Brake Light Not Working

[Djaniero]

So I finally got my cherry popped and took my bike out for the first time last night. It was a bit daunting as many people warned me not to ride at night due to various dangers. But I suited up with my gear, put my high vis on and off I went....to say that I was grinning from ear to ear was understatement.....I only have a lil aprila mx 125...but it was a joy to ride. I should have got into biking years ago!
Anywhooo I think you get the point lol

When I bought my bike the previous owner said the brake light was faulty. Sometimes it worked, sometimes it didn't. Anyway, last night was working fine when I set off, but about 15mins into my journey it stopped working - Mate was driving behind be luckily and told me.

Is there anyway to test whether its the bulb or a break in the circuit?

Thanks

[Polarbear]

Either buy a new bulb or use a multi meter.

It might well be the operating switch, especially the one down on the rear brake if that is not adjusted properly.

Infact, get a cheap multi meter and set it on DC volts

Then do things logically.
1: check bulb (including contact areas)
2: check fuse (if it has a seperate one)
3: Check front/back brake switch

Other than a broken wire there isn't much else to go wrong.
____________________
Triumph Trophy Launch Edition

[Djaniero]

Thanks mate. I've got a Halfrauds Multimeter at home.....only used it a handful of times though as electrics isnt one of my strong points

[Polarbear]

So set it on DC volts - 1st level above 12v, probably 20v

then check by having someone operate the brake lever while you check between power wire and earth for voltage.

To check the bulb, set multimeter on Ohms or continuity and connect to bulb contacts. Be aware it might be a twin filament bulb.
____________________
Triumph Trophy Launch Edition

[andyscooter]

if it was the bulb blown it wouldn't work at all would it

im guessing faulty switch

does it work off front brake lever as well though
____________________
gilera runner vxr200 (chavped)
if its spelt wrong its my fat fingers and daft auto correct on my tablet

[Recluso]

Check the connection in the brake lever? Might be some water in there causing it to intermittently come on and off.
____________________
'Just erotic. Nothing kinky. It's the difference between using a feather and using a chicken.'
Honda PS125i > Yamaha YBR125 > Yamaha XJ6 Diversion > Yamaha Tracer 900

[BillyJ]

The switches are often a weak point, I had 2 fail on my CBR 125

You should always have a spare bulb to test with anyway by I would start by looking at the switch by the brake lever especially if it is an intermittent problem.
____________________
Had: '06 CBR125R + '01 GSF600 + '07 SPRINT ST 1050 + '80 CB250 RSA + '93 Ducati 900SS
Have: '13 GSXR-1000 + '01 CB500S
"The aryan confuser"

[Rogerborg]

If you put your location in your profile then a friendly BCFer might be able to drop by, suck their teeth and say "Oh, that'll cost you."
____________________
Biking is 1/20th as dangerous as horse riding.
GONE: HN125-8, LF-250B, GPz 305, GPZ 500S, Burgman 400 // RIDING: F650GS (800 twin), Royal Enfield Bullet Electra 500 AVL, Ninja 250R because racebike

[Polarbear]

If it was one brake switch it would work on the other ie, if the back switch was faulty the front would work or vice versa. If it works with neither it must be either the supply before it splits (Fuse?) or the earth return from the bulb.

I'm presuming you have both front and back brake light switches I did have a suzuki GT500 that was built with only one on the back brake.

I agree it's unlikely to be the bulb, but test it/change it anyway. It is the first and easiest test to do.

If it is a double filament bulb and the other light works OK, you can ignore the earth/return line as it will be common.
____________________
Triumph Trophy Launch Edition

[thx1138]

meh, just forget it until the day before the MOT and then run around panicking.

[Rogerborg]

[Djaniero]

[weasley]