Title: replacing the wuss stock horn
Post by: se7enty7 on November 17, 2004, 08:29:12 AM
Post by: se7enty7 on November 17, 2004, 08:29:12 AM
What is involved (electrical-wise) with installing a more powerful horn?
Title: Electrical...
Post by: The Buddha on November 17, 2004, 08:42:14 AM
Post by: The Buddha on November 17, 2004, 08:42:14 AM
Its easy electrically... The horn has 2 wires with spade connectors... you will use the T fitting the horn comes with and split it into 2 and hook up to the 2 horns that make a pair in most aftermarket ones... The trouble is mounting them.... The GS is going to need the horns fitted right about where its stock is ... one below the other ... they have some brackets with the horns you buy ... autoparts store and get the loudest 2 piece horn units... button style ...thouse large round ones may be easiest to fit ... those coil trumpet ones may be harder ...
Cool.
Srinath.
Cool.
Srinath.
Title: Re: Electrical...
Post by: se7enty7 on November 17, 2004, 09:40:01 AM
Post by: se7enty7 on November 17, 2004, 09:40:01 AM
Quote from: seshadri_srinathIts easy electrically... The horn has 2 wires with spade connectors... you will use the T fitting the horn comes with and split it into 2 and hook up to the 2 horns that make a pair in most aftermarket ones... The trouble is mounting them.... The GS is going to need the horns fitted right about where its stock is ... one below the other ... they have some brackets with the horns you buy ... autoparts store and get the loudest 2 piece horn units... button style ...thouse large round ones may be easiest to fit ... those coil trumpet ones may be harder ...
Cool.
Srinath.
I bought fiamm horns from harbor frieght for my car.... it's awesome. It really literally scares people when I honk at them.. which is what I want
Title: 130db
Post by: The Buddha on November 17, 2004, 09:43:59 AM
Post by: The Buddha on November 17, 2004, 09:43:59 AM
Yea 130 db ... harder to fit I think but I had them on the monstro kawi's ... but they had big open space in front of the horns being under the headlight... Get the 130 db round ones, not the trumpet ... but hey if you can fit it get the trumpets ...
Cool.
Srinath.
Cool.
Srinath.
Title: replacing the wuss stock horn
Post by: Dom on November 17, 2004, 11:01:00 AM
Post by: Dom on November 17, 2004, 11:01:00 AM
New Harbor Freight opening 15 mins. from my house!!!!! The other closest one is an hour away... :cheers: :cheers: :cheers:
Title: replacing the wuss stock horn
Post by: EvilScooby on November 17, 2004, 01:40:58 PM
Post by: EvilScooby on November 17, 2004, 01:40:58 PM
Harbor freight is my favorite store
Title: replacing the wuss stock horn
Post by: JetSwing on November 17, 2004, 02:20:56 PM
Post by: JetSwing on November 17, 2004, 02:20:56 PM
would this work? :mrgreen:
(http://a763.g.akamai.net/7/763/1644/v002/app.infopia.com/img/image/fp/VPID/830126/img002/img.jpg)
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=4504562590&category=34284 (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=4504562590&category=34284)
(http://a763.g.akamai.net/7/763/1644/v002/app.infopia.com/img/image/fp/VPID/830126/img002/img.jpg)
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=4504562590&category=34284 (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=4504562590&category=34284)
Title: replacing the wuss stock horn
Post by: Dom on November 17, 2004, 02:30:53 PM
Post by: Dom on November 17, 2004, 02:30:53 PM
Any 12 volt horn will work. The hard part is trying to find a place and way to mount it.
Title: Excuse me...
Post by: The Buddha on November 17, 2004, 10:37:45 PM
Post by: The Buddha on November 17, 2004, 10:37:45 PM
Quote from: JetSwingwould this work? :mrgreen:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=4504562590&category=34284
OK that looks like it be the size of my head... :lol:
Cool.
Srinath.
Title: replacing the wuss stock horn
Post by: Flash on November 17, 2004, 11:20:33 PM
Post by: Flash on November 17, 2004, 11:20:33 PM
Hum, I never thought about the horn, but it is an important piece of equipment. I don't use it that much, but if I did I sure would want someone to know I was there.
Thanks for this post. I am going to add this mod to my bike. In fact, I proclaim this a SuperMod! It is easy to install, inexpensive, and it is highly effective.
My Dad put some loud SOBs on his '83 Honda CX650c and it is so loud it is scary. Here is what my Dad bought: 12V Nikko horn (http://www.jcwhitney.com/autoparts/ProductDisplay/s-10101/p-3092/c-10111)
I know his bike is setup for two horns, so I presume he bought the high/low-tone dual horns (combined 110db), but each horn is inscribed 108db. So this means they work together to give you 2 more db?
I looked at the OEM horn on my GS500 and its rating is 105db. So I guess if I am going to replace it I might as well go all the way and get me one of these single 125db rated horns (http://www.jcwhitney.com/autoparts/ProductDisplay/s-10101/p-3088/c-10111)
Thanks for this post. I am going to add this mod to my bike. In fact, I proclaim this a SuperMod! It is easy to install, inexpensive, and it is highly effective.
My Dad put some loud SOBs on his '83 Honda CX650c and it is so loud it is scary. Here is what my Dad bought: 12V Nikko horn (http://www.jcwhitney.com/autoparts/ProductDisplay/s-10101/p-3092/c-10111)
I know his bike is setup for two horns, so I presume he bought the high/low-tone dual horns (combined 110db), but each horn is inscribed 108db. So this means they work together to give you 2 more db?
I looked at the OEM horn on my GS500 and its rating is 105db. So I guess if I am going to replace it I might as well go all the way and get me one of these single 125db rated horns (http://www.jcwhitney.com/autoparts/ProductDisplay/s-10101/p-3088/c-10111)
Title: replacing the wuss stock horn
Post by: scratch on November 18, 2004, 08:43:51 AM
Post by: scratch on November 18, 2004, 08:43:51 AM
You may not get the results you want, but loosening the nut in the middle of the bell may get you a little more volume.
Title: Just installed an Air Horn
Post by: kingsfan33 on November 18, 2004, 10:28:49 PM
Post by: kingsfan33 on November 18, 2004, 10:28:49 PM
Hi,
I couldn't stand how low my horn was so I bought that air horn on ebay: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=4500363968&rd=1&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWN%3AIT
and had it professionally installed for $100 today. It works great! very loud. the mounting isnt that pretty but it isnt that bad at all. if anyone wants me to take a pic so you can see what it would look like send me an email or something. [/quote]
I couldn't stand how low my horn was so I bought that air horn on ebay: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=4500363968&rd=1&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWN%3AIT
and had it professionally installed for $100 today. It works great! very loud. the mounting isnt that pretty but it isnt that bad at all. if anyone wants me to take a pic so you can see what it would look like send me an email or something. [/quote]
Title: Pictures of air horn on my 96 GS500e
Post by: kingsfan33 on November 19, 2004, 04:39:52 PM
Post by: kingsfan33 on November 19, 2004, 04:39:52 PM
(http://www.geocities.com/kingsfan3344/gs500e4.jpg)
(http://www.geocities.com/kingsfan3344/gs500e5.jpg)
(http://www.geocities.com/kingsfan3344/gs500e1.jpg)
(http://www.geocities.com/kingsfan3344/gs500e2.jpg)
(http://www.geocities.com/kingsfan3344/gs500e3.jpg)
Good luck!
(http://www.geocities.com/kingsfan3344/gs500e5.jpg)
(http://www.geocities.com/kingsfan3344/gs500e1.jpg)
(http://www.geocities.com/kingsfan3344/gs500e2.jpg)
(http://www.geocities.com/kingsfan3344/gs500e3.jpg)
Good luck!
Title: Re: Pictures of air horn on my 96 GS500e
Post by: 70 Cam Guy on November 19, 2004, 07:01:27 PM
Post by: 70 Cam Guy on November 19, 2004, 07:01:27 PM
Quote from: kingsfan33[img]
Good luck!
Careful, someone might confuse that for a turbo :lol:
I'm guessing its seriously loud?
Title: replacing the wuss stock horn
Post by: Caravan on November 19, 2004, 08:04:28 PM
Post by: Caravan on November 19, 2004, 08:04:28 PM
Harbor Freight....Fiamm Low tone...130db....$9.95
Gene
Gene
Title: replacing the wuss stock horn
Post by: Ed89 on November 21, 2004, 05:00:42 AM
Post by: Ed89 on November 21, 2004, 05:00:42 AM
Just my $0.02 about replacing horns:
I think the horn has to match the vehicle. If it sounds like a car, the person (OK, let's call him the TARGET :) ) will look for a car, and will not see you (or will see you and still look for that car, causing a delay in reaction and/or confusion). Yes, it has happened to me.
As long as the target can hear it, it is sufficient. I think if I need to depend on it to have the target get out of the way, I am riding wrong. IMHO. But if the intention is to scare the sh1t outta the target, well... :mrgreen:
Cheers,
e.
I think the horn has to match the vehicle. If it sounds like a car, the person (OK, let's call him the TARGET :) ) will look for a car, and will not see you (or will see you and still look for that car, causing a delay in reaction and/or confusion). Yes, it has happened to me.
As long as the target can hear it, it is sufficient. I think if I need to depend on it to have the target get out of the way, I am riding wrong. IMHO. But if the intention is to scare the sh1t outta the target, well... :mrgreen:
Cheers,
e.
Title: replacing the wuss stock horn
Post by: se7enty7 on November 21, 2004, 06:30:38 AM
Post by: se7enty7 on November 21, 2004, 06:30:38 AM
Quote from: Ed89Just my $0.02 about replacing horns:
I think the horn has to match the vehicle. If it sounds like a car, the person (OK, let's call him the TARGET :) ) will look for a car, and will not see you (or will see you and still look for that car, causing a delay in reaction and/or confusion). Yes, it has happened to me.
As long as the target can hear it, it is sufficient. I think if I need to depend on it to have the target get out of the way, I am riding wrong. IMHO. But if the intention is to scare the sh1t outta the target, well... :mrgreen:
Cheers,
e.
yes yes... but I don't want a car horn.. I want a train horn... and I think most people get out of the way of trains
my car has horns I installed that people MOVE for... it's nice when some idiot here in atlanta is coming into my lane
Title: Re: Pictures of air horn on my 96 GS500e
Post by: Rema1000 on November 21, 2004, 09:26:52 PM
Post by: Rema1000 on November 21, 2004, 09:26:52 PM
Is it just me, or is this GS dripping chain oil onto a tile floor? :o
Quote from: kingsfan33
Title: replacing the wuss stock horn
Post by: Caravan on December 16, 2004, 07:21:16 PM
Post by: Caravan on December 16, 2004, 07:21:16 PM
...train horn! That is the shaZam!! A friend built-up an old step-van years ago as a beach crawler/camper van and installed a genuine air horn from a railroad diesel engine. (The air compressor system also served to vary the tire pressure for running on the beach.) He could bring traffic to a standstill by pulling the cord. Unfortunately, that horn was a "little" large for mounting on a motorcycle!
:cheers:
Gene
:cheers:
Gene
Title: replacing the wuss stock horn
Post by: GeeP on December 16, 2004, 08:47:18 PM
Post by: GeeP on December 16, 2004, 08:47:18 PM
Oh Yeah! :thumb:
I built a couple of air horns based on the very popular Leslie S3L. The S3L was the standard railroad air horn on most of the freight engines in America. Unfortunately they're 30" long, weigh 70 lbs, and use 130 CFM of air at 120 PSI. Running continuously they'll easily draw down a 15HP air compressor. :lol: That's the price for 147 db of ear-splitting music.
The problem is that railroad air horns are 1/2 wavelength long. If you go to 1/4 wavelength to make them fit they lose some of the brassy tone and start to sound "smaller". Also, the horn efficency is reduced, making it quieter.
I wish I knew how they spin trumpets or tubas. If I could figure it out, maybe I could get a 1/2 wavelength horn and wrap it up into a smaller package. :cheers:
Airchime S3L .WAV (http://trainhorns.net/leslie/rs3l_020622_1.wav)
(http://www.dieselairhorns.com/siteimages/Les%20S-3L.jpg)
I built a couple of air horns based on the very popular Leslie S3L. The S3L was the standard railroad air horn on most of the freight engines in America. Unfortunately they're 30" long, weigh 70 lbs, and use 130 CFM of air at 120 PSI. Running continuously they'll easily draw down a 15HP air compressor. :lol: That's the price for 147 db of ear-splitting music.
The problem is that railroad air horns are 1/2 wavelength long. If you go to 1/4 wavelength to make them fit they lose some of the brassy tone and start to sound "smaller". Also, the horn efficency is reduced, making it quieter.
I wish I knew how they spin trumpets or tubas. If I could figure it out, maybe I could get a 1/2 wavelength horn and wrap it up into a smaller package. :cheers:
Airchime S3L .WAV (http://trainhorns.net/leslie/rs3l_020622_1.wav)
(http://www.dieselairhorns.com/siteimages/Les%20S-3L.jpg)
Title: replacing the wuss stock horn
Post by: John Bates on December 16, 2004, 09:02:02 PM
Post by: John Bates on December 16, 2004, 09:02:02 PM
Leslie S3L.
I LOVE IT!!!! I WANT ONE!!!!! HOW MUCH?????? :cheers:
I LOVE IT!!!! I WANT ONE!!!!! HOW MUCH?????? :cheers:
Title: replacing the wuss stock horn
Post by: Traveler on December 16, 2004, 10:09:01 PM
Post by: Traveler on December 16, 2004, 10:09:01 PM
The twin horns on a BMW K75 (P) for Police model are seriously loud. They are also small and at the right timbre to get Tut's mummy out of his crypt.
:o :o
:o :o
Title: replacing the wuss stock horn
Post by: GeeP on December 16, 2004, 10:58:40 PM
Post by: GeeP on December 16, 2004, 10:58:40 PM
Quote from: John BatesLeslie S3L.
I LOVE IT!!!! I WANT ONE!!!!! HOW MUCH?????? :cheers:
Anywhere from $750 to $1000 in good condition. The crazy "collectors" drive up the prices and make them hard to find. Get a friend who works in engine maintenance. :mrgreen: :cheers:
Title: Re: Pictures of air horn on my 96 GS500e
Post by: 12thmonkey on March 03, 2006, 07:07:00 PM
Post by: 12thmonkey on March 03, 2006, 07:07:00 PM
i know that this is a ridiculously old thread...but i had to resurrect it. i was searching for posts about aftermarket horns...and i found this thread. The funny thing is, that i bought this bike from some guy (who was not kingsfan33) and have been trying to get rid of that HORRIBLE horn. It is huge and unbelievably ugly. And the worst part is...it doesn't even work! i can't believe that guy paid 100 bones for that thing. :cookoo: i want to try and track him down...because apparently, he burned the engine up and had it replaced. And i can tell those pictures were before the engine meltdown.
Quote from: kingsfan33 on November 19, 2004, 04:39:52 PM
(http://www.geocities.com/kingsfan3344/gs500e4.jpg)
(http://www.geocities.com/kingsfan3344/gs500e5.jpg)
(http://www.geocities.com/kingsfan3344/gs500e1.jpg)
(http://www.geocities.com/kingsfan3344/gs500e2.jpg)
(http://www.geocities.com/kingsfan3344/gs500e3.jpg)
Title: Re: replacing the wuss stock horn
Post by: GeeP on March 03, 2006, 07:17:32 PM
Post by: GeeP on March 03, 2006, 07:17:32 PM
Small world! Welcome to the board. :cheers:
Yes, I will agree that the horn does nothing for the bike.
About this burned up engine and such... Are you saying you bought a mis-represented bike?
Yes, I will agree that the horn does nothing for the bike.
About this burned up engine and such... Are you saying you bought a mis-represented bike?
Title: Re: replacing the wuss stock horn
Post by: 12thmonkey on March 03, 2006, 08:19:46 PM
Post by: 12thmonkey on March 03, 2006, 08:19:46 PM
Thanks for the welcome, GeeP.
No...not really. i wasn't told that the bike was a salvage title till i got out to look at it. So, i was a bit surprised. And when i was about to sign for the bike is when i realized it was a salvage. Of course i asked why...and that's how i found out that the previous owner (kingsfan, i'm assuming) had burned up the engine and replaced it. i got a good deal on it, i think. And it was pretty apparent that the salvage title didn't come from a wreck...and there was evidence of the engine burning up - the back of the front fender is still melted. :(
No...not really. i wasn't told that the bike was a salvage title till i got out to look at it. So, i was a bit surprised. And when i was about to sign for the bike is when i realized it was a salvage. Of course i asked why...and that's how i found out that the previous owner (kingsfan, i'm assuming) had burned up the engine and replaced it. i got a good deal on it, i think. And it was pretty apparent that the salvage title didn't come from a wreck...and there was evidence of the engine burning up - the back of the front fender is still melted. :(
Title: Re: replacing the wuss stock horn
Post by: GeeP on March 03, 2006, 08:39:27 PM
Post by: GeeP on March 03, 2006, 08:39:27 PM
Ahh, I see. Well, as long as you got a good price on it. GS's are easy to rebuild. Once in good shape they'll go for quite a while.
Title: Re: replacing the wuss stock horn
Post by: aqxea2500 on March 03, 2006, 11:51:05 PM
Post by: aqxea2500 on March 03, 2006, 11:51:05 PM
How about one of these they come in kits.... www.hornblasters.com
check out the videos.
check out the videos.