Front Brake Switch - 1987 R80RT

[Manfred]

How does the brake switch come out of the handlebar unit? I know the metal part unscrews, but how the switch with the wires connected come loose? Clymer's is NO help on this and I can't find anything that shows or tells me.

Many thanks!

[wirewrkr]

Here is what I use, it is a modified 11mm craftsman deep socket. the plug of the switch slides through the slot and voila, there you go. 7/16" works too
Craftsman is the only one I've found that is clearanced all the way down inside. Trust me it's the one that works.
I did this on a milling machine that I don't have any longer. You can get the same results with an air powered cut off wheel.

[Manfred]

Many thanks! Either Clymer's is not clear or I did not read it carefully, as I did not know that the switch is integrated with the cable, requiring the other end to be disconnected first. Need a new switch now. Several sites recommended VW switches, but they are 3 times as large in diameter than will fit my bike. K100 uses the same P/N I need and is less expensive than buying it from an airhead page - go figure.

[wirewrkr]

IF it is less expensive in a different page, it's not the same part.
61311459569 is the correct part number, it isn't cheap at $33.00, but Oh well.
The VW switch people refer to is a hydraulic activated switch used up through the 84 models.
There was also a small similar looking switch to yours used on different bikes in the eighties, but it's not the same size and it does have a detachable lead.
Your bike needs the switch number I listed. they used this switch on many different bikes as late as 2001 and maybe even later, but I can't remember that far ahead.

[Manfred]

I found that P/N here: http://engelandmoto.com/ for $17, listed for K1000. And only $3 shipping. I ordered this part earlier today, rec'd a confirmation email. Now there site says the part is out of stock. I wonder if I get an email Monday telling no part available.

[wirewrkr]

It's out of stock now that you have bought it.
They aren't a dealer, they just buy up old stock and resell it.
Make sure when you get the switch that it is in fact new.
Used ones are doomed to failure.
(These switches fail alot.)
We used to stock them at the dealer(s) I've worked for.

[Manfred]

Some good news - the part was listed as new and I rec'd an email telling me it had shipped. Will advise when it arrives and I install it. Many thanks for your assistance.

[Manfred]

The part arrived today! Actually - there were two new cable/switch assemblies in the bag, along with a connector that didn't look like it fit either end. This is what was advertised for the rear brake of a K100 - same P/N as the front for an R80RT. Both cables were identical to the one on my bike. I installed one - it works - and have the spare in my box of spare parts.

[Manfred]

FYI - I also discovered that Rick Jones at http://www.motoelekt.com/chassis.htm sells this same switch for $20 - $25.