Honda Shadow Brakelight?

Question

I have a 1984 VT-1100-C, 13k miles. The brake light doesn't work, and the brake warning light stays on, however when I lock the steering, the brake light stays on even with key out. Any one ran into this before? Any ideas, test procedures, etc. would be helpful!

The actual brakelight stays on with the key out, not the warning indicator, but only at full lock and with key out, if I put the key in and turn it, the light goes out even if don't move the handlebars.

Answer 1

I'm not sure about your bike.
Old Hondas had a "park" position on the ignition switch.
When the ignition switch was put in park, the tail light would stay on.
Naaaaahh. I don't think your bike has that.
The tail light gets power directly from the ignition switch.
The ignition switch could be bad.
Locate the ignition switch connector and remove the brown/white wire.
Plug the connector back together.
If that cured the problem, change the switch.
Is the brake light, or tail light on?
The wires at the tail light - brown tail - green/yellow brake.
Disconnect one, then the other, to figure which circuit is the problem.
Brake light? Ask another question.

Edit:
Shadows of that era had a common problem with the ignition switches going bad.
The ignition switch "base" (where all the electrical contacts are) is replaceable.
Aprox $50

Answer 2

you have a short pull the cover off the harness and look for breaks or bare wires around the steering stem