Wiring issues

[wncbmw]

So while on a trip in October to WV, the left hand brake indicator on the dash stayed on solid red, no flashing. According to the owners manual, this is a burnt out bulb. But changing the bulb did not make it go away and I had no brake light, except for a faint glow when either front or rear was used or the occasional brief flare of brake light, then nothing. Brakes worked fine, just no light.

I don't know much about electrical issues but guessed it was a short and remember wiring harness debacles posted on here. Fortunately, my ace mechanic spent some time (a lot actually) and found a spot under the tool tray where the brake light wire had rubbed through and shorted out. Even charring the frame a little!

Also fortunate, no ABS issues as a result. $270 dollars, of which $260 was labor. Still cheaper than a new bike payment!

So every chance you get when parts are removed, check what you can for pinch points on the wiring that might cause a problem! I had already gone through and cut some of the cable ties that had potential for problems but this was in an area basically unaccessible during routine maintenance work.

[Boxer]

Gotta love a happy ending.

[sjbmw]

I had the same issue with my right turn signal a few months back. Found a cut wire from the wire tie, and reconnected it.
I cut all the wire ties around the handlebars and replaced them with less tension.

[towerworker]

Regular antifreeze replacement will prevent problems like that.

[Sunbeemer]

Thanks for posting about this problem. I went out to check those wires today on my bike in preparation of installing a high-mounted, flashing brake-light on my trunk and found the outer rubber sheathing around the wires running from the fuse box to the rear had completely disintegrated!

Can't decide whether it's better to get at them from underneath by removing the rear-tire fender-well or from above by removing the tool-tray...anybody care to make a recommendation?

[towerworker]

Seems I remember working on the same on my '03 R. Pretty sure the tool tray is easier.

[wncbmw]

I would also say from the tool tray. That's what my mechanic did. Easier access.

[Sunbeemer]

I'll try that first. Easy is good!
Thanks

[acejones]

Thanks for posting about this problem. I went out to check those wires today on my bike in preparation of installing a high-mounted, flashing brake-light on my trunk and found the outer rubber sheathing around the wires running from the fuse box to the rear had completely disintegrated!

Can't decide whether it's better to get at them from underneath by removing the rear-tire fender-well or from above by removing the tool-tray...anybody care to make a recommendation?

The rubber sheathing on my '03 RR also fell apart. I replaced most of it with split insulation and some of it with new rubber I fashioned from split bicycle tubes. The stuff the Germans put on there was crap.