New to me 97 vfr but need help with front brake light switch

first of all, my apologies. I meant to post pics of my bike sooner but started stripping it down before I could take the 'before' pictures. Anyway, here's what I'm working on. 97 VFR, never down and 30,000 miles.



My question is concerning the front brake switch. At first it didn't work. The rear brake switch works fine. I tried a different brake switch from a nissin master I had in the garage, still didn't work. Then I noticed it would work intermittently if I revved above 3500 RPM.

so I checked the brake switch connectors and the voltage was really low, approx 5V or so. So I cleaned the right control connectors with some contact cleaner. The brake light started working mostly, but would not activate once in a while. so I cleaned some more. So far it seems to be better but I'd rather not find out the hard way, the brake light is not working when I use the front only. I'm pretty sure I've got it resolved but can anyone else think of any other connectors or places in the wiring I should check? I guess I'm being a little paranoid but I have to ask.

 

I could be wrong, but I seem to remember mine giving a bit of trouble from the bulbs being loose in the holders. That would affect both brakes though. Isn't it that if you disconnect from the switch and join the wires the light should come on? That would tell if if it's a switch or wiring issue.

 

yeah, did that after testing another switch. Same thing happened. the light would only come on when revved to about 3500. Anyway, just went back out to the garage to finish putting the plastic back on. the switch is behaving like nothing was wrong. Unless there's another theory, I'm still thinking dirty contacts in the right bar control connector. Just hope it doesn't start acting up again... in traffic.

anyway, heres the bike all back together minus the front windscreen. Still waiting for denniskirk to drop it off at my house. C'mon, C'mon big brown ups van!

 

Cheap as i am and squeezing by on SS retirement income only, i've had to try opening up a couple of those switches to clean the contacts. A fiddly job that can go wrong, but i did have success once or twice. Need steady hands. Same with rear switch, clean contactswith sandpaper after prising it apart deftly. Especially after long storage.

 

yeah, I hear you on the swtiches, a complete PITA.

The switch doesn't seem to be the problem since other ones I tried as tests, did the same thing. I think cleaning the contacts on my harness connectors that lead from the right side controls to behind the speedo seems to have worked. I've been checking the front brake lever/switch daily, seems to be more consistent and working. hope it doesn't act up again.