I searched the forums and think I know what to do, but I just wanted to ask anyway.

My front brake all of a sudden started feeling "sticky" in that it still brakes, but it's not a smooth brake and I have to apply more pressure to come to a complete stop, which is a bit jarring.  I'm planning to bleed the brake fluid and replace it, but I'm wondering if anyone knows if it could be something else.

On a separate note, I replaced my stock signal lights with some new flush mounted ones that I made sure would work with a 12V system, and even though both lights worked when I installed them on Sunday, I just realized tonight that one of the bulbs is dead now.  It looks all smokey on the inside.  Defective bulb?  Is something wrong with my wiring?  It seemed really straightforward. 

And out of curiosity, what happens when the ground wire isn't connected right?  Will the light still work?

Thanks for your patience!  I'm totally new to motorcycle maintenance, and I really appreciate the input and patience of this group.

Cheers.

I'm not sure about the brakes, but I'm kinda an expert with electrical crap.  It sounds like the bulb burned out already.  If the bulb was in contact with more than normal moisture, then the bulb would burn out quicker.  Or maybe just a bad bulb that burned out too soon.  If the ground wire is loose, then the light will work...  no it won't...  it'll work... no it won't...

Basically, the current will not be consistent.  make sure all wires are snug

Hmm.  It did rain a bit, but shouldn't the lights be ok in the rain?  Maybe I didn't push the bulb into the casing hard enough.   

during rain there's no prob, unless water is getting ON the bulb

Did the lights come with the bulbs? Were they shipped to you?  Another possibility is they could have been defective or damaged in transist.  I would go to the store and buy a differant brand and replace both bulbs.  If they keep burning out like that, then there is a problem, otherwise don't worry about it.

A poor ground is just a bad as a poor +12v connection, you don't want either if you want something to always work correctly.

As for the brake, I'd say you're on the right track with replacing your brake fluid.  Old water logged brake fluid will still work but will have a tendancy to vapor lock during hard braking giving symptoms like those you describe (which is really scary because vapor lock usually happens during 'spirited' driving/riding).  You probably have gas (like the state of matter gas, not gasoline gas)  in your brake line somewhere and all you need is a good bleeding, but while at it changing the brake fluid is a great idea.  If that doesn't fix it, or if the problem comes back, you probably have a more serious problem. 

Bleeding the brakes, replacing the fluid, and some WD40 in the lever did it.  I didn't realize how much dust and crap got into the lever.

Thanks again.

Brake fluid should be replaced every two years.  Routine lubing of pivots helps, too.  Glad you took care of it