Two Things I Know I'll Need.....

[NLAlston]

for my '83 VR is a horn, and a backrest. The horn on my bike is pitiful, with not enough voice to alert anyone to anything . I would like to know what is the legally loudest horn set that I can get for my bike. Also, where would be the best place to get the best price for a backrest?

[Venturous Randy]

As for horns, I have used several sets from Harbor Freight. This week they had the 135 decibil air horns for less than $14. They mount nicely under the fairing on a 1st gen. The only thing is these are red and you will need to paint them gloss black. They occasionally have the chrome ones. They take a bit to hook up, but nothing that is very difficult. We could walk you thru it. And, they are lifesaving LOUD!!!

On the back rest, they do come up on ebay occasionally, but get a little pricey.

RandyA

[NLAlston]

As for horns, I have used several sets from Harbor Freight. This week they had the 135 decibil air horns for less than $14. They mount nicely under the fairing on a 1st gen. The only thing is these are red and you will need to paint them gloss black. They occasionally have the chrome ones. They take a bit to hook up, but nothing that is very difficult. We could walk you thru it. And, they are lifesaving LOUD!!!

On the back rest, they do come up on ebay occasionally, but get a little pricey.

RandyA

 

Thanks RandyA.

 

Harbor Freight is only five or six minutes away from where I live, and I will stop in there tomorrow to see if they yet have them. Thanks.

[NLAlston]

Hi Randy.

 

I went out this morning, To Harbor Freight, and picked up two different horns (both on sale, and one of them will be returned). I saw the one that you had referenced, and bought it, as well as another. The latter mentioned cost more than twice what the other did, but it was a more compact unit, plus it stated how it uses the existing horn's wiring (I thought it might be a little easier to install, and there was no requirement for a hose). I don't rightly know what the decibel level rating is, for this particular horn, and won't find out until I get into the package (the 'red' set has its decibel numbers written right on the packaging). Costing more, however, doesn't necessarily mean better, and I'd like to know which of these you'd opt for - betwixt the two. Just for the heck of it I have thrown in pictures of both.

 

(by the way, I also DID pick up two cans of that Sea Foam. Now, it's about getting my 'Stallion' back here ).

[GeorgeS]

There are Two problems with the Stock Horn Installation:

 

1. There is No Horn Relay Installed !

 

2. The wireing thru the switch and to the two horn units is done

with wire size that is to small. Just not enough current flow to the stock horn, which are pittyfull, even if they did get enough current.

 

Fix. Buy a Relay at most any auto parts store, Use switch to control the relay which sends current to horn

 

Bottom line. Install a Relay, when you install the new horns !!!

[tfair]

Harbor Freight has the "chrome" ones for 14.99

 

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=40135

[Gearhead]

"Bottom line. Install a Relay, when you install the new horns !!!"

 

 

 

Or even with the stock horns. They may have untapped potential if they aren't getting full voltage. There is an active thread right now on this very subject.

 

Jeremy

[NLAlston]

The only ones that they had (like the ones pictured) are the red ones that I bought. I haven't gotten into the installation manual, of either set that I bought, to see what was entailed in their proper installations. I am hoping that it is laid out in an understanding manner .

 

 

 

 

Harbor Freight has the "chrome" ones for 14.99

 

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=40135

[DragonRider]

Get a set of horns from ebay for a goldwing 1800, those are some of the loudest horns I have ever heard, Wingman has a wing and he blew the horns one day while riding ahead of me and I thought an 18 wheeler was about to hit me, but it was just his horns,,,,,,,,,man they are loud............

[calperin]

NLAlston,

 

If you put a relay, and your horns work, or if you want to put additional highlights, you better contact Squidley for the brakets that holds the horns and the highlights.

 

I didn't replace my horns, just update cables & relay circuit. More than enough.

 

I have a 84'VR.

 

Regards,

[GeorgeS]

I just installed a relay to the stock horns, and used #16 wire for the main power to the horns, Difference was amazing, even with the Stock horns. ( Beep Beep ) much more Beep !!!

[kantornado]

The BADBOY air horn is 117 db

It is similar to the STABLE air horn 138 db we put on the 2nd Gen's but not as loud.

I had the red one's on my 83 and they work real well.

I hid them in the fairing.

The only trouble with them is that in time you will need to add a little oil to the air movement mechanism as it will stick and it becomes useless at the time you need it most.

Just test the horn every now and then.

I had them on my 83 for a good 15 years and sold them working on the bike.

So that 15.00 will be a good value..........................................Ron

[Condor]

Get a set of horns from ebay for a goldwing 1800, those are some of the loudest horns I have ever heard....

 

Is that any particular year??

[utadventure]

I can't help you on the horn but I bought the Utopia backrest for my '86. It installed pretty easily and has been great to ride with.

 

The seat adjusts with a turn of a screw, folds forward if needed and can be removed by simple pulling up (this is an upgrade but well worth it). The backrest can interfer with a riders comfort because it mount down through the seat.

 

The work & color matched very well with my stock seat.