I fitted a new "Lucas replica" brake light switch to my Lightning some months ago when I started its rejuvenation/restoration. I have not been riding it during that time as I couldn't start it, but now that I've achieved that and it's almost complete I have just found that the brake light switch is very intermittent over the arc of the lever's operation.
These switches are not cheap and I have had virtually no use from mine; has anyone else had problems with them?
Hi Martin on my 1966 A65L where the brake pedal actuates the brake light switch there is a small arm that is adjustable so that it makes better contact with the lever on the switch hope this helps Roy
The original switchs would only make contact just after the first bit of tension was released, it would stay on right through the full travel of the switch....
However, the pattern ones cut off again when the switch goes to the un-tensioned position (ie when your applying the brake).
If your willing to take it apart, a broad screwdriver to pry open the casing where its been crimped is sufficient. They can be easily taken apart. If you obtain a plastic screw, you can drill the casing and fix the screw so that the arm won't go beyond a certain position. Thus keeping the switch one when not under tension.
I had a new switch like yours and realised that the original Lucas switch would have had a complete brass contact arc as described above. The new ones from 'Lucas' (all part of the Wassells empire I believe) doesn't, and it's likely they have two separate, round contacts moulded in, with a non-contact area between.
I returned mine to the supplier as not fit for purpose, indeed dangerous, and got a full refund and I would strongly suggest Martin does the same.
As I've banged on about this many times, we used to put up with Wassell's extremely poor quality back in the 60's and 70's, but we don't have to now. They should be very ashamed that they are selling safety critical components such as switches that are clearly sub standard.
More than 30 years ago i threw out the switch, had noting but problems with it. Took a modern switch and still going without troubles.
Ok, it's not quite original, so there are more components that aren't.
Safety counts,
Gr gup
Gup
the modern switch you have installed is exactly the same as the one I fitted 20 years ago. Fit and forget.
On the A10 I fitted a micro switch in the bottom of the tool box with the operating arm projecting though the bottom of the box. a simple eccentric cam on brake pedal where the original switch spring attached made it very easy to adjust the sensitivity of the switch. Been on for 15 years no problem.
It was a Yamaha switch, i believe.