The New And Improved Unofficial R65 Forum V2

Technical Discussion => BMW Technical Q&A, Primarily R65 => Topic started by: wmsoller on October 24, 2013, 04:56:56 PM

Title: horn
Post by: wmsoller on October 24, 2013, 04:56:56 PM
Has anyone every had their horn go caput? Seems strange. How to test? Any suggestions for replacement?
Title: Re: horn
Post by: Bob_Roller on October 24, 2013, 05:43:28 PM
Wire the horn directly to the battery , with two lengths of wire, to see if it works .

It may be that the problem is in the switch button, or wires .
Title: Re: horn
Post by: Rob Valdez 79 R65 on October 24, 2013, 09:16:46 PM
Now (actually yesterday) is the perfect time to get some horns that could easily save your life:

(https://bmwr65.org/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pbase.com%2Ftomfarr%2Fimage%2F65215976.jpg&hash=be6629075a5f690bcdae3005b789ecaf869504df)

Here is a How-To in the FAQ section:
http://www.bmwr65.org/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1342832743
Title: Re: horn
Post by: Matt Chapter on October 25, 2013, 10:33:48 AM
Quote
Now (actually yesterday) is the perfect time to get some horns that could easily save your life

Probably a better investment to spend the money on an MSF class or similar, in my opinion.  Maybe spend on better / extra gear or bike maintenance too.

Based on my experience with close calls, by the time I reach for the horn, it's all over but the crying.  In fact both yesterday and today I was lane changed into while riding.. Yesterday I could have touched the van's front fender with my elbow.  Much better to apply the throttle and get the hell out of the way than hunting for the horn..
Title: Re: horn
Post by: Bob_Roller on October 25, 2013, 11:08:44 AM
I installed an airhorn on mt '81 R65, worked great until I got hit with the parts of a truck tire as it casme apart and hit the horn and removed it from the bike .

If by chance you decide to put an airhorn on, it won't fit in the original horn mounting area, not enough clearance with the front fender when the forks are compressed .
Title: Re: horn
Post by: Ed Miller on October 25, 2013, 11:36:28 AM
I never use my horn.  I wonder if it works.  

Title: Re: horn
Post by: montmil on October 25, 2013, 05:21:28 PM
Horn broke. Watch for finger.
Title: Re: horn
Post by: EGRG on October 25, 2013, 09:39:22 PM
I installed Fiamm horns on my bike and use it a lot. More as a preventive measure as when a driver is not looking my way at a stop sign or more recently to scare a large dog out of the way. I highly recommend it. I agree that using the original horn is just a waste of time and effort.
Title: Re: horn
Post by: nhmaf on October 25, 2013, 09:49:59 PM
Dual FIAMMs also just sound classy, and european... like how I imagine a Jaguar XKE horn should sound...
Title: Re: horn
Post by: Rob Valdez 79 R65 on October 25, 2013, 10:44:03 PM
Quote
Based on my experience with close calls, by the time I reach for the horn, it's all over but the crying.
If I am in heavy traffic, my thumb lives on the horn button.
Title: Re: horn
Post by: Red_Hen on October 26, 2013, 02:31:46 AM
unless finger over horn button, can't seem to hit it right when I want to.

I bought an air horn at O'Reilly's and a relay - believe I mounted it where the OEM horn was - works great, when I can find the button!

Agree that defensve / offensive riding is the best strategy, good judgement, and MSF curses always good idea.

When my horn stops working it's usually after R&R battery and forgetting to connect horn terminal to battery!
Title: Re: horn
Post by: Bengt_Phorqs on October 26, 2013, 05:00:24 AM
Isn't the honking of horns mandatory in certain European, eastern USA cities, and all Asian and third world countries?
Title: Re: horn
Post by: Lucky_Lou on October 26, 2013, 06:14:58 AM
Quote
Isn't the honking of horns mandatory in certain European, eastern USA cities, and all Asian and third world countries?
It certainly is in France and Italy but we are a bit more restrained here.
It is illegal to use a horn in a built up area between 11.30pm and 7am ..............also at any time if the vehicle is stationary

Horn broke. Watch for finger....... nice one Monte
Lou
Title: Re: horn
Post by: Matt Chapter on October 26, 2013, 02:04:51 PM
Quote
Horn broke. Watch for finger.

I thought about this on my way home yesterday, and yes lads i've found the best use of the horn: to get another driver's attention so you can give the ol' New York wave / Texas salute!
Title: Re: horn
Post by: montmil on October 26, 2013, 03:32:10 PM
Ever see that goofy Beverly Hillbillies movie?

Jed and family were loaded on their old Model T Ford truck, limping down the 405 and snarling traffic. Everyone that got past them flipped 'em off...

Granny: What're they mean, Jed"

Jed: I ain't sure Granny but I think it's a California "Howdy".

Granny: Sure are a buncha friendly folks.

[smiley=ROTFLMAO.gif]
Title: Re: horn
Post by: wmsoller on October 26, 2013, 05:41:40 PM
you guys are funny. i hooked up to the battery and tested directly and nothing...i suppose i should get a new one and upgrade...thanks
Title: Re: horn
Post by: Dave 2 on October 27, 2013, 05:51:33 AM
I installed dual fiams on my LS. They are loud and get are far superior to the original Kiddie Car Squeak of the original. The finger is great if the other person is looking at you [smiley=wall.gif] [smiley=wall.gif]The horn helps redirect their attention towards me. While I'm riding I practice going for the horn button, (As well as the front brake), so that hopefully my muscle memory will help me hit the button,and the brake, in a hurry. There area couple of good post, One by Monte, on installing new horns. Dave 2
Title: Re: horn
Post by: montmil on October 27, 2013, 06:10:02 PM
"Horn broke. Watch for finger....... nice one Monte   Lou"

That message was on an actual bumper sticker I saw here in my village.
And speaking of horns, another for real bumper tag read,

[size=12]Amateur Gynecologist - Honk for Free Exam[/size]
Title: Re: horn
Post by: Matt Chapter on October 28, 2013, 11:00:18 AM
If we're gonna talk about bumper stickers, honking, and Texas I'll mention my favorite:

"Keep honking. I'm reloading!"
Title: Re: horn
Post by: Barry on October 30, 2013, 07:57:19 AM
Quote
Isn't the honking of horns mandatory in certain European, eastern USA cities, and all Asian and third world countries?


I'm just back from a weeks holiday in Turkey and I suspect it's mandatory there. The bus drivers were on the horn the whole time but only short polite beeps.

The difference is we use the horn to say "After what you just did I want there to be no doubt that I think you're a ******* "

While the polite use of the horn is a warning to say "I'm here".