Aftermarket Horn

[Fred W]

Anyone know what the dB rating of the OE horns is?

Good question, so....

I ended up here clicky

Interesting to say the least.

Toward the bottom they list the Duck's stock horn at about 86dB. I would think (with noise laws) that the FJR's is about the same but....

Looking at the charts, it's interesting to note that their tests aren't that much louder (from a dB quantity) thus alluding back to Wheat's statements.

This indicates that you really don't need to increase the dBs greatly to get a noticeable increase in sound.

That stated, the PIAAs would give a huge increase in noticeable sound if they really put out 115dB, which appears (from this article) might be much less.

Yes, I ended up at the same place. From that article it appears the Hella's are the loudest electric horn.

But maybe measuring the sound pressure levels is not an accurate means of evaluation? The variation for how the various frequencies translate to human ear perceptibility is the purpose behind using the "A" weighted scale. Apparently that isn't good enough in this case.

 

[wheatonFJR]

I listened to the comparison, and although they weren't the loudest, the freeway blasters gave the most "buick-like" sound....which is what I want. I want them to think that they are just about to get run over by a Buick...not a Volkswagon Beetle.

 

[Capt. Bob]

Anyone know what the dB rating of the OE horns is?

Good question, so....

I ended up here clicky

Interesting to say the least.

Toward the bottom they list the Duck's stock horn at about 86dB. I would think (with noise laws) that the FJR's is about the same but....

Looking at the charts, it's interesting to note that their tests aren't that much louder (from a dB quantity) thus alluding back to Wheat's statements.

This indicates that you really don't need to increase the dBs greatly to get a noticeable increase in sound.

That stated, the PIAAs would give a huge increase in noticeable sound if they really put out 115dB, which appears (from this article) might be much less.

Yes, I ended up at the same place. From that article it appears the Hella's are the loudest electric horn.

But maybe measuring the sound pressure levels is not an accurate means of evaluation? The variation for how the various frequencies translate to human ear perceptibility is the purpose behind using the "A" weighted scale. Apparently that isn't good enough in this case.

Agreed.

Listening to the sound comparisons, it seems to me that a horn(s) that sound like those on a car/truck "seem" much "louder". The chart says "no, not really" so I guess perception plays a large part in the loudness of a horn.

To quote Spock..."fascinating" .

 

[Checkswrecks]

Anyone know what the dB rating of the OE horns is?

Good question, so....

I ended up here clicky

Interesting to say the least.

Toward the bottom they list the Duck's stock horn at about 86dB. I would think (with noise laws) that the FJR's is about the same but....

Looking at the charts, it's interesting to note that their tests aren't that much louder (from a dB quantity) thus alluding back to Wheat's statements.

This indicates that you really don't need to increase the dBs greatly to get a noticeable increase in sound.

That stated, the PIAAs would give a huge increase in noticeable sound if they really put out 115dB, which appears (from this article) might be much less.

Yes, I ended up at the same place. From that article it appears the Hella's are the loudest electric horn.

But maybe measuring the sound pressure levels is not an accurate means of evaluation? The variation for how the various frequencies translate to human ear perceptibility is the purpose behind using the "A" weighted scale. Apparently that isn't good enough in this case.

Agreed.

Listening to the sound comparisons, it seems to me that a horn(s) that sound like those on a car/truck "seem" much "louder". The chart says "no, not really" so I guess perception plays a large part in the loudness of a horn.

To quote Spock..."fascinating" .

People tend to go to the part of the WbW article tht refers to loudness and miss other parts about quality and perception. There are a number of studies to support your thought. Example: Study on warning type and quality. Basically, it's not just about how loud you can install, but also sound quality and other factors. One thing this study refers to is some other work about how a combination hi/lo tone works better.

Obviously, we install the horns on the FJR in sets, so if buying the Freeway Blasters, you can get a hi tone for one and a low tone for the other.

 

[rok312]

Hold the phone! I've GOT to get me one of these:

Ooga!

Sound Byte

 

[CRMH Eagle]

I installed the Fiam Freeway Blasters along with Randy's harness. The harness and horns were a breeze to install. Yeah, I could've done my own wiring but it's not my strong suit and it would've taken me a day to figure out what wires to get and how to connect them.

The horns are loud. I've used them in traffic, in parking lots, highways, one-lane roads, etc. The horns get noticed. But still, I never rely on the horns. When I'm pressing the horn button at the same time I'm looking for escape routes.

 

[ShinyPartsUp]

Anybody tried mounting an air cannon?

aerostitch air cannon horn

 

[Fred W]

Anybody tried mounting an air cannon?

aerostitch air cannon horn

SPU,

Try looking at the full size image of the AeroStcih "Ear Cannon" horn:

 

[ShinyPartsUp]

Anybody tried mounting an air cannon?

aerostitch air cannon horn

SPU,

Try looking at the full size image of the AeroStcih "Ear Cannon" horn:

Are you saying it is a little big? :blink:

 

[Fred W]

Are you saying it is a little big? :blink:

No, I'm saying it is actually a Stebel Nautilus horn, which has been used by many: clicky

 

[ShinyPartsUp]

Are you saying it is a little big? :blink:

No, I'm saying it is actually a Stebel Nautilus horn, which has been used by many: clicky

Oh, I see I have more research on this farkle to do. Just installed the Brodie harness, a datel voltmeter with switch, new battery and had some wiring done so the cig. lighter is useful. I'm already starting thinking of the next projects, and I think a horn is there...thanks for the heads up. It does look big though.

 

[ahchiu]

I mounted the same horn below the triple clamp, and put the compressor on the left fairing panel (next to the compartment) along with 2 Fiamm low horns in the stock location with relay for all horns, I also have a seperate button for one Fiamm for friendly toot.

 

[2006FJR]

I bought the FJR Randy harness and the maginum horn and they will be on by tomorrow. Can't wait to hear them on the bike.

 

[JR'SFJR]

I replaced only the right side horn with a high blaster and disconnected the left stock horn, taking the lazy way. I did amp draw on the stock and blaster horns. The blaster was a little higher, but less draw than both stock horns, so I didn't use a relay. It makes enough noise for me.

 

[Fred W]

I replaced only the right side horn with a high blaster and disconnected the left stock horn, taking the lazy way. I did amp draw on the stock and blaster horns. The blaster was a little higher, but less draw than both stock horns, so I didn't use a relay. It makes enough noise for me.

Do you happen to have those amperage figures handy?

The reason that I ask is, the biggest part of an aftermarket horn mod is the wiring and relay addition. Since horns are only used infrequently and for short periods of time, if there is a way to just swap the horns themselves without doing the rewire, it sure would make it easier. Yes, I understand getting the full 13.2V to the horn may make it a tad louder. But the horns themselves make it so much louder than stock it is fairly moot.

 

[Lee B.]

I replaced only the right side horn with a high blaster and disconnected the left stock horn, taking the lazy way. I did amp draw on the stock and blaster horns. The blaster was a little higher, but less draw than both stock horns, so I didn't use a relay. It makes enough noise for me.

Do you happen to have those amperage figures handy?

The reason that I ask is, the biggest part of an aftermarket horn mod is the wiring and relay addition. Since horns are only used infrequently and for short periods of time, if there is a way to just swap the horns themselves without doing the rewire, it sure would make it easier. Yes, I understand getting the full 13.2V to the horn may make it a tad louder. But the horns themselves make it so much louder than stock it is fairly moot.

Just trying to add to my minimal knowledge re: electrical accessories:

Isn't your question answered in doctorJ's post on page one where he installed the PIAA dual tone horns as plug and play?

 

[Fred W]

I replaced only the right side horn with a high blaster and disconnected the left stock horn, taking the lazy way. I did amp draw on the stock and blaster horns. The blaster was a little higher, but less draw than both stock horns, so I didn't use a relay. It makes enough noise for me.

Do you happen to have those amperage figures handy?

The reason that I ask is, the biggest part of an aftermarket horn mod is the wiring and relay addition. Since horns are only used infrequently and for short periods of time, if there is a way to just swap the horns themselves without doing the rewire, it sure would make it easier. Yes, I understand getting the full 13.2V to the horn may make it a tad louder. But the horns themselves make it so much louder than stock it is fairly moot.

Just trying to add to my minimal knowledge re: electrical accessories:

Isn't your question answered in doctorJ's post on page one where he installed the PIAA dual tone horns as plug and play?

Sort of, yes. I kind of missed that post.

If he did that without changing the size of the horn fuse it should be safe enough.

 

[Nightshift]

I replaced only the right side horn with a high blaster and disconnected the left stock horn, taking the lazy way. I did amp draw on the stock and blaster horns. The blaster was a little higher, but less draw than both stock horns, so I didn't use a relay. It makes enough noise for me.

Do you happen to have those amperage figures handy?

The reason that I ask is, the biggest part of an aftermarket horn mod is the wiring and relay addition. Since horns are only used infrequently and for short periods of time, if there is a way to just swap the horns themselves without doing the rewire, it sure would make it easier. Yes, I understand getting the full 13.2V to the horn may make it a tad louder. But the horns themselves make it so much louder than stock it is fairly moot.

Just trying to add to my minimal knowledge re: electrical accessories:

Isn't your question answered in doctorJ's post on page one where he installed the PIAA dual tone horns as plug and play?

Sort of, yes. I kind of missed that post.

If he did that without changing the size of the horn fuse it should be safe enough.

I got the PIAA horns installed this weekend. They are noticeably louder than the stock horns. It took me a little over 4 hrs to do the install which included a trip to the hardware store for two nuts and bolts. So I am happy with them and know that when I have to use the horn it won't be an act in futility.

Mick

 

[Lee B.]

Mick,

Were they pretty much just plug and play or did you have to do any wiring? If it was unbolt, disconnect the old horns, connect and bolt up the new ones with existing wiring I'm going this way.

Your input is appreciated!

Lee

ps...if you have parts number, where purchased, etc. that would be great.

 

[Fred W]

Mick,Were they pretty much just plug and play or did you have to do any wiring? If it was unbolt, disconnect the old horns, connect and bolt up the new ones with existing wiring I'm going this way.

Your input is appreciated!

Lee

ps...if you have parts number, where purchased, etc. that would be great.

+1

I'm watching for this reply.