accessory horn

[williamemack]

I'd like to get a horn that commands a little more respect than the standard issue. Prefer to avoid complexity of a relay and air horns. Comments and suggestions welcome.

Thanks and Merry Christmas.

Will

[montmil]

Check the search feature as I recall this topic was well-covered just a few months ago. You'll get good input.

Monte

[williamemack]

Thanks, Monte. Box in the upper right hand corner with the magnifying glass right? All I got was our two entries. Maybe Justin will jump in and help.

Will

[Justin B.]

Maybe try some different search terms and make sure you select longer than the last 1 week time period (I usually select from beginning) that is the search default.  Myself, I use the Fiaam Highway Blaster (?) horns.  They are available from various amazon.com sellers for pretty cheap and that is also what comes stock on bikes like my RTs.  Get a high and low note...

[Rob Valdez 79 R65]

The Fiaam Blasters are less complex than the air horns, so I like them for that.

Please don't let the idea of a relay scare you away.  That relay is what gives you the power to make a lot of noise.  It is basic physics that cannot be ignored.

And it is not that hard to hook up, and we will help you through it.

[montmil]

There ya go, Will!

Lots of experience around here. Horns, among other items, pull a lot of power. A simple relay is nothing more than a switch to permit, perhaps, power directly from the battery to 'honk' the horns. Your handlebar button will simply activate the relay - sort of a lower-power electrical switch.

Ever notice on an older car how the headlight switch, after awhile, would get pretty warm? All that power flowing through the switch and then to the lights. Often the switch would fail due to wiring failures. Relays fix all. Simple, too.

I added relays to the headlight system on my 1986 VW Cabriolet and I had instant brighter lights and a cool dash switch. Old car guys do the relay deal on lots of things... horns, elec radiator fans, lights...

Get the horns, then ask us about a relay hookup. Often, horn kits include a relay and wiring tips.

Monte

[williamemack]

Thanks Guys.

Happy New Year


Will

[williamemack]

I get the impression that 1980 R65s may have come with horn relay. I don't have a wiring diagram. I suppose if I were to disconnect the horn and then push the horn button I should hear a relay "click" if I have one. BMW offers a OEM second piched horn as an option. I may use that as the Supertones color and size would negatively affect the "naked" character of my baby. Same for Freeway Blaster.

[Justin B.]

The Blasters are black, what color did you have in mind?

Here is the low note:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B000DN7T3A/ref=dp_olp_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1230427786&sr=1-4

And the high note:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B000DT7W2W/ref=dp_olp_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1230428066&sr=1-3

The low price (for both)  of $8.75 is available from the same seller so I would guess combined shipping would be in order...

[Rob Valdez 79 R65]

Trust me, the first time you hear them (Blasters) you will forget about "looking cool" and start thinking about how good it will feel to jerk the chain of that cell phone talkin' cage driver that is coming into your lane.


Or not.

[Rob Valdez 79 R65]

I don't know who recommended the Hella Supertones, but unless I had a red/black paint scheme going, no way would I consider them.  And the Blasters are way less than half the price of the Hellas, and I believe the Blasters' conch shell-type trumpet gives a louder noise, as well.

[williamemack]

http://www.webbikeworld.com/motorcycle-horns/motorcycle-horn-comparison.htm

Check out the above for a comparison of accessory horns.

[Rob Valdez 79 R65]

So are you going to get the Hellas and take a paintbrush to them?

[aussie]

http://www.webbikeworld.com/motorcycle-horns/motorcycle-horn-comparison.htm

Hey - I know that this is a bit off the topic - but what a great site! I've just spent several hours reading the articles - thanks for the link.  

[Ed Miller]

I'm sure disappointed on the Nautilus report; I was looking forward to a 139 decible horn.  Oh well, it saved me some money.