Front Drum Brake Light Switch | Honda CL360 / CJ360

Front Drum Brake Light Switch | Honda CL360 / CJ360 | CL360, CJ360

Front Drum Brake Light Switch for vintage Hondas equipped with forward drum brakes.

Why You Need This

After decades of regular use, the front brake light switch can become worn, damaged, or unreliable from repeated brake lever movement. Replace your old drum brake light switch with our high-quality front drum brake light switch, made to restore dependable brake light operation and fit correctly in your front brake perch.

During installation, it is also a good idea to inspect your front drum brake assembly for proper function, adjustment, and excessive wear. If other parts need attention, we offer newFront Brake Shoes, Brake Cables, Brake Levers, and Power Brake Levers.

Specifications

Note: *Requires Modification - This part requires a minimal modification to fit in the drum brake perch. Please see our installation instructions below for how to modify the brake light switch during installation.

Note: Does not fit CB360G / CB360T front disc brake models. These models use a front hydraulic braking system with a brake light pressure switch.

Installation

Difficulty: Beginner

Tools needed: A sharp knife or box cutter

1. Before installation, this brake light switch needs a small modification and may not slide into every front drum brake switch perch as-is. Take the switch out of the package and identify the small locating notch at the end of the switch body.
2. With a sharp knife, carefully remove the thin raised ridge from both sides of the brake switch housing. Do not trim the front area where the locating notch is located, and do not cut the back of the switch. Watch our quick installation video for a more detailed look. After this trimming is complete, the switch is ready to be installed.
3. Take off the drum brake lever and pass the brake light switch wires through the drum brake perch. Start from the inside of the perch and guide the wires out through the housing.
4. Install the switch into the perch housing, making sure the small locating notch lines up with the notch in the perch. Push the switch fully into place so it sits even with the perch housing and is not sticking up above the surface.

Do not use the wires to pull the brake light switch into position. Doing so can damage the switch or separate the wires from the switch body. Feed the wires through the perch by gently pushing them into the housing instead.

This video shows how to slightly modify the CMC #1038 front drum brake light switch so that it can be properly installed in the from drum brake perch on the motorcycle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this fit in my original handlebar perch?

Yes, but this brake light switch may require a small modification to fit certain front drum brake perches. Please refer to our installation instructions for more information.

Will this brake light switch fix my brake light?

It will if that is the issue. These Honda brake light systems use both a front brake light switch and a rear brake light switch, with the circuit also passing through the keyswitch. To make sure you replace the correct part, we suggest diagnosing the entire brake light circuit before purchasing new components. This will help you identify the actual failed part and avoid ordering anything unnecessary. See our full troubleshooting guide to know how.

You Might Also Need

• Front Brake Cable — Replace if showing signs of wear or corrosion
• Front Brake Shoes — Replace is worn out or aging
• Drum Brake Lever — Replace if broken or in need of a spare
• Drum Brake Power Lever — Replace for an easier to reach drum brake lever

Last updated: April 2026