Author Topic: is adding an aftermarket horn possible?  (Read 19267 times)

Iahawk

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is adding an aftermarket horn possible?
« on: December 26, 2020, 12:45:15 AM »
I have a Denali Soundbomb Mini horn on my motorcycle...huge upgrade to the OEM horn. It draws 5 amps and was a simple 2 wire plug and play on my bike. Much louder and deeper than the original.

Would the same thing be possible on my scooter? Can a basic scoot support a 5 amp draw horn without blowing anything? I wouldn't mind upgrading my horn (can you tell I'm looking for bike or scooter projects for the winter?) if it's possible.

link to horn:  https://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/denali-soundbomb-mini-horn?sku_id=1079940

Thanks, and I hope everyone is enjoying the Holiday.
2010 People S200 - sold after 8 wonderful years!
2014 Ninja 300
1996 Honda Helix
1984 Honda Nighthawk 650

Kansas kymco

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Re: is adding an aftermarket horn possible?
« Reply #1 on: December 26, 2020, 12:51:51 AM »
I think it would require a relay with wires run from the battery using the horn button to activate the relay. That's the way my air horn is set up on my Xicting 500.

Just looked and my air horn draws 25 amps so have to use a relay. Don't know if you could get by without a relay since it's only 5 amps.
« Last Edit: December 26, 2020, 10:23:43 AM by Kansas kymco »
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CROSSBOLT

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Re: is adding an aftermarket horn possible?
« Reply #2 on: December 26, 2020, 11:49:08 AM »
Easier to replace a relay than a switch. Switches are brand/model specific, relays are not so much.
Karl

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Iahawk

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Re: is adding an aftermarket horn possible?
« Reply #3 on: December 26, 2020, 05:29:27 PM »
so the consensus is that a 5 amp draw horn would likely melt something on the scoot? The simple solution is to install a relay if installing a larger amp draw horn? Hmmm...wiring things in is a challenge for me...I'll have to thinks some more about this one. Thanks for the replies.
2010 People S200 - sold after 8 wonderful years!
2014 Ninja 300
1996 Honda Helix
1984 Honda Nighthawk 650

randyo

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Re: is adding an aftermarket horn possible?
« Reply #4 on: December 26, 2020, 09:04:23 PM »
if you want a louder horn, get a 6v horn if/when it burns out, get another, they are cheap, and loud, when attached to 12v
RandyO
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CROSSBOLT

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Re: is adding an aftermarket horn possible?
« Reply #5 on: December 26, 2020, 11:28:35 PM »
so the consensus is that a 5 amp draw horn would likely melt something on the scoot? The simple solution is to install a relay if installing a larger amp draw horn? Hmmm...wiring things in is a challenge for me...I'll have to thinks some more about this one. Thanks for the replies.
The horn switch is pretty wimpy. Like brake switches are wimpy. So even for 5 amps a relay is a good idea. I will post one of my non-tech schematics in a photo if you say the word...
Karl

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Agility 50
Yager 200i
Downtown 300i
Navy tech, Ships Engineer, pilot and aircraft mechanic

stuo

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Re: is adding an aftermarket horn possible?
« Reply #6 on: December 27, 2020, 02:09:06 AM »
First thing I do with a new scooter is install a loud pair of horns. Ebay has cheap four contact 12 volt auto relays and loud horns. You can either run a fused (ebay) wire (14 gauge)from the battery or connect into the starter solenoid hot wire connection from the battery. Use the wires from the original horn to trigger the relay. Google will give you diagrams explaining how to wire the relay. A loud horn is something you probably will never need...until you do.
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Iahawk

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Re: is adding an aftermarket horn possible?
« Reply #7 on: December 27, 2020, 03:25:35 PM »
The horn switch is pretty wimpy. Like brake switches are wimpy. So even for 5 amps a relay is a good idea. I will post one of my non-tech schematics in a photo if you say the word...

Karl, yes, that would be great
2010 People S200 - sold after 8 wonderful years!
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Iahawk

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Re: is adding an aftermarket horn possible?
« Reply #8 on: December 27, 2020, 03:58:56 PM »
First thing I do with a new scooter is install a loud pair of horns. Ebay has cheap four contact 12 volt auto relays and loud horns. You can either run a fused (ebay) wire (14 gauge)from the battery or connect into the starter solenoid hot wire connection from the battery. Use the wires from the original horn to trigger the relay. Google will give you diagrams explaining how to wire the relay. A loud horn is something you probably will never need...until you do.

Thanks, Stuo
2010 People S200 - sold after 8 wonderful years!
2014 Ninja 300
1996 Honda Helix
1984 Honda Nighthawk 650

Iahawk

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Re: is adding an aftermarket horn possible?
« Reply #9 on: December 27, 2020, 07:34:30 PM »
oh, c'mon, Stig...the answer is yes!...sure it's possible, but it will also require wiring in a relay.. which will require some studying on my part...and the purchase of some extra stuff...and some wiring...oh, boy...
2010 People S200 - sold after 8 wonderful years!
2014 Ninja 300
1996 Honda Helix
1984 Honda Nighthawk 650

CROSSBOLT

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Re: is adding an aftermarket horn possible?
« Reply #10 on: December 27, 2020, 11:19:54 PM »
Here is your diagram. That optional wire to the outlet is handy to charge the battery without having to remove the seat and tub. Use the leads that are removed from the outlet to power stuff like TPMS, GPS, etc. Terminals are all 1/4" and available at Oreilly's, Auto Zone, etc. They have the "piggy back" adapters you will need if you wire the outlet.
The fuse size minimum should be 10 amps for that 5 amp horn. Max fuse of 20 amps and the wire. Use 20 amps if you run a small compressor.
Make sure you got all the screws and nuts removed before you pull that nose off! (Voice of experience!)

Now WHY does this ROTATE the picture 90 degrees??!

Oops! Forgot the ground wire on the horn!
« Last Edit: December 27, 2020, 11:23:53 PM by CROSSBOLT »
Karl

Three motorcycles 1960-1977 (restored a 1955 BSA)
Agility 50
Yager 200i
Downtown 300i
Navy tech, Ships Engineer, pilot and aircraft mechanic

Iahawk

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Re: is adding an aftermarket horn possible?
« Reply #11 on: December 28, 2020, 05:00:22 AM »
thanks, Karl, diagram and info saved!
2010 People S200 - sold after 8 wonderful years!
2014 Ninja 300
1996 Honda Helix
1984 Honda Nighthawk 650

Ruffus

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Re: is adding an aftermarket horn possible?
« Reply #12 on: December 28, 2020, 11:51:13 AM »
Thank You Karl from me too...
Happy and safe scootering, Ruffus

Stig / Major Tom

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Re: is adding an aftermarket horn possible?
« Reply #13 on: December 28, 2020, 12:47:44 PM »
Nice job Karl!
Let's look at making this a DIY sticky, Ok?
Stig
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john grinsel

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Re: is adding an aftermarket horn possible?
« Reply #14 on: December 28, 2020, 06:42:37 PM »
Since I do not like stuff falling off/quiting on trips when in the middle of no- where  In addition to replay, mounting has to be strong/non vibrating----

Best to work on your alertness/riding technique----of  course loud clothes so you are seen....and treat the cars and other traffic like they are trying to kill you.
« Last Edit: December 30, 2020, 02:43:21 PM by Stig / Major Tom »

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