I changed grips and Levers. No problems till a few hours in the saddle. All signs point to a bad front brake switch. I followed the directions on the part swap outs, but it sounds like the switch is easily damaged. The question is should I attempt the replacement, or try a warranty replacement? Looks like 10 pounds of sh-- in a five pound bag behind the switches!

 

If you broke it have eopugh integrity to put on your man pants and NOT file a false warranty claim

 

Either way, if you are not sure what you are doing get it into a shop.
Playing with electrical and not knowing what you are doing can set you
back big bucks....

 

Sounds like your brake switch has dropped out of place inside the switch cover. If the brake switch drops out of position, which is easy, the brake light will be on all the time; that also will explain why your cruise won't work.....it should disengage when you apply the brakes.
The brake switch is a normally closed switch, that is, when the brake lever is at rest, it holds the switch in, leaving the circuit 'open'. (lamp off)
When you pull the lever, the switch pops out into it's 'normally closed' position.(circuit closed, lamp on)
Those switches are VERY robust, I doubt it has failed. Remove your brake lever and see if the switch is loose. If is is, it can remain in the 'normally closed' position all the time, which is what you describe is happening.
It needs that little copper v-shaped keeper behind it in the switch cover to hold it in place properly. I just changed out all my controls and switch covers and put a dab of silicone on the keeper so it couldn't come loose.

CN

 

In addition....if the keeper HAS dropped out of place it is a real easy fix, despite how busy it is inside the switch covers.
I can walk you through it.

CN

 

Thanks CN, I'll crack it back open and give it a shot.
J

 

this what you need to do..........take the brake lever off and before reassembly wedge something, anything (i used a torx screw bit) between the lever and the stop on the lever.......basically you want to partionaly apply the brake, so the lever is not pushing against the switch when you reassemby and tighten the screws. be sure to hold the brake lever against the swsitch assembly as tight as possible when tightning the screws for the lever and the switch. then un wedge the brake lever and enjoy!!

 

You might have forgot to place a small piece of carboard in between your lever and m/c housing and broke the plastic cap off the switch. No warranty here, this one is on you.