Maybe the front brake switch was compromised disassembling or assembling the switch housing. Is the brake light on all the time? Any short for brake lights will deactivate the cruise. Like tourbox said, wiggle the lever a little without actually pulling it and see if brake light flickers.
Jeff,
it takes very little movement of front lever to activate, maybe a 1/32 at housing-to-lever. the rear pedal 3/4 to 1" travel pressing on it with my foot normally. You can distinctly hear the relay.
As far as tightening, no. But there is a bushing in the pivot if worn.
Did you readjust your throttle/idle cables?
In front of the tank slide the boot forward on the idle cable. You should be able to pull the outer sheathing apart, mine is about 3/32".
You should also have about 1/8 play at the throttle.
All of this with handle bars full L & R also.
Then if you do the initialization, and it works, I believe you should be good to go.
Did the initialization work? You need to do that anytime you adjust.