Motorcycle Repair: help, brake light switch, hydraulic brakes

Question
I am about to buy a 94 hd 883 the only problem it has is the back brake light is staying and he said he has replaced the brake light cable and it didn't work what else could  it be

Answer
Hi Rickie,

The brake light is controlled by the
front and rear brake light switches.

Most Harleys use hydraulic brakes
at least on the rear so the brake light
switch will be screwed into the master
cylinder where you add fluid or possibly
on the brake hose nearby.
You should see the wires attached to it.

The front brake light switch is usually
activated by the front brake lever on a cable
or the brake fluid pressure on the
front master cylinder on a hydraulic brake.

Again you should see wires near the brake lever
going to the switch.

If either of these switches malfunctions the
brake lights could either stay on or not work
at all.

If you have no brake light then the fuses
would be the first thing to check followed
by the bulb and brake switches etc.

If you have a mechanical brake switch
then it may have some adjustment
to make sure it goes off and on at the
correct time.

The hydraulic brake light switches have to be replaced
if faulty as they cannot be repaired.
The brakes may also need to be bled
of air if the brake light switch is not changed quickly.
Any air that enters the brake system is not
good for performance or safety.

Other causes for the light staying on
would be a short in the brake wiring to a live
wire like the tailight if it is on.

Most likely is a faulty brake switch if the
light is sticking on.
If off then check fuses and bulbs.

Good luck!
Wayne S.
------------------------------------------------------