Monoshock Rear Brake Light Switch R&R

[Jeff in W.C.]

First of all, my bike is a 1988 R100 RT.

The rear brake light switch is bad. Can the switch be replaced without removing the swing arm? It looks very tight with the swing arm in place. I'm wondering if I can remove the wheel and shock and if letting the swing arm pivot down will give me sufficient room. If the swing arm has to be removed, I just may wait until I have to grease the splines again. I really don't use the rear brake without the front brake and the front brake light switch is working.

FYI, I unplugged the old switch and plugged in its replacement, and the new switch activates the brake lights as it should. So, I'm 100% sure the brake light switch is bad.

[Rob Frankham]

I think you'll find you can access the switch by removing the rear wheel.

Rob

[Jeff in W.C.]

Well, I can confirm that there is insufficient access to remove and replace the rear brake light switch with just removing the rear wheel and dropping the swing are as far down as possible after removing the shock. It appears that either the swing arm needs to be removed or the rear black plastic fender removed. Either way, it's a lot of effort, which I was not willing to do today. Looks like I'll end up replacing it next time I need to grease the splines, since I'll have the swing arm removed. Bummer.