GStwin.com GS500 Message Forum

I know this question is probably going to get some people crazy but a louder horn would be nice to have as the stock one is quite sad. Is there a replacement out there thats LOUD AS HELL but is also priced for us frugally challenged [ cheap bastards ]

A direct replacement?  No, not really.  I've typically installed old-school cadalac horns...really loud horns.  One of my favorites, though, is an airhorn.  A friend of mine has installed one on his SV650.  VERY effective.

I've seen "big rig" horns for sale at autoparts stores. I forget how much they were but it would be funny if you did it.  :thumb:

go to your local Pick a part type auto salvage and take a few and try them out to find the loudest.

I used a Fiamm one from an auto parts store, and it bolts on pretty easily.  It's louder, but to do it right you should hook it up to a relay.  I haven't done that yet.

http://www.twistedthrottle.com/trade/productview/2137/101/

I have that horn from twisted throttle it`s absolutely frikin loud prolly the loudest horn i`ve heard yet 139 db makes peeps sit up and notice you!!! :icon_twisted:
It was relatively easy to install,a little bit of thought required though
Theres a schematic on the site to do it from! :icon_mrgreen:

I've been thinking about installing a 12V compressor between the battery and my K&N.  There's plenty of room.  

Not sure of the tone of the horns that come with the compressor.  I might just buy a kit to try out the horns, but I have a feeling I'll ditch the plastic horns and make some aluminum bells and power chambers.  Tune for a little more "brassy" sound.

Quote from: fretbuzz on January 21, 2006, 08:14:07 PM
I have that horn from twisted throttle it`s absolutely frikin loud prolly the loudest horn i`ve heard yet 139 db makes peeps sit up and notice you!!! :icon_twisted:
It was relatively easy to install,a little bit of thought required though
Theres a schematic on the site to do it from! :icon_mrgreen:

can you get a picture of your install? it looks like a good mod to do! We'd be interested in how/where you installed it

i'm interested on the Nautilus setup for a GS too. some pics would help  :icon_mrgreen: I think I want one, specially after reading:

QuoteThere's just no polite way to say hello using this horn.

:laugh:

well it's not very big so you could pretty much install it anywhere.  Im thinking about getting one.  I would rather just install a laser beam on the front that will explode the stupid cars like the one that almost ran me off the road yesterday..

Quote from: subc on January 21, 2006, 10:12:30 PM
i'm interested on the Nautilus setup for a GS too. some pics would help  :icon_mrgreen: I think I want one, specially after reading:

QuoteThere's just no polite way to say hello using this horn.

:laugh:

http://www.stebel.it/stebel/index.htm

They have sound clips on their site..

:laugh:

WOW ! That horn is just what Iam looking for. Just as loud and obnoxious as I am. It is only a matter of time and the price is right.  THANX !

Quote from: Mad Max



more here
http://homepage.mac.com/caho/PhotoAlbum48.html

and here
http://homepage.mac.com/caho/PhotoAlbum50.html

I bought it from harbor freight
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=40135

I only use one of the horns, but I can switch between the long and short trumpet, that's what makes it either sith flush with the exterior of the frame or set in a couple inches.

GREAT MACHINE !

What about adjusting the little screw on the back of the stock horn?

Quote from: scratch on January 23, 2006, 02:21:03 PM
What about adjusting the little screw on the back of the stock horn?

does that do anything?

Quote from: Mr.7 on January 21, 2006, 03:39:46 PM
I've seen "big rig" horns for sale at autoparts stores. I forget how much they were but it would be funny if you did it.  :thumb:

:laugh: Yeah man, I'm going to look for one to see if I can mount it on the bike. I can just see it now... Little bike blowing the horn of a big rig. People would look around like WTF?!?!?

When I bought my GS500 I immediately noticed how quiet the horn was. I needed something much louder.

I went to Canadian Tire (Wal-Mart for you guys in the states) and purchased a bigger horn that bolts in the stock location. It is slightly larger in diameter and you have a choice between high and low toned horn.

Now my horn is very loud 130db to be exact! I recommend this mod.

Hey  BULLITPROOFCYCLE do you have a name and part # for the horn also where did you get the carbon levers?

Quote from: that_guy on January 23, 2006, 08:58:31 PM

Quote from: scratch on January 23, 2006, 02:21:03 PM
What about adjusting the little screw on the back of the stock horn?

does that do anything?

Yes.  http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=22875.msg230044#msg230044

Quote from: surlybruce on January 26, 2006, 02:31:49 PM
Hey  BULLITPROOFCYCLE do you have a name and part # for the horn also where did you get the carbon levers?

The horn is made by FIAMM, it is a disc horn, Canadian tire Part # 20-2075-2, I chose the high frequency as it is louder! 130db.

No more " I didn't hear you!"

I bought the carbon levers for a GSXR750 and HEAVILY modified them to fit.

Thanx for the part # for the horn. Was it direct replacement or did you have to use a relay ? Also is your hugger from AIRBRUSH or some other type ?

Quote from: surlybruce on January 26, 2006, 08:29:03 PM
Thanx for the part # for the horn. Was it direct replacement or did you have to use a relay ? Also is your hugger from AIRBRUSH or some other type ?

No relay was required, it uses the same amount of power than the stock horn, only it's 130db. I can't remember how I mounted, it didn't require too much effort.

The hugger I have one my bike was there when I bought it. It is made of fiberglass. In terms of functionality I give it a 0, but for looks I give it a 10.  It is part of a set, my rear end (no pun intended) was also modified and it has integrated brakelights and turn signals.

Also just for laughs I installed a back up alarm, so when I am moving my bike backwards I press a switch and it makes that noise trucks make when reversing. It was for a joke at the local bike club.    Hope that helps Surlybruce!

Thanx for the info. Cost of horn at local CDN TYRE is $ 25.00 and they actually have one. Will one up this weekend and let you know what I think.

Did the horn mod and it was easier than trying to get the kat to come back in the house. The stock horn is 97 db and the  [ FIAMM HIGH TONE C PT # 40310 ] is 130 db ! This is a must do for all machines in my opinion . I had to use the longer mount due to the horn is larger than stock but the electrical connections were the same size and no relay is required. It is DAMN LOUD now baby !

I also did the horn mod and was pleasantly surprised at how easy it was, definitely a must for the $25!!!!! Good find!!!

Hi SurlyBruce et al,
For horns, I have used Fiamm dual electric horns for 20 years and man are they LOUD!
I have always mounted to them to my bikes, from my 1975 Honda CB400F to my 1982 Suzuki GS550MZ Katana to my lovely 1991 GS500E.
The horns must be wired with the included horn relay otherwise you will burn out the horn button and wiring. If you need relay wiring help, I an post it in an easy to read GS500E wiring diagram.
I will take a photo of my horns mounted on my GS500 and post it here ASAP. I have them attached on the forks on the lower triple clamp bolts so they are up front where they can be heard with authority.
When I hit the horn button, drivers stop and look around for the tractor-trailer that they think is about to plow right into them, as I pass by cautiously.. Such a feeling of power!
Here are links:

From the Web site, RideSafer.com:
Fiamm dual electric horns, $32.95   129dB volume! These are the hot set up to me. I have tried others but these are the loudest electric dual horns and come complete with a quality relay for easy wiring.
http://ridesafer.com/store/item/fpcz/Horns/RideSafer_-_Fiamm_Dual_AM-80_High_Performance_Trumpet_Horns_Kit.html

Chrome version from Fiamm $29.95, 130 dB!:
http://ridesafer.com/store/item/ha2j/Horns/RideSafer_-_Fiamm_Dual_Chrome_Magnum_Horns_Kit.html

J.C. Whitney sells a no-name $21.99 version:
http://www.jcwhitney.com/autoparts/Product/tf-Browse/s-10101/Pr-p_Product.CATENTRY_ID:2009011/showCustom-0/p-2009011/N-111+600002595+10201/c-10101

Also Whitney sells a knock-off Wolo brand set at $24.99 that are also very loud: (and available in four colors to match your bike, yellow, blue, purple or red)
http://www.jcwhitney.com/autoparts/Product/tf-Browse/s-10101/Pr-p_Product.CATENTRY_ID:2009009/showCustom-0/p-2009009/N-111+600002595+10201/c-10101

Good luck.
You won't be sorry with buying any of these, especially the Fiamms or Wolos.
Yours,
Todd

The horn I had purchased is a single unit that does not require a relay or anything else. I do understand the concept of the relay for the dual set up though. My electrical guru GUSS tuned me in.Checked with the multi-meter and not too much power required to make horn go BOOM-BOOM !

Would it be possible to mount an aftermarket horn in addition to the stock horn and add another momentary switch to the handlebars?

The 100db+ horns look great and seem to provide some added warning abilities... but those of us who would ride in urban areas, where you use your horn often, the aftermarket horn may be a bit much (?)

Hi Mike,
No horn is too loud on the street.
Loud horns save lives.
Better safe than sorry.
Best wishes,
Todd

Mike,

Trwhouse is right.  If you're using your horn in a situation when a quieter horn might be "desirable," then you're probably using it inappropriately.  Seeing as you live in an urban area, that's unfortunately common, but you should really only use your horn if someone is endangering your life, not if they're just irritating you.  In that situation, louder is always better.

3d

cool set up.... :thumb:

I've used a set of those high/low types made by fiamm on my eli and vulcan. The problem with a horn ... you need to keep using it ... atleast 1-2 times a month for it to not crackle and die when you need it ... crap collects in the contacts and it wont work when you want it to.
You also should have it out in front, un obstructed ... right under the headlight etc ... where it is on the GS is useless ... Vulcan's have them mounted there ... great idea.
Cool.
Srinath.

F3d

my wife had a horn off a chevy on her 450 rebel.   it was louder than my gs horn,oh yea it was free.

air horn or truckers horn  :laugh:

i want to get an air horn, maybe that sounds like a truck or train and i think i am too lazy to do this, so i may go for one of these Flamm canadian tire ones, seems more convenient

d43

u just got to train horn that shaZam!

d3

dude can u speak in simple enlgish.... im not very good with english as most could probably tell. it is my secon language