No brake lights on Ducati Monster 796 2011 - SOLVED

[trublucali]

I searched quite a while before I found one small post that helped me resolve my issue.  I knew that if neither brake activated rear light that it was likely a switch of some sort, but I'm not good with electrical problems.

* Disconnect rear brake light switch and see if front brake works *

This did work...front brake light illuminated the rear brake light.  You can look at the rear underside of the bike where the rear brake pedal contacts the brake switch and see if the nub is sticking out of the brake switch (I saw this after the fact).  If the nub is missing (my case) or is not sticking out, you found the problem. 

I couldn't find any information anywhere (not in service manual...either) on how to replace the rear brake switch, so that's why I'm posting.

1. Get under the bike and disconnect the rear brake switch, mine had two yellow wires sticking out of it
2. You have to remove the subframe piece/bracket to get to the switch, so take out the three or so bolts
3. You now have to remove the plunger for the brake pedal, it just slides out from the rubber bellows
4. Remove the brake master cylinder from the subframe (two bolts, need red loctite when putting them back). Not to worry, no fluid is released
5. Remove the switch with a metric 11 open ended wrench
6. Inspect switch and repair/replace.  A new one cost about $50 US

[cencalal]

Good to know.  I had a similar problem that turned out to be the front brake light switch.  I took my brake lever off to clean and lube, and didn't notice that the little switch actuator nub had fallen out - so no brake light.  There's nothing holding the nub in place, once the lever is off.
I couldn't find the one that fell out, so I made a new one out of a bit of thin metal rod.