The New And Improved Unofficial R65 Forum V2
Technical Discussion => BMW Technical Q&A, Primarily R65 => Topic started by: oz_johnno on September 03, 2011, 05:58:50 AM
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While I am told that this is a fairly common problem amongst middle aged bloke, I have never really believed that many guys own an R65!
When I push the button, the horn comes on, but as I push it in a little further and it goes off again.
Is there a way I can buy just the horn button, ot do I have to spend the dough and buy the whole left hand side button harness???
I wanna get me horn working again soon as I want to take the bike in for a road worthy
Cheers
OZ
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I fear you will need to buy the wiring unit. I have seen them on eBay. This is the standard horn right? Not and upgrade to a Stebel or similar, is it? IF it's an upgrade, MAYBE the relay.
Good luck,
Dell
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If you decide to open up the unit, do as I read here, I think, and open it up inside a plastic bag. This will catch the spring and ball bearing that pop out unexpectedly at high speed from behind the hi/lo beam toggle.
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If you decide to open up the unit, do as I read here, I think, and open it up inside a plastic bag. This will catch the spring and ball bearing that pop out unexpectedly at high speed from behind the hi/lo beam toggle.
As DR says [smiley=thumbup.gif] This is the very best way to keep all the little bits from flying across the shop as they pass into another parallel universe; of course, never to be seen again until you've bought new.
There is probably a bit of grime and / or corrosion within the horn button push-push. No biggie, there. Go ahead and open up the switch assembly, clean it up and spend the money you'll save on some new farkle.
Used switches are often for sale for a good reason. But not so good for you. ::)
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Thanks blokes for the advice. I went out, CAREFULLY pulled apart the left hand side button harneess and pulled apart the horn switch, only to find that it was full of dust and grease and crap. I carefully cleaned it all up, put the switch back together, reassembled the harness and SHAZAM.... horn worky again.
Good to see in this day and age that they make mechanical switches that can be pulled apart and cleaned in this manner.
I saved $350 bucks by not having to buy a new harness
Cheers
OZ
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Thanks blokes for the advice. I went out, CAREFULLY pulled apart the left hand side button harneess and pulled apart the horn switch, only to find that it was full of dust and grease and crap. I carefully cleaned it all up, put the switch back together, reassembled the harness and SHAZAM.... horn worky again.
Good to see in this day and age that they make mechanical switches that can be pulled apart and cleaned in this manner.
I saved $350 bucks by not having to buy a new harness
Cheers OZ
Well played, OZ. Don'cha love it when a plan comes together?
Glad you asked your question before shelling out for unneeded parts.
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Now that you have your button working, consider installing a set of REAL horns that have a chance of saving your life when that witless cage driver drifts into your lane:
(https://bmwr65.org/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pbase.com%2Ftomfarr%2Fimage%2F65215976%2Fmedium.jpg&hash=8dbdfc0524f4c12312eb4df21651b78a7007a6f0)
They do require you add a relay to the circuit. This is not difficult or expensive.
And the horns themselves go for less than $10 each on Amazon, and are usually available in an auto parts store. (one is a high tone and one a low tone)
And don't test them in your garage without hearing protection!
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I dream of putting a horn like the one on the general lee.... :D