front brake cable/light switch combo'

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fireflake

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Hi, can anyone please tell me if a 1969 Commando S was ever fitted with a front brake cable that incorporated a light switch, thanks, David
 
I don't think they were fitted as standard but they are available. I fitted one onto my 1970S as it is a requirement for licensing in Hong Kng. You will have to run a couple of wires from the rear brake electrical circuit.
 
Mine (USA) came with a switch in cable, I think they're still available, but I'd recommend not. Make other switch arrangements, there should be 2 brown wires that come out of the harness up by the head stock or headlamp that are in parallel with the foot brake switch. It's not shown in the wiring diagram. I have some hand made drawings and maybe some pictures if you need help. The cable incorporated switch didn't help the TLS at all and actually made it more rubbery feeling.

Dave
Apr 69 S
 
Thanks everyone for their knowledge, I think I'll go with standard, cheers, David
 
DogT said:
Mine (USA) came with a switch in cable, I think they're still available, but I'd recommend not. Make other switch arrangements,.......... The cable incorporated switch didn't help the TLS at all and actually made it more rubbery feeling.
Dave
Apr 69 S
My brothers 70 model had one on it (looked alot like DogT's avitar photo) when he changed it over to a solid cable the brake worked much, much better. Cj
 
cjandme said:
My brothers 70 model had one on it (looked alot like DogT's avitar photo) when he changed it over to a solid cable the brake worked much, much better. Cj

I'll bet. It's something I need to do.
 
My buddy Wes with lots of steep places that end in sharp turns, had long suffered straining and gritted teeth with the take up of grip effort by the stupid in cable brake switch in his 71 till he put a normal cable on and made his own mechanical switch with a wood clothes pin and cut up bent up teaspoon. I almost crashed into fence opposite my drive way exit going mid 20 mph expecting brake effect to increase with more squeeze but did not. Later with the straight cable on I crashed it slightly trail braking from front brake lock up going 30-ish in parking lot as became self energized about time tire squeals. I would say its worth a few bike length better stopping if that much ever matters.
 
hobot said:
My buddy Wes with lots of steep places that end in sharp turns, had long suffered straining and gritted teeth with the take up of grip effort by the stupid in cable brake switch in his 71 till he put a normal cable on and made his own mechanical switch with a wood clothes pin and cut up bent up teaspoon. I almost crashed into fence opposite my drive way exit going mid 20 mph expecting brake effect to increase with more squeeze but did not. Later with the straight cable on I crashed it slightly trail braking from front brake lock up going 30-ish in parking lot as became self energized about time tire squeals. I would say its worth a few bike length better stopping if that much ever matters.

I have seen the engineering prowess...
front brake cable/light switch combo'
 
hehe I think this black plated one got knocked off in a garage mishap so a prettier version now. Heres another view of it working. Wes is my main mechanics mentor. Stopped here in dug out depression out of sight in Eureka Springs to get comfortable numb and discuss end of the world risks before facing running out of tarmac.
[video]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A2R_WJ4Rr_0[/video]
 
hobot said:
hehe I think this black plated one got knocked off in a garage mishap so a prettier version now. Heres another view of it working. Wes is my main mechanics mentor. Stopped here in dug out depression out of sight in Eureka Springs to get comfortable numb and discuss end of the world risks before facing running out of tarmac.


Like a Pink Floyd song you say? :? :shock: :o :wink: :lol: :mrgreen: Rock on!!!
 
never would have thought that the cable was my reason for shotty front brakes on mine. I will have to look into getting a standard (non-switch) cable to stiffin it up.
 
I removed the inline switch cable on my 70 for a non-switch one and feel it has better braking. Also, at least in my experience, the switch on the front never seemed to activate under normal riding circumstances—only with a death grip. Since I use my rear brake most of the time anyway, it is my go to for lighting up the back.
 
Its good to always add a bit of rear brake but i say rather bad habit if first panic refliex is stomping rear brake instead of front lever grab for most effective slowing but also less melt out or rear bearing grease and tire center life. In hi needs I tend to stomp the rear to squat cycle an instant before grabing front hard but never add more rear brank than that first stomp non skid level Might try some stopping tests before and after the new cable and let us know about brake light if you hook it up. My cycles have all had the rear low wires ripped off so only front lights up.
 
hobot said:
Its good to always add a bit of rear brake but i say rather bad habit if first panic refliex is stomping rear brake instead of front lever grab for most effective slowing but also less melt out or rear bearing grease and tire center life. In hi needs I tend to stomp the rear to squat cycle an instant before grabing front hard but never add more rear brank than that first stomp non skid level Might try some stopping tests before and after the new cable and let us know about brake light if you hook it up. My cycles have all had the rear low wires ripped off so only front lights up.

I wrote that incorrectly and it did make it sound like I primarily use the rear. I should have said I use the rear brake most of the time to some degree or another, along with the front.
 
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