Loud pipes? No... Loud HORNS!!

**PatSV650** · 08-08-04, 07:30 PM

JMO, but, maybe before you go out and spend big $$$$$ on loud pipes and the associated jetting/Power Commander, maybe consider picking up some sort aftermarket horns... i.e. LOUD ONES! I do have a loud exhaust cuz I enjoy hearing the motor, but, we all know that sound goes right out the back..... useless for people ahead of you.

I've installed a pair of Fiamm 135 decibel (1 high, 1 low tone) on my SV. They've been wired directly to the battery (fused, 10 ga. wire) and controlled by a relay put in place of the stock horn. The horns and relay came to about $50, maybe less, can't remember.

I just recently got to appreciate this little mod at the rotary in Stafford, where someone coming up to the rotary, never even looked and started into my right of way... The horns DEFINATELY got his attention! Sounds like a Mack truck, or, grandma's old Buick!

**mycirus** · 08-08-04, 08:26 PM

You get in front of my RC51 and I dare you to say you can not hear it!!!!!

Bruce

**PatSV650** · 08-08-04, 08:30 PM

LOL!!! Actually, I'd like to see and hear that RC51! Love them V-Twins

But, seriously, in the average cage, with the CD, cell phone, and screamin' kids, ...... know what I mean?

P.S., Bet if I am in front of you, I won't hear you over mine

**mycirus** · 08-08-04, 08:37 PM

Name the Time and place. Would love to go for a ride. Can I bring my twin friends? I would love for you to show me some twisties in CT.

Bruce

**PatSV650** · 08-08-04, 08:45 PM

I'd love to show a few! Got a few good ones right in my neighborhood (one connecting road got chip-sealed, but....). I'm in northeastern CT (Ashford). Wanna throw somethin together for next weekend? Maybe afterwards, you can show me some roads out your way.

.... bet my horns are louder too

US Coast Gaurd, eh? ... My brother in law is in the Coast Gaurd! He's stationed out at the cape. He's a helicopter mechanic. He used to be stationed out of Boston.

**mycirus** · 08-08-04, 09:04 PM

Friday might be doable, next weekend is booked for me. Let me know Via PM if you come up with something.

Bruce

**Nikon** · 08-08-04, 10:00 PM

Originally posted by PatSV650
I've installed a pair of Fiamm 135 decibel (1 high, 1 low tone) on my SV. They've been wired directly to the battery (fused, 10 ga. wire) and controlled by a relay put in place of the stock horn. The horns and relay came to about $50, maybe less, can't remember.

where you get these? how much? and post a pic please. I want a new horn for my Jeep and was lookin at the Hella Dual Airs for 38 bucks but they 'only' hit 118 db's....I wouldn't mind the 135 for a little extra $$

**PatSV650** · 08-09-04, 05:32 AM

I believe they're called "Highway Blasters". They look like ordinary horns and you can get 'em at any Pep Boys or Auto Zone, etc. Wiring them direct through a relay will ensure you get the full power and volume outta them.

**Buddhaman** · 08-09-04, 06:57 AM

Originally posted by PatSV650
I believe they're called "Highway Blasters". They look like ordinary horns and you can get 'em at any Pep Boys or Auto Zone, etc. Wiring them direct through a relay will ensure you get the full power and volume outta them.

They are called highway blasers and they run about $15.

**bemused** · 08-09-04, 07:06 AM

what's the purpose of the relay? I just used existing horn wiring when I installed my FIAMM (single) horn... seems to get plenty of volume...

**PatSV650** · 08-09-04, 04:08 PM

Originally posted by bemused
what's the purpose of the relay? I just used existing horn wiring when I installed my FIAMM (single) horn... seems to get plenty of volume...

This was a recommendation made that I saw in another thread a while back about adding on horns. Being an electrician, it made just made sense too. The stock wiring is rather small, at least for putting on 2 horns that draw about 10 amps each, alot to ask of that little 14-16 ga. wire that the stock horn is wired with. One would probably have to use a dB meter to see the difference, but, I just wanted to do a good job and be sure I got the full effect.

I'll try to post some pics soon.

**Nikon** · 08-09-04, 05:42 PM

Originally posted by PatSV650 I'll try to post some pics soon.

lets go...

**PatSV650** · 08-09-04, 05:59 PM

OK OK!! Alright already

Here's a frontal....

**PatSV650** · 08-09-04, 06:02 PM

Close up of horn

**PatSV650** · 08-09-04, 06:04 PM

Another...

**PatSV650** · 08-09-04, 06:05 PM

Relay location....

**PatSV650** · 08-09-04, 06:09 PM

Close up of relay...
It's a 30 amp driving light relay. Mounted it right to the hole that the stock horn was at.

**PatSV650** · 08-09-04, 06:17 PM

What the hell were they thinking putting the horn behind the radiator anyway?
Everything got put in split loom tubing and/or heat shrink, so, everything's protected and black in color. Fuse is located right at the battery (got a blade style in line fuse so that my spares will work on either the bike or the horn) and started off with a 10 amp fuse. Figured I'd start small and if it didn't hold, go up a size and still be within the ampacity of the wire. So far, hasn't blown. Horns are mounted with the brackets that they came with to a screw that bolts the headlight bracket to the triple tree. Had to do some trial and error to find a spot that worked as well as one that sort of hid the horns. If you're not looking for them, you don't really notice them.

**bemused** · 08-09-04, 06:42 PM

Originally posted by PatSV650
This was a recommendation made that I saw in another thread a while back about adding on horns. Being an electrician, it made just made sense too. The stock wiring is rather small, at least for putting on 2 horns that draw about 10 amps each, alot to ask of that little 14-16 ga. wire that the stock horn is wired with. One would probably have to use a dB meter to see the difference, but, I just wanted to do a good job and be sure I got the full effect.

I'll try to post some pics soon.

'kay, that makes sense...

sweet looking install... I likes a tidy looking mod, I does...

**PatSV650** · 08-09-04, 08:11 PM

Originally posted by bemused
'kay, that makes sense...

sweet looking install... I likes a tidy looking mod, I does...

Go heavy or go home, I always say

'Course, I also say "lead, follow, or for christ's sake, get the FUCK OUTTA THE WAY!!!!"

**PatSV650** · 09-07-04, 08:56 PM

After about a month of having these horns, I've found them to be VERY effective! They've gotten the attention of many a pin-headed cager and work great on those guys you're riding with that have loud exhaust (I'm guilty as well, Yoshi race only no baffles) when you need their attention for whatever reason.

OK, only had one real problem and it's my own fault.... The relay I used, as it turns out, wasn't "weathertight". It could easily be popped apart with a screwdriver and since it wasn't sealed, the elements got to the contacts and they corroded. Lesson learned. Picked up a sealed relay unit (looks the same, but, all openings are sealed in epoxy or something similar). Turns out it's also a heavier duty rated unit (40 amps instead of 30). Maybe I'll try to put together a complete list of parts for this mod........?

**bemused** · 09-08-04, 07:06 AM

parts list & wiring diagram / schematic would be much appreciated... I'm too lazy to repeat all the research you've already done.

**Cam_In_IL** · 09-08-04, 08:56 AM

I'm willing to bet that I have the loudest bike on this board. I have what essentially are drag pipes. When I roll down the street, people move out of my way like the parting of the Red Sea.

**twrayinma** · 09-08-04, 09:18 AM

dude, that's just the smell.

**Cam_In_IL** · 09-08-04, 09:42 AM

Not true, my pale-faced hombre. I'm smelling good as of late.

Loud pipes? No... Loud HORNS!!

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