First post and new bike, lots to do with probably a bunch of questions in the future, but for now, I’m working on the brakes. I noticed that when pressing the rear/front brake the dual function rear tail light does not secondary light up. I’m pretty sure the light is good, and will verify tom when the store opens) but for now the rear light is only illuminated as a running light and does not function for either front/rear brake action. Background: all other lights and electrical components working except for this. Have checked fuses and connections all seem to be good. Not really sure what I’m missing here and would chomp up some breadcrumbs. Thanks all in advance

A busted filament in a bulb is nearly always visible.. If it looks good, hold it up to the light and thump the glass.
If you don't have a multimeter, you need one.
Set to
Ohms
One lead pinched against the base of the bulb
The other lead,you stick on one of the contacts
Meter should show almost zero ohms,
Then test the other side

If you don't get zero or a fraction from it
Bad bulb.

The cost of a bulb is low enough to make buying one you don't Need today not a big deal. You will use it one day. Having one around is not a bad idea. A dual element bulb, that application, is an 1157.

If you have a test light,and you need one of those, too, you can rig something to make the brake light come on. A zip tie on the front brake, A weight hanging on the rear brake, and see if you have power to the socket.

The voltmeter you just bought will do that, also.

rlllorad wrote on 06/26/22 at 13:22:29:

Ya, you need a multimeter.
The front will click when you pull the lever, but the rear does not.
Didn't know the light gets brighter in the P position.  (no wonder the P position kills the battery)
That might confirm your brake light filament is ok.  I'll have to check.
1st thing to do is check the front brake switch works, pull the leads and check with the newly acquired multimeter.