Rear Brake Light - Done Right! 400EX

[Rickster400EX]

Just hooked up my rear brake light. I used a spring switch (bracket and switch off a YFZ450 'cause Honda doesn't make one that fits the 400EX) attached to the rear brake lever. It looks like it came from the factory and everything cost about $50.00 - I like the LED, but you can choose any 12volt light you want.

http://www.graduatetech.com/pics/400exBrakelight.gif http://www.graduatetech.com/pics/400exBrakelight2.gif

Email me & I'll send you a parts list rick@trademarkshirts.com

[Woodsrider]

Looks really good. Why dont you post the parts list here and do a "how to" that they can put in the tech section;)

[Florida400EX]

Wher in south florida do you live rickster400EX? I'm in the West Palm area. MY AIM screenname is teameccrm125 and if you can please IM me sometime!
thanks!

[skidaddyjr]

That's pretty slick,I building my brother an EX Iwas planning on using a TRX450R front master cylinder, the switch is already there!

Just another idea!

[Rickster400EX]

Thanks Guys...

I'll put together an Installation Guide with lots of pics! I'll repost in a couple of days with something.

[protraxrptr17]

If any of you fellers want a switch, I'll sell you the one off my Raptor. Its the same as the YFZ but without the bracket. I took all that off mine. By the way that little LED looks pretty sweet. Where did you get it?

[Rickster400EX]

protraxrptr17,

Bought the LED from a local Honda Dealer for $11.00 - I'll look at the name on the package and include it in the "Guide".

[JOEX]

You can use banjo bolt switches on the front and rear master cylinders so the light is activated by both levers. I have the switches installed, i've just been waiting for a 450r LED light at a decent price. That one you have might be the way to go;)

[44oEX]

just a quick Q for you. How did you get you pic to flash the light?
Or am i just crazy.

[Rickster400EX]

44oEX,

Just took 2 pics, 1 normal & 1 pushing brake, and then saved them as an animated GIF.

Thanks

Rick

[Doibugu2]

Originally posted by JOEX
You can use banjo bolt switches on the front and rear master cylinders so the light is activated by both levers. I have the switches installed, i've just been waiting for a 450r LED light at a decent price. That one you have might be the way to go;)

Joe can you take some pics of those. I'm not sure I've ever seen them.

[Quadworks]

You also can use the switch that is on the clutch side and bolt it on the bottem of the front master cylinder. Bolts right on providing you buy a new bolt(.15 @ Menards). For the rear I used a banjo bolt with the built in switch. Looks factory. I also cut my rear light housing to fit a standard 1157 bulb socket(6.00 @ O'Reilleys). Total cost on mine about $25.00. Works awesome NO more getting rearended on the trails!!

[dreth]

Wow Rickster400 that came out really great... If you would be so kind to post the "how to" as soon as you can...


I think the 450r LED light would really complete that package...


The only thing that hurts is Blue parts on my Red bike! :devil:


Are you the guy that I bought the "Piss on" shirts off of ebay? if so, great shirt - thanks!!!

[JOEX]

Originally posted by Doibugu2
Joe can you take some pics of those. I'm not sure I've ever seen them.
Ahhh... another reason to play with the camera :D

[JOEX]

:)

[Doibugu2]

Looks good, thanks Joe.:D

[Quadworks]

Ya but why go buy another banjo bolt switch for the front? When you can use the switch off of the clutch side for free. It bolts right on providing you buy the right bolt from the hardware store. But this only works on the 400s so far. Or at least only the silver front master cylinders are tapped with the hole. If you need a pic I can take one and post it in minutes.

[Quadworks]

Heres a pic of my front setup. I also checked this will work on the 250exs also. But for some reason HONDA went with a black master cylinder on the 300 and it is not drilled or tapped.:confused:
http://www.imagehostplus.com/v2/usr/333/DSC01014.jpg

[JOEX]

Originally posted by Quadworks
Ya but why go buy another banjo bolt switch for the front? When you can use the switch off of the clutch side for free. It bolts right on providing you buy the right bolt from the hardware store. But this only works on the 400s so far. Or at least only the silver front master cylinders are tapped with the hole. If you need a pic I can take one and post it in minutes.
I had heard of doing it that way but didn't fully understand how it worked. The pic helped:) It's an electric switch insread of hydraulic, correct? I gotta find my clutch assembly...... might need it for a back up.

One thing I don't like about the front banjo bolt switch is the wire come straight out and I know after a few tumbles one of the wire will come off. If they were at a 90* it would be better.

[Quadworks]

Yes the Switch is all electric. If needed I can take a better pic. Once you have the switch you will see exactly where it mounts. It mounts up like factory and works awesome. If needed I can take a pic of the rear light and how I modified it for the socket. Let me know on any pics.

[JOEX]

Some more pics would be great! Thanks;)

[Quadworks]

Let me know what you want pics of. I will take them tomorrow afternoon after work.

[JOEX]

Originally posted by Quadworks
Let me know what you want pics of. I will take them tomorrow afternoon after work.
A little clearer pic of the front switch and wiring, and pics of the tail light assembly. Thanks:)

[Quadworks]

I will get them tomorrow afternoon then post them here.

[Quadworks]

Heres a shot of the switch in its stock location in the clutch perch.
http://www.imagehostplus.com/v2/usr/333/DSC01016.jpg
Heres one of the taillight mounted
http://www.imagehostplus.com/v2/usr/333/DSC01018.jpg
Heres a shot from the front. You can hardly tell its there.
http://www.imagehostplus.com/v2/usr/333/DSC01020.jpg
Heres a shot of the housing cut for the light socket.
http://www.imagehostplus.com/v2/usr/333/DSC01017.jpg

Once you get the switch a hold it up where it goesits easy to figure out from there how to mount it.

[Quadworks]

As for the wiring all you need is an ignition hot then run that wire into the switch. The other spot for a wire will go back to the new light socket for the brake light.

[JOEX]

Thanks for the pics and info:)

[Quadworks]

No problem. This is a super easy mod. Your freinds will love it when running behind you in the trails.

[JOEX]

Originally posted by Quadworks
No problem. This is a super easy mod. Your freinds will love it when running behind you in the trails.
My thoughts exactly!:D

Last year I was wanting to set THEM up for brake lights!:devil:

[Quadworks]

If you need any more info or pics let me know.