[ronald moens]

Hello, the front brake light (classic 500, 2020) doen't work, the rear break light is working, the connection to the front brake is ok, what to do?

[johno]

check the switch is making contact or replace the switch.

[Johnq]

There's a small rubber boot around the switch mechanism,  give it a wiggle in and out a few times they seem to stick at first,

[ren]

I had this on my 2020 Trials. Spray in a very little GT85 or similar PTFE product under the boot then work the lever several times. As mentioned above, it's almost certainly just a sticking switch.

[ronald moens]

Yes, this was the cause, it works now, thanks!!

[Mark1971]

I guess it's a common issue with the brake light switch. My 2020 classic was suffering with the sticking switch, purchased a new one and its also doing it. Never had an issue on any of my previous bikes, only this one. Its a bit worrying as I like other road users to know when I'm braking. How long should it take to wear in?  The original switch was only 3 months old and had covered about 1100 miles and I reckon I've used the brakes a fair few times in that distance.

[Johnq]

I pulled the boot back and squirted a little ACF50 in the boot and popped it back on, all good so far, I'm guessing they were originally lubed with a gloopy grease that has thickened,

[johno]

be careful, ACF50 rots rubber........

[Keef Sparrow]

be careful, ACF50 rots rubber........

I've always used WD-40 for this sort of thing. It's good for cleaning things - especially anything electrical.

[Haggis]

ACF-50 over spray will not harm any rubber components
but saturation of "natural rubber" in door gaskets and window seals or harness gaiters of old cars or
motorcycles (40+ years) should be avoided
WD 40 is petroleum based and will damage rubber components.

[Ove]

Ive seen reports of it drying out rubber, but in my experience I've never had a problem with overspray. There are a couple of types of plastic to avoid using it on, but rubber, seals etc. have been fine for me, but I don't dowse them in the stuff. Also, I'd doubt it does much that's useful for the rubber. A silicone based product helps bring back the flex in old rubber. Something like Gummi-pflege.

[Keef Sparrow]

WD 40 is petroleum based and will damage rubber components.

I've been spraying it all over everything on bikes and cars for 40 years and never had the slightest problem with it. I always wipe it straight off if it gets my tyres but it's never damaged them.

[Ove]

I'm decorating during lockdown. Needed extra wallpaper paste, so wheeled the Enfield out. Thought, I'll just check the brake lights. Nothing from the front! Levered the little rubber boot off, dab of penetrating oil, then 3-in-1 and all is fine.

Is that boot really only held on by the short length of copper wire? Really? Is there a knack to getting it back on?

Cheers!

[Guaire]

I use a specific electronic contact cleaner spray.
  This job is not about lubrication.

[Ove]

On mine, the tiny white pin was staying in when the pressure from the lever was released. After lubricating, it sprang out and was free to move again.