brake light and key

I few weeks ago, i checked to make sure everything was working, including the brakelight. Now, it seems the brakelight doesn't come on anymore. The taillight is really bright, but when i press the brakes, either of them, the light doesn't get any brighter. It is supposed to get brighter, just like a car, right? If so, what could be the reason? Any other ideas other than just a short? If you think it's a short, where should i start looking?

Also, i figured i would put this question in here too. I have 3 settings on where i put my key, to turn on my bike. I have off, then i turn it half way so i can start the bike, and then if i go the other half of the way, my taillight comes on but it is more dim that when the bike is running, and i can pull out my key. Is this hazards or something?

Thanks

Trip

[Louis]

It's probably a PARK position, it allows to leave your parking lights on to make your bike easier to spot. This is of course intended for a short time.

[Uncle Bob]

It's a hazard but as Louis said only for roadside emergencies it'll run your battery down.

Rear brake light, try changing the bulb sometimes a bulb wil partialy burn out and work on one setting but not another. If that doesn't work you're going to have to track down the problem eletrically

[GSXR louis]

Sounds like the brake light is coming on instead of the tail light. If it's a twin filament bulb check the bulb is in the right way round and the bulbholder is clean and there isn't anything shorting between the two contacts.

[Jonathan]

Well, its been a few days since you posted this, so what was the outcome? Im sure changing the bulb resolved the issue, but I would like to know, just in case it was something else. If so, we all can add that to our personal knowledge base.