XJ horn

[OpFlash]

Hey there so im here with some horn questions / trouble. Looks like both horns are shot on my XJ I did try to clean the contacts and adjust the screw that changes the pitch. One horn is completely dead and the other works intermittently. Anyway im looking for some replacement horns, however. I really would like to use the original plastic covers for the horns. Anyone out there know of an aftermarket replacement horn that would allow me to use the OEM horn covers. I am also open to the idea as a last resort to using aftermarket horns without the OEM covers, That being said anybody got some pics of horns on their rides to give me an idea of how they look. I am also looking at the stebl horn but not too sure of how it would mount. any pics of a stebl horn mounted or tips on mounting one. i would prefer the stock set up but just having a hard time finding horn that would fit the OEM covers.

[dale_1]

just checking

did you test voltage output at the wires for the horns?

I had two dead horns recently.... I took them completely apart, cleaned reassembled and adjusted pitch screws and got em working..... That makes about 100 horns I have reworked.

Send em to me I love a challenge!
Either that or ride on down and we'll spend a day or two pissing off my ol' lady

She got really mad when I did the horns for my bike ....... I love stock but wanted loud and different pitch. I spent three days honking them!

[OpFlash]

I didnt test the voltage at the wires. would this be done with the horns connected? Im sorry to say im terrible when it comes to electrical. Also even worse I dont have a voltmeter. I suppose i could pick one up but would probably need some help on how to test. I thought about trying to take it apart for cleaning but a bit unsure about that. how bout a picture tutorial on rebuliding /cleaning old horns???

[dale_1]

good idea

ok voltmeter first each lead to each wire going into horn voltmeter set to 20V DC (there isn't a 12 V setting to keep from overloading if your voltage is high) A 20 dollar digital multimeter from Wally World would be fine... and they come with instructions... no, horns do not have to be connected, in fact better if not. Key on and horn button pressed you will get voltage to horn wires if they are good.

As long as you understand, I don't have an XJ horn to rebuild for pictures yours is different.

of course the clymers(I was looking for pictures for you) says connect the horn to a battery and if it is good it will sound! hahaha that'd be too easy huh?



note that the center nut isn't the pitch adjustment screw....

It is usually located on the edge of the horn assy.

The center nut has to be removed to clean between the "plates" then reinstall tightly..... don't torque it to death just make sure it is tight.

Loosen the pitch adjuster 'til you get sound.... then tighten enough to suit your taste. (If it is too tight it will not work)

I usually use contact cleaner and get all the crud from between the plates.

As long as you have continuity you will be fine. (I will not try to explain Ohming out the horn assy here, you would almost have to see it done if you have no experience with a multimeter)

let me know if you need detailed pictures.......

Mark

[fredintoon]

Check the number

Hi Op,
never mind the looks, the only thing that matters fitting aftermarket horns is the decibel number. The bigger the decibel number the louder the horn. Louder is better. Some horns draw too much power for the puny stock wiring, look at operating them through a relay.
Fred Hill, S'toon.

[HobbyMan]

Here is what I suggest and many have done. I like my stock horns but they are not loud enough. I am going to use a relay so that when I push a button, all that hapens is that the relay is switched on. From then on, high amperage will come from the battery, through the relay, and power several loud horns and my stock ones as well. Stock horns are just not loud enough in DFW traffic and I want something that says GET OUT OF THE WAY! Not as John puts it "meet meet, excuse me"

[dale_1]

years ago in Okinawa I bought these air horn looking things for my car...... I ran them on my bike ... at the time XS650 Special II. hid them best I could by my left leg...... they worked without a relay and were extremely loud and annoying. Besides they looked cool... they were kinda pearl looking.

[DeanR]

Mark, you talked about taking your horns apart completely, cleaning, and reassembling. Don't know if XJ horns are the same as XS, but mine don't look like they come apart to get to the plates? That center nut looks to be just two threaded studs on each side with no way to remove?? I have a couple extras that don't work at all and want to give them some life.

[Fredjohny]

Imight be wrong but my XJ ....horn button grounds the signal

[HobbyMan]

correct. Most of the switches on these bikes make a ground in the circuit, not supply power. Different from how I would wire it but it works.