Triumphrat

Syberian · 03-10-2006

I have a tear in the rubber boot over the rear brake light switch.

The boot is not shown on the Tiger parts microfiche, so could anyone help me with a way to protect this switch?

BTW - The front brake light switch is on / off but the rear seems to be progressive i.e. the harder you press the brighter the brake light.

Is this correct or is the switch on its way out?

Sorry if this has already been dealt with, but I've searched this forum and can't find anything!

smartin108 · 03-10-2006

I can't comment on the boot availibility, but the rear switch is NOT progressive. Just a simple set of contacts.

TucsonBill · 03-10-2006

Progressive contacts sound like a Lucas design! If there are nine wires, all cotton insulated, it's probably a stock Lucas part.
Now, somewhat seriously....If you clean the boot really well, cyanoacrylate (Super) glue works really well for repairing tears in rubber boots and other covers. Just make sure you get all the oil/grease off before glueing. The glue that came with my Scottoiler is the best I've ever used. I don't know the brand, it just says Scottoiler.

Syberian · 03-11-2006

Thanks for that, but I'm not sure I'll be able to glue it, as it's more of a frayed cut!

I was wondering whether a couple of black condoms would work (if wire tied top and bottom)

iansoady · 03-11-2006

Quote:

On 2006-03-11 03:18, Syberian wrote:
Thanks for that, but I'm not sure I'll be able to glue it, as it's more of a frayed cut!

Try self amalgamating tape from here and elsewhere if you're a cheapskate like me. Excellent for repairing rubbery sort of things.

Syberian · 03-11-2006

Thanks Ian,

That looks perfect

Andy

DAGAD · 03-12-2006

Hi Andy, try Paul at Lynx motor cycles in Lincoln. He breakes Triumphs and WILL have one, not necessarilly from a Tiger but one from another model will do the job. Call him on:
01522 801404. It's only going to be pennies.
It's progressive because it is operated by the pressure in the brake line, not on/off electricial switch.
Roy.

Tigerbob · 03-12-2006

First off the switch is not progressive it is designed to be either on or off, the hydraulic pressure in the pipe is progressive but the switch is designed to operate (on/off) at the smallest pressure difference in the brake pipe.

The reason you are getting a difference in illumination is because the switch is full of water due to the rubber boot being split. If you were to disect the switch you will find that the contacts are covered in a corrosion like mould, thus when you apply normal/light pressure to the switch the current across the contacts has to fight its way through the corrosion which forms a resistance. Applying harder pressure to the switch merely squashes or reduces this corrosion and reduces the resistance across the contacts.

Today I went to a bike auto jumble where dozens of different boots were available, you could try a local auto jumble in you area. Another method would be to buy a short length of heat shrink tubing wide enough to drop the switch inside, expose switch to the fixing bolt, apply heat to tubing and wallah!! switch and wiring is now insulated from the elements.
Hope this helps :hammer:

airrider03 · 11-30-2006

Hello everyone!
I know this is a subject past and gone, but it describes exactly what my problem is.
My '05 Tiger already had it's switch replaced under warranty, and now the new one is already shot, I need to stand on the rear brake pedal to lite up the brakelight and it does seem progressive.
Is the switch a sealed unit throwaway, or can I access the contacts to clean them and re-assemble the switch unit......

25,000 miles and going strong

I'm going to kick myself in the butt for not bringing the bike in for a 2nd replacement before the warranty ran out last month.

Tigerbob · 11-30-2006

Here we go again. Unless someone has fitted a "progressive stoplight kit" I think Acumen make one then your brake light switch is either on or off, just like the switch that operates your household lights, On/Off or Off/On it's as simple as that.

The reason you have to put so much pressure on the brake lever to illuminate the stop light is because the brake lever wants adjusting. Take out some slack where the lever connects to the master cylinder. Not too much or the rear brake will be on all th time.

No the switch can't be stripped.