Is your horn poorly?

[Skidz]

I wanted to put this to Suzuki after riding in town for 20 minutes, the horn died on me again. After some shopping and returning some 30 minutes later it was ok again.

The placement in my opinion is certainly wrong. We should have to rely on more than loud cans to be heard, and should it really be up to me to re-site what was clearly an afterthought?

Please post up if you experience the same, I want to make Suzuki aware and I will point them in the direction of this forum if they say no one else is concerned about it

cheers

Warren

[Jelly_fish]

dont point them over here warren ....my horn works great...ive got over 4500 miles on the bike..... <_<

[POG]

Warren,don't think i've pressed the button yet!!!. :rolleyes:

Will keep a look out now that you have mentioned the problem

[Nico]

Me to, Don't know what it sounds like, never used it.

Nico

[Bish]

I hit mine the other day just to make sure it works, havent had to use it in anger yet...

So far no problems.

Cheers
Bish

[andysv1k]

used mine once by mistake, damn winter gloves!! (couldnt find others)

it worked ok though.
Andy.

[BigThumpa]

Very similar experience - the heat seems to get to it.

I have the solution waiting to be fitted though :mobile: , just need to find space. I think the indicator mounting bolts look OK, just room to clear the forks.

[rjk]

Wow! We might be able to hear those on THIS side of the pond. :shock:

[jrl305]

You probably already know, but... make sure you use a relay with those babies. They draw a little more amperage than the stock one.

John

[BJAM]

Warren, stop playing with your horn and go ride your bike ;)

Mine works OK but it is used infrequently - only when the odd cage driver needs waking up :o

[SpankMe]

I'm on my third horn replacement. Buggered if I know what keeps happening to it, but it just dies after awhile.

[Bish]

Still on original horn.
No problems to report.

Cheers
Bish

[Smenthly]

Every now and then I test the horn and most times it wont work :angry: I can sometimes get it working buy wiggling the conection, but not always :blink: I will get the dealer to look at it at the 6000km service. Still I need it to keep those cages in line although by the time I hit the horn, usually I have already braked or swerved out of danger :msn-wink:

[BigThumpa]

Just wondered Skidz, is yours OK this time of year, since we seem to have established it's the heat from the radiator affecting it?

[tjm73]

Horn?? :blink: My bike has a horn? I push the button, but no one ever pays attetion. I didn't think I had a horn. :whistle:

[Skidz]

Not had the chance properly to play this year (hence the GS500) but i repositioned it so that more air from the side got to it. It still does not work after a long idle following washing , but clears up on the "dry-up" ride

[CraigBellamy]

I think Ive pressed my horn once on the sv! If I see people in town I give them a wave and outside town Im going to fast to see anyone (w00t)

[Smenthly]

At the 6000km service the mechanic, according to the invoice, adjusted horn and checked connections :blink: didnt know there was anything they could adjust :confused: Whatever they did, it seemed to do the trick. Every time since I've used the horn it has been working :cool:
Cheers
Craigo

[TornadoTRE]

Just wondered Skidz, is yours OK this time of year, since we seem to have established it's the heat from the radiator affecting it?

We must have been having the same thoughts there! I tried my Horn the other day a few times riding up the M3 in the cold...no problems now, mind you mine only failed a couple of times last summer, so wasn't really that bothered abou it.

Andy

[alansv]

Everytime I use the horn in anger, it never works, whenever I test it later it does!

[Timothy]

Yeah, was cut up at Hyde Park corner the other day by a tosser in a porche, horn didn't work....saying that neither does his wing mirror now!

[TornadoTRE]

Yeah, was cut up at Hyde Park corner the other day by a tosser in a porche, horn didn't work....saying that neither does his wing mirror now!

My god he must have a fast moving house if he cut you up in his Porch...e!!

Andy :bleh: :beer: :bleh:

[pascal]

I think the horn is getting to hot near the cylinder head. I moved it just above the radiator & underneath the tophalf. Works perfectly now! :niceone:

greets

[andyw]

The horn's not loud enough when it does work.....I've moved the horn and sited it under the right hand side of the fairing have bought a second similar horn to mount on the opposite side.

Mark...take it you'll be wiring those monsters up with a relay!! :msn-wink:

[frayed]

Must be a Suzuki thing... my 97 GSXR600 is on it's second horn but it sounds like it's on it's way out as well. I adjusted the screw to get it to work well enough to pass inspection... but I don't think it would make it through the next. :argh:

[BigThumpa]

Mark...take it you'll be wiring those monsters up with a relay!! :msn-wink:
Well remembered! They're still sitting in the shed waiting for the weather to warm up enough. I did find some useful fitting ideas on the 650 site though, which are safely tucked away.

[alansv]

Almost killed a young lad that ran out in front of the bike between parked cars this morning. :surprise: Stopped in time, but once again, the horn wasnt working when needed. Think its time for some aftermarket horns! :ryan:

[alansv]

final straw today, test the horn after a ride, it was making a whispering honk sound, and was hot to the touch, so I Nipped up Halfords and bought a bigger Horn for 10 Quid, much louder, fitted it to the indicator bolt inside the fairing.

Sorted. And while I had the tank up, removed the snorkal and drilled some nice holes in the airbox cover :)

[Skidz]

Phots if you can please Al, would like to see an alternative. Which pattern number was the horn you used?

[Bubba]

When I first bought the bike and noticed the location of the horn, I knew that it was not likely to last long. The hot blast of air from the radiator is not going to do it any good, especially here in southern California. I think that I have tried it once and that it made some pitiful weak sound (or was that the horn on my Miata?) :wacko:

The only horns that people notice out here are extremely loud air horns on commercial trucks.

[lesbrownjr59]

Well,my horn gave up the ghost last week end and I went to the dealer and he said that I could adjust the sound.I told him I didn't want to mess with it,so he ordered me a new one under warranty.Will get it installed next week.It has to be the sorriest horn in the world.Ride safe.....Les :no:

[TornadoTRE]

Well mine has finally given up on me, popped into the dealers and they have ordered the new bits (dunno what bits they need for a faulty horn....maybe a new horn?) But antway, hopefully I'll be honking at all the ingnorant cagers in and around London soon!!!

Andy

[alansv]

Like I said the horn costs 10 pounds, and is at least twice as loud and deeper then the stock one. Its made by a company called Ring, and is available in Halfords stores. The part code was REH 100/300 12v Lo-Note Horn.

heres a pic of it fitted in the inside of the left faring.

[sv1000srdr]

Hey guys,

I know this might seem trivial but I believe in safety part of which is the horn. About 2 weeks ago my horn started acting up. Works fine as long as the bike doesnt heat up over 200. Once the horn is exposed to temp for a period stops working. the diaphram moves slightly when I hit the horn button but is being restriced by something. It is extremely hot to the touch (understandable seeing as they located it between the radiator and the block) dont see why but anyways. Has this happened to anyone else. I know its under warranty but my dealer is over an hour away and giving me trouble about coming in. If I go they dont have parts in stock so its a 4 hour roundtrip ordeal (2 trips) for a freakin horn. I tried to go to a dealer close to work but they seem to be real a holes about servicing bikes that werent purchased at there dealership, real rude when i tried to set up appointment telling me "we take care of our own first" and that I would have to wait 4 weeks to come in. A damn horn I tell you! :ranting: Just thought someone could offer some insight as to a way to fix this on my own?

Thanks

[Timothy]

Hey guys,

I know this might seem trivial but I believe in safety part of which is the horn. About 2 weeks ago my horn started acting up. Works fine as long as the bike doesnt heat up over 200. Once the horn is exposed to temp for a period stops working. the diaphram moves slightly when I hit the horn button but is being restriced by something. It is extremely hot to the touch (understandable seeing as they located it between the radiator and the block) dont see why but anyways. Has this happened to anyone else. I know its under warranty but my dealer is over an hour away and giving me trouble about coming in. If I go they dont have parts in stock so its a 4 hour roundtrip ordeal (2 trips) for a freakin horn. I tried to go to a dealer close to work but they seem to be real a holes about servicing bikes that werent purchased at there dealership, real rude when i tried to set up appointment telling me "we take care of our own first" and that I would have to wait 4 weeks to come in. A damn horn I tell you! :ranting: Just thought someone could offer some insight as to a way to fix this on my own?
Thanks


There was a thread a while back about this. I have the same problem in town (and where do you need a horn!?). REALLY pisses me off.....is this a warrenty thing I wonder?

[JeffSV]

There has been a couple threads about it and a poll. Pulled This (http://www.sv1000.zyns.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1070&highlight=Horn) up for you give it a look....sounds like bad placement by Suzuki is the biggest problem.

[Frippery]

I can add something to this. Same symptoms - horn works fine until slow commuting on a warm day, when it just packs up. And this tends to be when you need it most. I called in at my local dealers last week and they mentioned I was the second person to ask about this problem in 2 weeks. They've now phoned to say that they'll replace it under warranty tomorrow (Saturday).
Trouble is if they replace it with the same item, it'll probably happen again.
My bike's got the side fairings, which could be the cause of the problem?
I'll report back when it's been done and I've had a chance to test it.

[Timothy]

I can add something to this. Same symptoms - horn works fine until slow commuting on a warm day, when it just packs up. And this tends to be when you need it most. I called in at my local dealers last week and they mentioned I was the second person to ask about this problem in 2 weeks. They've now phoned to say that they'll replace it under warranty tomorrow (Saturday).
Trouble is if they replace it with the same item, it'll probably happen again.
My bike's got the side fairings, which could be the cause of the problem?
I'll report back when it's been done and I've had a chance to test it.

Welome mate!


I've got the same idea, they will only replace it with the same item, and the bloody thing will work in the shop I bet!

Far be it for Suzuki to admit they are wrong (Busa and TL frame comes to mind!).

Any probs on the K4 I wonder?

[Viking]

Any probs on the K4 I wonder?
Haven't tried my horn when the temp is high so I won't know.
I'll try it some time. The horn has always worked for me when I've tried it.

[Timothy]

Haven't tried my horn when the temp is high so I won't know.
I'll try it some time. The horn has always worked for me when I've tried it.

Run it in your yeard for 10-20 mins and try it!

[Viking]

Run it in your yeard for 10-20 mins and try it!
See if I can get it done tomorrow.

[Slyboy]

Had exactly this problem and after telling the dealer and them looking at it 4 times in a row they replaced it and I've had no probs since. Definitely a dodgy Suzuki part.

David

[Timothy]

Had exactly this problem and after telling the dealer and them looking at it 4 times in a row they replaced it and I've had no probs since. Definitely a dodgy Suzuki part.

David

What did they replace it with then??

[Slyboy]

What did they replace it with then??

Another Suzuki horn - same part number, but this time no probs so far....

[peterrose]

I always put two 100mg Viagra tablets in the petrol tank and then my" horn" works for hours. :yes:

You can " BEEP" for hours with no problem, as many times as you want. :niceone:

You can get them from your doctor or over the internet.

Pop one in Grandads tea, see him start chasing Granny all over the place. :buggerd:

Pete.

[Viking]

After adjusting the idle speed the temp had gotten up to 105C (220F)
The horn worked as it was supposed to.
Still no problems with the K4. That's why I chose the K4 instead of K3.
I was hoping that any problems/annoyances with the K3 would be sorted.

[sv1000srdr]

Well guys,

I took the hour and 20 min ride up to the dealership on Saturday. Was a nice day for a ride, a little on the cool side. Too cool for the horn prob. Eng temp stayed around 198. They couldnt duplicate the problem (of course right?) so they couldnt replace the part. The said they bent the mounting bracket back away from the radiator to see if that helps. Just as luck would have it i got 30 min from the dealership in traffic and of course the horn stops working! The only good that came out of the visit was that i got them to adjust the idle a bit as it was falling to about 800 and rough. Sounds good now and i got a nice tank bank while i was there. My buddy came over on his SV1000s with his newly fitted RS-3's they sounded wicked esp when i was riding it. I am almost convinced to buy those, however i can get a good deal on some wileycos as well just not sure about grinding to make them fit and I am still wanting to hear what D&D sound like on a 1000. Anyone have a clip or have those fitted?

[Goat_3652]

The only thing I dislike about the horrn, is the sound. Beep Beep yer arse,


I want a horn off a 1973 3/4ton Ford Pickup on the Sv, Hear me roar...

[AJS34]

Yeah, press on that horn switch and you sound like Roadrunner 'Meep meep'.
I put a couple of Fiamms on my SV last night, they make your ears bleed... well almost. That'll teach them buggers that try to run me off the road. :bash:

The only thing I dislike about the horrn, is the sound. Beep Beep yer arse,


I want a horn off a 1973 3/4ton Ford Pickup on the Sv, Hear me roar...

[Skidz]

Pics if possible please, knocked of my GS today by a frickin taxi driver :ranting:

[Goat_3652]

Pics if possible please, knocked of my GS today by a frickin taxi driver :ranting:


With all the junk cars around the bodyshop, I have been looking at many different horns. Most of which are thicker the the one found on the Sv, so a new bracket will have to be fashioned. That should not be too hard to do, thin 18g sheetmetal is plenty think enough, you just have to bend it in a
......|
...../
....|
shape to allow for the thinker horn body...

[AJS34]

Pics if possible please, knocked of my GS today by a frickin taxi driver :ranting:

Bugger! I assume you're OK as you are able to type? It was the many near misses that made me want to do this mod.

I'll get the camera out tonight. I put one horn in the same place as the original. The new one's a lot bigger than the original so called for a bit of imagination with the bracket. I'm hoping it doesn't succumb to the heat (behind the radiator) like some of the stories on this thread but it's shrouded in plastic so I think it'll be OK. The second one I put inside the fairing on the left hand side mounted on the upper radiator bracket.
Will post piccies tomorrow all being well.

Cheers
Andy

[mr_apisto]

It seems that no bike maker is able to put a decent set of horns on their machines. When I was despatch riding I had a pair of Fiamm airhorns on all my bikes. The cost was a bit higher than the alternatives, and it can be a bit difficult to site the bell mouths so that they don't fill up with water, but what a sound! I remember coming up behind a Morris 1000 on the outside lane of the A1 (UK.) The driver didn't even see me (I had twin headlights and twin spots on full blast.) I finally lost my patience and gave him a shot of Mr Fiamm's medecine and the guy swerved out of the way so violently that he almost wnet off the road (3 lane carriageway) I laughed so much I almost fell off :killingme . The only prob. can be that they swerve back onto you. The air horns are like the ones pictured in the earlier post, except that the body is smaller, and they have long trumpets on the end. Great if you can find space for them. Always try to have them facing slightly downwards.

[Remmy]

So yesterday I'm on my way home from a ride with some friends, it was one of those days where the cages seem particularly bent on running bikers off the road...No less than three tried that day...as the last $#%@%-ing SOB of the day pulled into my lane I pushed the horn button and...NOTHING. Not a peep, silence. Great. I managed to get out unscathed, but needless to say I was quite disturbed.

It was a beautiful sunny day at about 75-80 degress, so it wasn't wet or especially hot. I got home and checked the wires, they were fine and pushing the horn button got me nothing, but I could tell that current was reaching the horn by a little sound coming from it.

But this morning I came out and guess what? It works fine!!!!

Methinks the location behind the radiator may be the problem.

So, anyone else had this problem?
Anyone got leads on a good, louder horn?

Thanks, all!
-Remmy

[JeffSV]

Yep your right location is the key it gets cooked check out this (http://www.sv1000.zyns.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1070&highlight=horn) thread already quite a bit about it.

[andysv1k]

Found out yesterday that mine has gone to the little horn place in the sky.

Good job it wasnt an emergency use for it. (use the cans and a handful of throttle for that!)

Andy.

['Nard Mob Phot]

horn hhhmmmm dont use it much only to say hello

[andysv1k]

I only tried to use mine to get the girlffriend to open the garage!

i find you dont have time to use the horn for its real purpose, too busy trying to stay alive! :crazy:

Andy.

[Tundra Tom]

Wouldn't be with out one, especially in city traffic. Two fingers on the brake,left thumb on the horn. When drivers start to merge into me with out looking a blast from the Hella horn and a stab of brake or a blast of throttle.
They tend to swerve back into their lane and give the "I'm a dumbshit" wave.

[ZLoneW]

Like I said the horn costs 10 pounds, and is at least twice as loud and deeper then the stock one. Its made by a company called Ring, and is available in Halfords stores. The part code was REH 100/300 12v Lo-Note Horn.

Curious... From the picture you can read "FIAMM" on its cover. These babies are the same mr_apisto whas talking about, usually come in a set of two (low tone, hi-tone) with a relay and a little cabling - somewhere I have a box with these, maybe I'll mount them up at last...

They are available with chrome covers, too :)

Seems that at Halford's they sell them refurbished or as spare parts...

[silversver]

no probes with mine :)

[dougie111]

I wanted to put this to Suzuki after riding in town for 20 minutes, the horn died on me again. After some shopping and returning some 30 minutes later it was ok again.

The placement in my opinion is certainly wrong. We should have to rely on more than loud cans to be heard, and should it really be up to me to re-site what was clearly an afterthought?

Please post up if you experience the same, I want to make Suzuki aware and I will point them in the direction of this forum if they say no one else is concerned about it

cheers

Warren

amazing but my horn did the same thing! it's like they all do the same. lets see: clunk when braking, temp running up to 220f, weave at 130+, nice to see our bikes have some" character" as long as i'm not left stranded i'm okay :D

[mrgenius]

my horn died for the first time the other day while trapped in stop and go freeway traffic. an 18-wheeler decided to cut me off and i had no horn. :surprise:

i can't understand that suzuki hasn't issued a recall. imagine if seatbelts didn't work on one of their cars when it got hot. they'd have that fiixed in an instant! :argh:

btw, it pisses me off that the SV's horn is so wimpy. i feel like the road runner whenever i use it. . . :blink:

[rogfog]

Mine has died - hot or cold !!

Will replace with after market version.

[FlyingScotsman]

amazing but my horn did the same thing! it's like they all do the same. lets see: clunk when braking, temp running up to 220f, weave at 130+, nice to see our bikes have some" character" as long as i'm not left stranded i'm okay :D
Ditto, my horn eventually died on me and has been replaced under warranty after 11,000 miles. It has been erratic from new. I've never had this problem with a previous bike. Suzuki, own up.

[svvmax]

But, do you know how to use it properly??????????????? :shocking: :shocking:


http://www.ehow.com/how_5232_motorcycle-horn-properly.html

It could be that you are not making the most of the tool that you have :blink:

This does not apply to peterrose :shocking:

[Timothy]

Funny, I seemed to have done all the 'mods' to my bike that I can think of and I still haven't got this one sorted yet!

Last night on my way home I had one car pull out of a junction on me and one doing a U turn infront of me, what could I do....NOTHING! The horn is buggered after about 2 miles in London traffic...mental note.....GET IT SORTED! :argh:

[DIVESLOB]

My horn is bolloxed as well, car pulled out on me the other day.......went to use the horn and nothing! Gotta get it fixed.

[Slyboy]

Like I said the horn costs 10 pounds, and is at least twice as loud and deeper then the stock one. Its made by a company called Ring, and is available in Halfords stores. The part code was REH 100/300 12v Lo-Note Horn.

heres a pic of it fitted in the inside of the left faring.

Big thank you to AlanSV. I've just bought that horn from Halfords and spent the last hour and a half fitting it.

I looked at his picture under the left hand fairing and decided thats where I wanted to site it, using the indicator mounting bolt to fix it.

I had to lift the tank to re-route the wiring from the horn on the back of the radiator on the RHS to the left hand side of the bike, and where it passes back out from under the tank through the frame and up to the horn button I had to split the outside insulating wrap so that I could seperate the horn wiring from the rest of the switches wiring to get enough slack to reach the LHS fairing mounting point.

The thing that took so long was that I couldnt get the nut to start on the indicator bolt with the horn and bracket on it. (it kept getting cross threaded and space was restricted). So I just fitted the bracket first, then once that nut bit and tightened then I put the new horn on the other end of the bracket. The next problem was getting the bolt tight on the back of the bracket onto the horn thread. The space is really restricted there, but I eventually got it on and tightened it using a ratchet spanner. If it wasnt for Alans picture I wouldnt have persevered but I knew it would fit!

Then I checked the steering damper and forks missed the horn. After a minor adjustment and tightening of the bolts it was finished.

Time for a test of the horn and HOOOONNNNKKKK!!! well loud and I'm well chuffed. Definitely recommended.

David

[dadmun]

Well, it's time for me to change my vote in the poll from "No- Not had this problem yet" to - I now have this problem.

I noticed it yesterday. Cager pulled out in front of me. I saw it coming, so I took evasive action. After I was safe, I went to use the horn as a "F U" to the driver, but nothing. I was nearly at my house, so I got in the garage and checked it out. I turned off the key and disconnected it and reconnected it thinking maybe the connection was corroded. I then turned the key on but didn't start the bike. I could here it moving the diaphram or whatever - it sounds like a solenoid with the horn button pressed and clicks back when the button is released.

This morning, the horn worked once on a quick test, but when I got to work, I tried it a couple of times and nothing...

Not sure if it's the heat, or just faulty. Some have mentioned that you can adjust the horn? I haven't tried that yet. Maybe I will right now (back in a sec...) OK, it works fine now. Must be heat related. I can't get to the adjuster screw without removing the horn and since I'm at work, that will have to wait until later...

I bent the bracket a little bit away from the radiator, but only an inch or so.

Anyone have success adjusting the horn via the screw? I might just relocate it completely.

[durtal]

Never noticed it yet

[Timothy]

Never noticed it yet

You will in traffic (when you need it) and when it's a little hotter!

[durtal]

You will in traffic (when you need it) and when it's a little hotter!

It's true that I don't use it very often or rather never. Just passing between the cars in lanes :)

[Miggy]

No problems noted to date. If it does start going Pete Tong ...... better get my arse down to Halfords methinks !!!

HOOOONNNNKKKK!!! HOOOONNNNKKKK!!! HOOOONNNNKKKK!!! :lol:

[chewy22]

couple of soloutions here http://www.sv1000.zyns.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5114&page=3&pp=10

[mandingo999]

:argh: Just when I needed it. NO HORN!!! Don't know if Suzuki knows, but the hotter the bike gets the less the horn works :angry2: Went to the local stealer and luckly the will replace the horn at no cost. But I think will relocate the horn to a cooler location. Will post pics once it's done...

[Tundra Tom]

:argh: Just when I needed it. NO HORN!!! Don't know if Suzuki knows, but the hotter the bike gets the less the horn works :angry2: Went to the local stealer and luckly the will replace the horn at no cost. But I think will relocate the horn to a cooler location. Will post pics once it's done...


It's been done and documented. Extend the wire harness and mount it to the upper right radiator bracket pointing downward.
Here's a link with a better replacement too.
http://www.sv1000.zyns.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5314&highlight=big+ass+horn

Good luck and let us know if you find a better place to mount it.

[Skidz]

I wanted to put this to Suzuki after riding in town for 20 minutes, the horn died on me again. After some shopping and returning some 30 minutes later it was ok again.

The placement in my opinion is certainly wrong. We should have to rely on more than loud cans to be heard, and should it really be up to me to re-site what was clearly an afterthought?

Please post up if you experience the same, I want to make Suzuki aware and I will point them in the direction of this forum if they say no one else is concerned about it

cheers

Warren


Well, its taken me nearly 2 years to perhaps solve this problem, Saw the ad in MCN (first time I have bought it this yr) and decided to give this a go. Don't know where i will site it, but hopefully this will solve the problem.

I'll keep all updated.

[Slyboy]

Skids,

I mounted mine on the inside of the lhs fairing on the other side of the indicator on its thread. Solid as a rock and hasnt needed tightening up in 10,000 miles of riding. I wrote about this earlier in this thread.

David

[gedo]

Was out for a ride today and spotted a mate in the Petrol station, pressed button and ......nothing. It's has been working fine up to now and the only thing that has changed is over the weekend I spotted this post (and a similar one) discussing the issue !! I've been cursed and now feel glad that I didn't spend any more than 5 mins reading about the dreaded knock :wacko:

It was working again when I got home so now I know not to rely on it

[Skidz]

Well, I fitted it in the same place a Slyboy, attaching it to the upper radiator mount via its bracket.

THIS THING IS LOUD!!!!!!!!

Even at speeds beyond 120 it can still be clearly heard.

One of my better mods :supsmiley

[Miggy]

Ordered mine yesterday :banana:

Cheers for the details Skidz ........ now, where's my toolbox :whistle:

:D

[Miggy]

Horn arrived today, so I had a little free time, so I thought ........ lets give it a go & fit the thing, how hard can it be :D

A shade over 4 HOURS later, i finally finished :blush:

But to be honest, im just pleased I got everything back together & it started :lol:

Clearly I am to bike mods, what Eddie 'the Eagle' Edwards was to Ski Jumping :killingme

Anyway, this horn is a beast .............. 136db :surprise: nearly deafened me when i tested it. One of my cats was in the garage at the time I tested it ........... you have never seen a cat jump as high as she did :killingme I nearly fell over I was laughing so hard !!!!

Poor kitty :lol:

[pat161]

I posted my response as once the bike is hot the horn stops working, which is only partly true. It seems to always work, to an extent, when the bike is hot it makes a lame noise that is hard to hear over the motor, but I never use the horn anyway. I actually passed inspection with my crappy horn, mainly because the shop just slapped the sticker on my plate, they actually did not check a thing, I guess they figured on such a new bike what could be wrong, little did they know.

[hkyglie]

The horns that the all the mfg's put pn there bikes are lame. I think they were only meant for us as riders to hear. Heaven forbid you get into a situation where you need to honk at some idiot. You are definitely better served putting on an aftermarket that has more guts to it......I hit the horn the other day to keep a guy from pulling out in front of me on a country road, I thought that he & his buddy were going to die from laughter............ :shock: :shock: :shock:

[Jaffa]

Well, I fitted it in the same place a Slyboy, attaching it to the upper radiator mount via its bracket.

THIS THING IS LOUD!!!!!!!!

Even at speeds beyond 120 it can still be clearly heard.

One of my better mods :supsmiley

I didn't know you had access to a private test track :pcplod:

[sinic]

I wrote a thread on this a while back. Being a commuter going into London everyday, my first 15-16 miles of my 20 mile journey it's fine. After a while of noticing the horn not working for the last 4 miles in the slow traffic I realised it was a horn overheating problem. Once the bike was over about 98.c for a period of 2-3 minutes it would stop working until I'd covered about the last 2 miles of the journey with it cooling down in the calmer traffic, and noticed it coming back to life below 94.c indicated on the dash.

I was shocked when I realised that good ol mr suzuki had fitted the damn thing between the radiator and the front cylinder. :argh: , whoever decided to put it there should be shot, especially when you consider that these bikes are developed in the hot country of Japan, with them probably having this problem themselves.

I refitted the horn on the right rear fairing bracket that bolts to the frame. I used the original retaining bolt through the centre hole, and the job took ten minutes.

I have now had months of no problem bibbing!

[Finley]

I hadn't had a problem with my horn for well over a year now, and guess what
the F******* went and stopped working during the MOT test today so it failed,:angry: :angry: :angry: :ranting: :ranting: :wallbash: :wallbash: :wallbash:
made it worse that it worked on monday when I should have had the test done but the DOT/VOSA computer went down:pistols:

and to top it all when I got back home it worked again:crybaby:

gave it a quick tune and hope its ok tomorrow so it can get the free retest

[svtrev]

I hadn't had a problem with my horn for well over a year now, and guess what
the F******* went and stopped working during the MOT test today so it failed,:angry: :angry: :angry: :ranting: :ranting: :wallbash: :wallbash: :wallbash:
made it worse that it worked on monday when I should have had the test done but the DOT/VOSA computer went down:pistols:

and to top it all when I got back home it worked again:crybaby:

gave it a quick tune and hope its ok tomorrow so it can get the free retest



That sounds about right:buggerd: :angry: I aint tried mine for ages

[Bish]

Mine had it's first outage yesterday when I went to 'tootle' another road user for being a blind :blank:

[Johnny_SV]

I replaced the stock horn with a 130 db FIAMM high-tone disk type horn. I never read this thread, so I spent about an hour looking for an ideal spot. I finally opted for the right side radiator bracket, tucked just under the fairing. I see this is a common location for most members. After installation, I swear the horn looks like it was placed there at the factory! It works perfectly and is definitely louder! Another benefit is that I have some more space to gain access to the front spark plug. Who was the Darwinian who thought of the stock factory horn location? :pistols:

[dadmun]

Don't forget this thread as well:
http://www.sv1000.zyns.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5314

I posted in both this thread and the one I referenced above. I used the same replacement horn as Tundra Tom and it's been perfect ever since.:niceone:

[iansv1000]

this horn thing been doing my head in ,andyw had the right idea to move it under to the top fairing next to rad cap ,just done this tonight ,i copied his idea and extended the wires up to new place,hope it doesnt go off again

[lesbrownjr59]

I purchased a Stebel Nautilus compact horn to put on my ZX but there is not enough room for it.If anyone is interested in it I will sellit for $45.00 shipped anywhere in the US or extra to anywhere else.Its brand new,never installed but opened the pkg.It has the wiring harness and the switch to go with it.Ride safe....Les

[2WIN]

I purchased a Stebel Nautilus compact horn to put on my ZX but there is not enough room for it.If anyone is interested in it I will sellit for $45.00 shipped anywhere in the US or extra to anywhere else.Its brand new,never installed but opened the pkg.It has the wiring harness and the switch to go with it.Ride safe....Les

How would you like to be paid?

Paypal Les?

[PEZ]

I have the stock horn under the fairing on the left side, and a Hella horn under the fairing on the right side. The combination is definitely greater than the sum of its parts! My horn now has a LOUD, obnoxious, and therefore very satisfying report- cage dwellers definitely turn their heads, spraying drool all over their windows when I use it. :supsmiley

[bioboy]

Oh I thought this thread was about something else, cos I was told last night I have an impressive horn:supsmiley

[thebullet]

The horn on my 2003 has this problem too. So far what I know is: When I first warm the bike up and start tooling through town -- the horn does not work. Once I get rolling, it does. Then intermittantly it does not work. I use the horn all the time. I use the horn if I even THINK a driver is contemplating a lane change. It has saved my arse so many times. On the SV I'm sorely disappointed in this glitch, as well as the ignorance in putting the Emergency flashers on the same handlebar as the BRAKE. On my old bike I could brake hard and hit the emergency flashers at the same time -- which can save your hiney royally on the freeway. This cannot be done effectively on the SV. You cannot brake suddently and hit the flashers quickly enough all with your right hand.

[retiltxet]

my honr works on and off.... its very irritating

[KENY1050]

No problems

[Bala]

You will in traffic (when you need it) and when it's a little hotter!

In traffic, especially when making a slow turn to the left, I have come to expect my horn not to work at all. -and it usually doesn't.

[PEZ]

My dual horns still rock!! Once the stocker was moved away from direct engine heat, it has never had a problem, and combined with the low tone Hella, the sound is positively irritating.

[thebullet]

The horn on my near new 2003 works only intermitantly. Sometimes it works, sometimes not. It's not heat, it's not revs. Last week we twiggled the connections and it worked fine for a day. The next day it would not work at all. While it was not working we connected a new Suzuki GSXR horn up and that horn would not work either. So, it's NOT the horn itself. I'm sure eventually we'll find the gremlin.

[retrogeordy]

I seem to think iy is the heat. Was on demo ride today, everyone using their horns ,that is except me. Once engine is hot horn would not work. When the engine cools horn starts working, as soon as it`s up to temperature again it stops ? Has anyone who has changed the horns position had the problem return ?:ranting::nutkick:

[2WIN]

I seem to think iy is the heat. Was on demo ride today, everyone using their horns ,that is except me. Once engine is hot horn would not work. When the engine cools horn starts working, as soon as it`s up to temperature again it stops ? Has anyone who has changed the horns position had the problem return ?:ranting::nutkick:

Bent mine back 90º and never had an issue... Recently replaced with the Stebel... DAMN!

The horn on my near new 2003 works only intermitantly. Sometimes it works, sometimes not. It's not heat, it's not revs. Last week we twiggled the connections and it worked fine for a day. The next day it would not work at all. While it was not working we connected a new Suzuki GSXR horn up and that horn would not work either. So, it's NOT the horn itself. I'm sure eventually we'll find the gremlin.

Clean the switch contacts...

[loonlyrider]

horn,its knackered and now it's even more knackered,i moved it thinking it the heat wouldn't get to it anymore,and guess wot,it's even worse now than before,i bought a new one a while ago,but cant remember where i put it,so now i just shout alot and stick my fingers up:rofl::rofl:

[thebullet]

Spoke w/shop mechanic at my neighborhood Suzuki dealer, and he claimed to have no knowledge of reports of horn problems on the SVs. Said the first place to start would be replacing the switch.

Now in my travels I've been trying a few things. When I'm riding along and the horn does not work, I keep the button depressed -- after 10 - 30 seconds, it will kick-in and blow -- regardless of coolant temperature.

Just choosing to replace mine with an after market setup. I've never been happy with how wimpy stock horns are anyway. And it is a vital function when I'm riding -- I use it all the time if I even think a driver isn't aware that I'm near them -- I will hit the horn. Horn and emergency flashers are two of the most important things on the road. Suzuki failed big time with the flashers too -- locating the switch on the handlebar with the front brake. Oy. How do you perform an emergency stop on the freeway AND hit the flashers at the same time? Over the years this practice has saved my arse so many times. Going to have to find a way to relocate that too.

[ralmat33]

my horn works but the loud cans are even better and if you really want someones attention show them they are number one with one finger works pretty good. :innocent:

[rabidhedgehog]

Getting ready to put on my third horn. Cut open the first one and it found center piston was rusted solid. Now the second has quit working - rusted up too. Planning on moving the horn mount, but there are not many places to hide it on a Naked...:unsure:

Bought a cheap $7 horn from Dennis Kirk. Horn has an adjustment screw so you can tweak it to make it more obnoxious.

[flyn tiger]

I haven't seen a clear answer about the horn. Mine works when it wants to. The bike got warmer today and it did not work most of the time. Does it need to be relocated?

[ralph glorioso]

A few months ago, I bought one of the Hella horns recommended by Tundra Tom, from Susquehanna Motorsports. I believe I got a discount for being a Portal member. I have a naked model and thought I'd have lots of choices where to mount it but didn't have it so easy. Finally hung it on the right side of the bike from one of the engine mount bolts. Didn't use a relay, just made short wire extensions with male and female spade connectors and matched these up to the OE horn leads.

The horn fits neatly in the gap where the radiator hose has a "cutout" in its routing. Doesn't matter if the horn faces the side IMHO. It's loud enough to get your message across to anyone in the area!

[flyn tiger]

Thanks Ralph G. I tried to remount my horn today up around the radiator cap but could not make it work....I need more wire to connect it. I did turn the diaphram the other direction away from the radiator and out away from the engine. It worked for a while but when the motor heated up at a red light it stopped again, cooled off started working. A friend of mine said he thought it was not the heat but water in the horn that when it got warm made it stop. ?????? Who knows?? I plan on getting more wire made up and putting a new horn under the right side fairing around the radiator cap. Has your horn worked ok since you replaced it and relocated it?

[Tundra Tom]

Here's my original post....
To view the photo's of the location you will need to go to :
http://www.sv-portal.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5314&highlight=big+ass+horn&page=4

Some have expressed the need for a better horn, others don't need or use them. Hella makes a a loud, durable horn that works well on cycles. Tundra tested on previous two wheelers.
Model # 66006 is a 400 hz - 115 db. high tone - 4-13/16" dia.
As per Andy's instructions you can mount it under the right side fairing on "S" models. Use blue lock-tite and be sure the horn body isn't touching anything.
TJM aka. "the ass man" informed me of a US distibutor that will give list members a 10% discount @ $14.70 each. Admins. add to the list?
Susquehanna Motorsports - 610-944-3233 - Dave, just mentioned the SV list.
Also available via the web www.rallylights.com if ordering on-line fill in "SV list discount" under special instructions.
There is a lower tone 335 hz. model # 61370 too @ $9.75,same size, there is room for a second horn on the left side if you fab a bracket.
Shipping in lower 48 states is $6.50, he will ship anywhere but Indonisia (?) via USPS.
Attached Thumbnails

[K7Newb]

When I need to warn someone of something, I usually honk as I squeeze in the clutch and rev the engine.

Chances are people will hear the cans more than they'll hear the horn, but the combo can't hurt. Never had any problems with the horn dying though.....

[thebullet]

I paid my friendly neighborhood Suzuki mechanic to troubleshoot the stock horn on my SV1k that only worked when it wanted to. He found the adjuster screw (on the back of the horn itself) was the culprit. Once he adjusted it properly, it worked every time. However, I'm never happy w/stock mc horns. So I also had him mount the Stebel Nautilus and I just love it. More on the horn posted here:'
http://www.bulletpress.com/SV1k-index.html
b.

[ralph glorioso]

Flyn Tiger: yes, my Hella horn works fine since fitting it.

Ralph

[oldbaldsob]

I got the high tone Hella horn Tom recommended. But I went ahead and mounted it like the stocker. I just modded the mounts a tad to keep it from banging up against the radiator. You can see it in this pic (http://www.sv-portal.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=48110&d=1193516429). It's a fantastic horn....EXTREMELY loud! :headbang: Thanks again for the tip Tom! :supsmiley:

[PEZ]

I have a low-tone Hella in addition to a repositioned stock horn (http://www.sv-portal.com/forums/showpost.php?p=379949&postcount=1324), and the combo emits a highly irritating and discordant cacophony of cager repellent! :banana:

[thebullet]

Gosh I've been looking for this thread and could not find it for a while.
I posted this note elsewhere -- I had my SVs horn problem (mine worked when it wanted to; when it wasn't working, if I held the button down for 10 to 30 seconds it would finally kick in). The service tech at my local Suz dealership said when he played around w/adjuster screw on the back of the horn -- it started working all the time. I, however had them install the Nautilus by Stebel, and have been extremely happy with it (so far). So I know it was not the horn switch malfunctioning because all I did was replace the horn and add a relay. Pictures of the installation here:
http://www.bulletpress.com/SV1k-index.html
b.