V7 OWNERS - HORNS?

[Spuddy]

A new, first time rider friend jumped on the the Mandello del Lario band wagon with a '15 V7.  Can't imagine I had anything to do with that, but since he's in Las Vegas, I haven't seen (or heard) his bike in-person.  Are the horns any good? Or does he need an immediate up grade?

Spud

[Rich A]

I've farted louder than the horn on my V7III. Unfortunately, the crash bar blocks easy access to it. I'll get to it someday.

Rich A

[Burkslaw]

The question then, Rich A, is: Did traffic take note when you farted?

[twowheeladdict]

My 2010 had dual horns.  The 2018 sounds like a scooter. 

I used to mount air horns on my bikes and then realized that I only used a horn to admonish someone.  If I found myself in a near hit situation, I was too busy avoiding to play with the horn. 

Now I just avoid situations where a horn would be handy, and with all the craziness out there, using it to admonish is not a wise choise.

[Tom]

The stock horns are pathetic at best.  Any of the parts stores have alternate horns.  There are self-contained air horns that also work.  Add in a relay and separate fuse.  I nail the horn when approaching any questionable situation. Fiamms are my favorite because they sound like a Mercedes sedan is on the road.  The Delco Remy on my HD Recon sounds like a Caddy.   

[aproud1]

The stock horns are pathetic at best.  Any of the parts stores have alternate horns.  There are self-contained air horns that also work.  Add in a relay and separate fuse.  I nail the horn when approaching any questionable situation. Fiamms are my favorite because they sound like a Mercedes sedan is on the road.  The Delco Remy on my HD Recon sounds like a Caddy.   

I put a Fiamm 72112 on my Milano. Around $14 and sounds like a horn. Not like the stock RC Car horn. Fit without much trouble but mine is a III.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Horn-Fiamm-72112-/203239052686?hash=item2f51fdd58e

You can see the fit in this picture.

[Kiwi_Roy]

I put a pair of cheap Fiamms on mine with a relay where the original horn was and a direct feed from the battery through a new in-line fuse.
The horns are a pair of Hi and Lo tone sold in auto stores for about $35, with a relay feed they are super loud.
,
First of all I mounted the them on the 1/8" aluminum plate but this damped them down considerably so I used the spring strip that came in the package, they are actually bolted to the driving light bolt although it looks like they are still bolted to the plate because the nut protrudes through, I believe I added an O ring between the horn and plate.
The 1/8" plate is mounted to the 4 pre-tapped 6mm holes Luigi provided under the triple tree. If you ride in the rain a lot like I do you must orient the horns as shown (bolt at top) so the water will drain out or they will fail when the diaphragm rusts.

[mechanicsavant]

I’m +1 on big horns , the relay is huge because horns draw huge power . I don’t like being rude but sometimes ya gotta wake up the folks snoozing behind the wheel & also handy for moving critters along .

[cee2cee]

I have always found it amazing that with all the concern for safety by the authorities and the addition of ABS and traction that in 2021 horns have not been one of the targeted upgrades/safety items required.  And shame on the manufacturers for not doing it voluntarily.  I added a set of FIAMM horns on my Breva and use it freely whenever I am in doubt.  I cannot count the number of times blowing that horn got the driver's attention. 

[egschade]

I have a Stebel Nautilus air horn in the drawer awaiting installation. It's on my To Do list and will be installed w/ relay in the next couple weeks. $30 on the Zon: https://www.amazon.com/Stebel-Nautilus-Compact-Motorcycle-Horn/dp/B003ET0JJQ/ref=sr_1_3?crid=1EZCWDX8YER7F&dchild=1&keywords=stebel+nautilus+air+horn&qid=1611137519&sprefix=Stebel+Nautilus%2Caps%2C254&sr=8-3 Chrome is $10 more.

[Kiwi_Roy]

I have a Stebel Nautilus air horn in the drawer awaiting installation. It's on my To Do list and will be installed w/ relay in the next couple weeks. $30 on the Zon: 

Excellent idea, I have been looking around for one, I think it would easily mount behind the lower forks, look up from under and you will see 4 tapped holes.
Knock up a bracket from 1/8" aluminium plate, it cuts really easily using a regular fine tooth coping saw.
Mount the relay in place of the existing horn then all you need is a 15 Amp feed from the battery.

[JJ]

I've farted louder than the horn on my V7III. Unfortunately, the crash bar blocks easy access to it. I'll get to it someday.

Rich A

Agreed and me too!!  ...and there is NOTHING worse on any motorcycle than a "WEAK HORN" (IMHO).   Therefore, you need a pair of 139dB "Griot's Garage" HELLA horns from Germany.  They are installed easity and they work well!  I have had these on my last few Guzzi's...

[JJ]

By the way, I also have the infamous Steibel Nautilus AIR CANNON on my 2014 Victory Vision. 

Installed after a "bone-head" on his cell phone cut me off in his large, white Cadillac SUV...I pressed the stock horn button and it went:  "Frrrrrrt"...no louder than a mild fart!!

I first time I used the *NEW* AIR CANNON horn, the lady DROPPED her cell phone and almost went off the road.  It is as loud as a train horn, and it can be heard for 8 blocks!  Well worth the investment!!

[twowheeladdict]

I have always found it amazing that with all the concern for safety by the authorities and the addition of ABS and traction that in 2021 horns have not been one of the targeted upgrades/safety items required.  And shame on the manufacturers for not doing it voluntarily.  I added a set of FIAMM horns on my Breva and use it freely whenever I am in doubt.  I cannot count the number of times blowing that horn got the driver's attention.

When we were kids, my Mom's station wagon got the drivers side backed into while in a parking lot.  My Mom was laying on the horn and the car backed into us and tried to keep going and it felt like they were going to roll us over. 

My older brother was able to jump out of the passenger side and run up to the lady's window to get her attention. 

When my mom asked if she heard the horn, she indicated that she did, but thought it was someone out on the street.

My point being that ABS and traction help you keep in control of your bike so you can avoid the situation.  If you are spending time hitting the horn which keeps you from avoiding a second sooner when you realize the person isn't reacting to the horn, you are toast. 

Sure, if someone is slowly drifting into your lane, a blast from the horn might make them move back into their lane, but a blast on the throttle, or a jab on the brakes if it is clear behind you gets you out of the situation of relying on them to do the right thing. 

[malik]

I had the Stebel air coanon on the Carberry Enfield V-Twin - at least on that bike there's places to attach that enormous bit of kit, but exposed to the elements as it was, it didn't last very long, perhaps a couple of years. On the V7 I'm using the Hella Strong Tones - they are a disc type, similar in size to the originals at 90cm across. They seem to be lasting quite well so far, although without a relay, the full 119dB doesn't seem to be there,





I looked at the louder Hella Super Tone & Sharp Tone (relays supplied), but they are enormous (130mm - 5 inches across), nowhere on a smallblock they are going to fit comfortably. Note that most of the horns I've seen appear to require placement in a splash free environment - yes, right, that's going to happen - resigned to having to get new ones every few years.

[cee2cee]

When we were kids, my Mom's station wagon got the drivers side backed into while in a parking lot.  My Mom was laying on the horn and the car backed into us and tried to keep going and it felt like they were going to roll us over. 

My older brother was able to jump out of the passenger side and run up to the lady's window to get her attention. 

When my mom asked if she heard the horn, she indicated that she did, but thought it was someone out on the street.

My point being that ABS and traction help you keep in control of your bike so you can avoid the situation.  If you are spending time hitting the horn which keeps you from avoiding a second sooner when you realize the person isn't reacting to the horn, you are toast. 

Sure, if someone is slowly drifting into your lane, a blast from the horn might make them move back into their lane, but a blast on the throttle, or a jab on the brakes if it is clear behind you gets you out of the situation of relying on them to do the right thing.

Sorry but I have to disagree! My long lifetime of riding dodging both Florida and Italian drivers [without incident I might add, knock on wood] have taught me how to blow the horn while at the same time twist the throttle and even shift while maneuvering my bike through traffic and dangerous situations.   Driving defensively, anticipating the driver's move, and blowing the horn BEFORE they do something stupid is in my estimation far safer than assuming they see me.  Patting my head and rubbing my tummy at the same time was a skill I picked up as a kid!   

[twowheeladdict]

Sorry but I have to disagree! My long lifetime of riding dodging both Florida and Italian drivers [without incident I might add, knock on wood] have taught me how to blow the horn while at the same time twist the throttle and even shift while maneuvering my bike through traffic and dangerous situations.   Driving defensively, anticipating the driver's move, and blowing the horn BEFORE they do something stupid is in my estimation far safer than assuming they see me.  Patting my head and rubbing my tummy at the same time was a skill I picked up as a kid!   

I'm glad I don't ride where you ride.  I would not consider that enjoyable.

Looks like you developed a skill out of necessity.  One thing we agree on is never assume they see OR HEAR you.   

I guess one could say better to have it and not need it, than need it but not have it.

I had it and didn't need it, so eventually stopped adding louder horns.  Attached are a couple horns I have added over the years.

[Vagrant]

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00029XGNM/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

this will fit right in the III as a replacement. no relay installed, works much better than stock but it isn't an air cannon either. the III has no room for dual units like the older V7 had.

[twowheeladdict]

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00029XGNM/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

this will fit right in the III as a replacement. no relay installed, works much better than stock but it isn't an air cannon either. the III has no room for dual units like the older V7 had.

Never knew they made 48 volt horns.   

Wolo Loud One Horn
They'll Hear You Before They See You
Heavy-duty 48-volts horn that connects to either one (1) or two (2) wire systems. Choose from either a high or low tone. The Loud One is built with steel and plastic construction that will provide many years of dependable service.

[Wildroamer]

I bought a pair of those dual PIAA Slimline horns shortly after I bought my bike. They looked like absolute garbage, so I took them right off and returned them. Some of you seem to have found some more subtle solutions, so I might revisit this.

[Kiwi_Roy]

The Fiamm Freeway Blasters are cheap ~$35 a pair c/w a relay here in Canadian Tire, even cheaper on Amazon.
Always provide your horns with 12 Volts thru a relay with a good size fuse and wiring.
Don't bolt it hard to the bike, use the springy bracket that the manufacturer provides otherwise the noise will be damped out.
Look back up the thread to see how mine are located on my V7 III, there are pre threaded holes under the triple tree.

[bad Chad]

I fall on TWA side of the fence.  I have put them on, but hardly ever use them.   They are good for signaling a friend you want their attention, and for letting a motorist know you didn't like what they just did, but that's about it.

[bronzestar1]

Got these off Amazon for $18, no relay needed.  Just splice into the OEM horn wires, and you're good to go...