Rainman

Hello everyone my girlfriend has an 86 450 Rebel and when she hits the front brake lever there are no brake lights, and when you hit the rear brakes really, really hard they will come on (past the point of the bike stopping) Any ideas? Where is the brake switch(es) located? and the fuses? She found the 20amp fuse behind the battery, but no others. Thanks for any help!

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cagie

Front brake switch is located on the handlebar lever, #1 in the picture (the thing with two wires coming out if it under the master cylinder). Check it to make sure the wires are connected. If you can, check the switch with a volt/ohm meter. The switch may be bad and need replacing.
frontbrakeswitch.jpg

The rear brake light switch needs to be adjusted. It is located on the frame just behind and above where the brake lever is attached to the frame. There is a round switch there with a spring on it #8 in the picture below. Turn the housing of the switch until the spring gets tighter and check it. You should only have to press just a little to get the rear brake light when depressing the brake pedal.
swtich450.jpg

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Comments contained in my posts are not intended to cause physical or psychological stress and are mearly my two cents worth, and in this economy, that's cheap!
87 CMX250C 'the Pygmy Pony'
87 CMX450C 'Black Lithium'

Rainman

Woohoo!! Thanks so much!! Thats exactly the info I am looking for! I told her to go on the forum and look at the post. She will try it after she makes lasagna!! lol! I will let you know how it works out. Thanks again.

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socalmarcus

I completely agree - lasagna first!

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'07 VN900 Classic
'99 Rebel 250
'73 XL 175

Rebelgirl1978

I had a similar problem...the brake lights would come on with the front brake but not the rear. Mine ended up being a disconnected wire for the rear brake. Had to trace the wiring through to find the problem

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1985 Honda Rebel 250
2008 Honda Rebel 250

Rainman

Well she fiddled with it, but said she could not get at it good enough to be able to tighten it, so she booked it in for a full service on friday. Since it is new to her that is probably a good idea to have everything gone through and fluids changed and brakes ect checked. I am proud of her for wanting to try and solve it herself and not be afraid to bust some knuckles on her own bike. Thanks again for the help. I forgot to ask her to save me some of that Lasagna too!........DAMN!!

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Rainman

Problem solved!! I took a picture of my brake adjustment on my bike with my phone and sent it to her, and within 5 mins she had it adjusted and both front and bake brake lights work perfect!! She adjusted it by hand even and didn't need tools. So heads up for anyone else with this problem....it's an easy fix. She was so happy to be able to go riding again, and proud of herself for fixing it herself. Thanks again everyone.

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