Adjusting brake handle - K1100LT

[Zork]

I have not seen mention of this in the BMW or Clymer manual.

The right hand brake handle closes and opens a microswitch mounted on the inside lower part of the assembly. If it is not adjusted correctly the brake light may not work correctly. To adjust the brake handle, remove the phillips screw and the rear cover. You will now see a regular flat screw which should have a little threadlocker fluid on it (red).

The idea is to adjust the handle so when you release it the microswitch is closed, and then you apply pressure to apply brakes, the switch is opened. If the handle operation is sticky you should clean it first.

To adjust it, turn the screw clockwise (as seen from the back, looking at the screw) to bring it closer to the switch, counterclockwise to move it away. It should be adjusted so that when the handle is released the switch is just closed. Do not adjust it too tight or the switch will not open then you actuate the handle, and the brake light will not work.

To finish, put a little red threadlocking fluid on the screw, and reinstall the back cover. Test again after it's all zipped up.

[edited] Remember that the brake light will NOT light up unless the killswitch is in the ON (Run) position and the sidestand is retracted. This one bit me again when I went to get the yearly inspection yesterday. D-Oh! moment.

[frankenduck]

Remember that the brake light will NOT light up unless the bike is running because of the ABS system. This one bit me again when I went to get the yearly inspection yesterday. D-Oh! moment.

Not true. The brake light wiring is completely independent of the ABS system.

However, the brake light power is cut if the kill switch is in the off position. As long as the kill switch is pointed straight up the brake light will work whether the bike is running or not if the ignition switch is tuned on.

[Zork]

Just tried it. It didn't work. Turns out there is one other requirement -- the sidestand must be retracted.