"Limp" Front Brake Lever
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2005
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From: A barrier island in NJ
"Limp" Front Brake Lever
The front brake lever on my '05 XL1200R does not return all the way to its stop when released, and consequently the brake light is on all the time unless I keep the lever pushed against its stop. Brake fluid level is where it should be, so am I looking at the need to rebuild the front brake fluid reservoir? Anyone else ever run across this?
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 3,146
Likes: 50
From: A barrier island in NJ
No, it's "loose" after just sitting. Loose is not a good description. It simply never returns all the way to its stop, thereby always activating the brake light. If it weren't for the brake light being on all the time because of the lever, I'd not be concerned.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 5,067
Likes: 394
From: Edmonton Alberta Canada
Yes I'd say the return spring in the master cylinder has gotten weak, broken or is binding, there seems to be a new one included with most rebuild kits so it must be a common problem.
https://www.google.ca/search?q=harle...GpiujwOK_qGYAQ
Make sure you get the 1/2" bore kit for dual disk brakes.
https://www.google.ca/search?q=harle...GpiujwOK_qGYAQ
Make sure you get the 1/2" bore kit for dual disk brakes.
Last edited by HOTLAP; Oct 23, 2015 at 10:54 AM.
Tourer
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 431
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From: Virginia
Inside the switch housing there is a small v shaped spring. If that was shaken loose over the course of time it may have raised up a bit and is not putting enough pressure on the lever in order for it to make contact with the "button" for lack of a better word that turns the brake lights off. It works opposite of what you would think. When you pull the lever pressure comes off the button and the lights come off. When you release it, the v spring makes sure there's enough pressure on the button to turn the lights off.
Just open up the switch housing and take a peak. If you have the manual you'll see exactly the spring I'm talking about. Just get a really small screw driver or a needle and push it down farther.
Just open up the switch housing and take a peak. If you have the manual you'll see exactly the spring I'm talking about. Just get a really small screw driver or a needle and push it down farther.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 2,488
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From: Maryland near DC
get a can of crcpowerlube or the equiv. and give area around the master cylinder and brake handle a good spray (i.e., spray the **** out of it) while holding a rag around the area to catch the runoff...that will prolly fix the issue.. if not move up to what the others have said...
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Tourer
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 380
Likes: 21
From: Colombia
i just had a similar problem , opened up the brake unit ..there is the thing at the back that had moved a little bit , put it back in position ..the easy part is taking out the handle to see that is all clean ..bit more fiddly opening the other part of it ..i am not mechanical , i watched the mechanic do it ..
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Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
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From: Bedford UK
Do you know when the brake fluid was last changed? If you don't know, or it was a long time ago, I suggest flushing the system with new fluid. That may not cure it, in which case buy a rebuild kit for the master cylinder, strip, clean and rebuild.
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JustDave71
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May 21, 2010 11:10 PM
