rockon

Third - I don't suppose anyone knows what length chain I need for an 89 vfr400 nc30?

Appreciate the help

D

[chromium05]

A meter would be a very usefull tool for diagnosing this. You can heck the resistance of the bulb filaments to confirm they are OK, you can stick a probe into the bulb holder with a bulb removed, to confirm whether 12v is present and you can check the switches.

When is the last time you checked that both switches worked, by checking both the front and the rear brakes operated the lights?.......no I thought not! so it is possible BOTH switches have gone, it is unlikely, but do not rule it out.

If you were closer I would offer to come and sort it out for you.

Tried to get to the rear switch and I have to remove the rearset - I have allen keys of all sizes except the one I need for this. (argos for allen keys tomorrow) Can the switches be repaired or are they to be replaced - if they have to be replaced where do I go and what do I need? ( I DID say I was useless at this lark)

And this question has an answer that I think I can figure out - how the hell do I change / replace or top up fork oil?
I reckon Glenn at Direct Torque is past due for a visit. Thinking of it, I should probably just take it in for what looks like a massively major (and expensive) service - filters, carbs and all related engine tuning jobs, chain and sprockets etc etc.

I only came to ask about the lights as someone is coming to have a look at it on Wednesday and I wouldn't want them riding it home with no brake lights - everything else thay are aware of. If she doesn't sell I'll tart her up over the winter - starting with a tummy tuck and engine lipo.

[richy rich]

Third - I don't suppose anyone knows what length chain I need for an 89 vfr400 nc30?

Appreciate the help

D

doesnt matter how long it is because you can take links out if its too long...you should have a split link in the chain so you just take a link from there....the bulbs you should be able to get from any bike shop...just ask for a stop and tail light bulb..just tell them what bike you have aswell just to be sure:grin2

[Lateshift]

Split link and chain doesnt sound quite right for a 400cc bike Rich ;) (i know they used to come with them, although i would have that off straight away :) ).

If there was a split link in it, then i would be parking the thing up and getting a proper soft link put in ;)

But he is right in so much as you can take links out of a chain :)

As far as i know for the standard sprockets its a 525 pitch chain with 104 links (15 tooth sprocket on the front and 40 tooth sprocket on the rear).

[richy rich]

well scrap the idea of the split link then lol