 Adding a second horn - electrical suggestions?
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Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 244
Adjunct
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OP
Adjunct
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 244 |
I have taken the leap and bought the Thunderbird horn. I have tested it on the bike and it does have a different deeper tone but can't say it is a lot louder. I have decided to do the freak horn and keep the original horn and add the Thunderbird (FIAMM) horn just below the OEM. Should make quite a racket (high tone and low tone). My question is wiring up both horns. The OEM is 12v and pulls 3 amps. The TB is 12v and likely pulls 5 amps. The fuse is a 10 amp but also covers the turn signals and brake lamp. Can I just spice into the OEM horn wiring and run both off the same circuit? Anyone have experience with this?
I will post some photos when I get it installed. I have created a bracket to tuck the TM/FIAMM horn in below the OEM and it should look good.
Last edited by pharmboy327; 08/23/2009 12:27 AM.
05 BA, Goodwood Green, Chevy605 pipes , ai removed, Freak kit, K&N pods, 145 main/42 pilot / 3 turns out, bags and screen
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Re: Adding a second horn - electrical suggestions?
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,362
Oil Expert
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Oil Expert
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,362 |
Short answer... yes you can but no you shouldn't.
Long answer... this has been argued over several times, basic thought it that although it will work fine to just splice in the extra horn you're near the limit and you should have a relay and fuse if you're going to add a second/bigger horn. Car manufacturers use relays for a reason, and they're pretty basic to fit. I'm sure if you use the search function you'll find several threads covering the how-to of putting a relay in.
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Re: Adding a second horn - electrical suggestions?
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 8,639 Likes: 3
Old Hand
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Old Hand
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 8,639 Likes: 3 |
You can get a relay for a couple bucks (1 quid) and it is worth it's weight in gold. It will take a lot of load off the handlebar switch and make it last longer. Using a relay, you can even install an air horn.
Let's hope there's intelligent life somewhere in space 'cause it's buggar all down here. -- Monte Python
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Re: Adding a second horn - electrical suggestions?
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964
Stickman Yogi
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Stickman Yogi
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964 |
Yup... definitely add a relay. It lessens the load on the handlebar switch and makes way for as much power as you need to deliver to the horn(s) without overloading anything.
Live to love, love to live.
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Re: Adding a second horn - electrical suggestions?
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Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 244
Adjunct
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OP
Adjunct
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 244 |
Okay, Thank you for the guidance on the relay. I will have to get that set up.
05 BA, Goodwood Green, Chevy605 pipes , ai removed, Freak kit, K&N pods, 145 main/42 pilot / 3 turns out, bags and screen
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Re: Adding a second horn - electrical suggestions?
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 12,877
Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 12,877 |
Personally, I would mount a relay, actuate it with the current horn wires (they slide right on, no cutting/soldering needed) then power both horns off the relay. Simpler, less messy, etc.
Benny
Black & Silver '02
Too many mods to list
Not enough miles ridden
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Re: Adding a second horn - electrical suggestions?
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Joined: May 2008
Posts: 247
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 247 |
I put a T-Bird horn on mine and it sounds a lot louder. I didn't check it with a meter, but the differance is quite noticable.
Chip Sciarra "07" America, N.C.Switch Blade windshield, Moto Lights, Tri. Off Road pipes
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Re: Adding a second horn - electrical suggestions?
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 8,639 Likes: 3
Old Hand
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Old Hand
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 8,639 Likes: 3 |
Quote:
I put a T-Bird horn on mine and it sounds a lot louder. I didn't check it with a meter, but the differance is quite noticable.
A bug belch is louder than the horn that came on my '03! 
Let's hope there's intelligent life somewhere in space 'cause it's buggar all down here. -- Monte Python
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Re: Adding a second horn - electrical suggestions?
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 12,877
Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 12,877 |
I could fart louder than my 02. OK maybe that was gross  True, but gross.
Benny
Black & Silver '02
Too many mods to list
Not enough miles ridden
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