Need assistance. Left side horn not working. Eeks out a weak meep on the right.

[JonnyO]

'81 XS1100 Special.
Figured I'd pluck the minds of the gurus here for solutions. I've tried sanding contacts. Switched 'em and the other operates on either side.
Replace or repair?
TIA
Jonny in AZ

SOLVED?FIXED!!!

[DiverRay]

Replace them. That is what I did on my '79SF. I bought an airhorn that is all one unit. Mounted on the left side of the fairing bracket. VERY loud, as you need down in AZ. Yes, I've lived there for a year, with a motorcycle as my transportation.
The horn is a Denali Soundbomb Compact Air Horn from Revzilla. It's about $63 now, and it is LOUD!. Makes a big difference as a car is trying to get into my lane without looking!

[JonnyO]

Replace them. That is what I did on my '79SF. I bought an airhorn that is all one unit. Mounted on the left side of the fairing bracket. VERY loud, as you need down in AZ. Yes, I've lived there for a year, with a motorcycle as my transportation.
The horn is a Denali Soundbomb Compact Air Horn from Revzilla. It's about $63 now, and it is LOUD!. Makes a big difference as a car is trying to get into my lane without looking!

LoL. Sounds like a good idea. Thanks Ray, I'll check it out.

[JonnyO]

https://www.ebay.com/itm/23559549642...Bk9SR5j0-7vgZA

[cajun31]

'81 XS1100 Special.
Figured I'd pluck the minds of the gurus here for solutions. I've tried sanding contacts. Switched 'em and the other operates on either side.
Replace or repair?
TIA
Jonny in AZ

Take them apart and clean them. They are probably just full of crud. I had to do that on two of my bikes. Once cleaned they work like new again.

[JonnyO]

Take them apart and clean them. They are probably just full of crud. I had to do that on two of my bikes. Once cleaned they work like new again.

Well I don't know what you would take apart... Seems to be a sealed unit.

[Ranger_xs1100]

If I remember correctly, there's a screw with a lock nut on the horn somewhere. turn it a little one way or the other. I don't know what it is for, but Mine started working normal after tweaking the screw.

[JonnyO]

I'll give it a shot.

[cajun31]

Well I don't know what you would take apart... Seems to be a sealed unit.

Take the nut and washer off the front. Spray some lubricant on the plate underneath and let it soak in. Might need to do this two or three time and then blow them off. The crud I spoke of is built up under that second plate under the top metal cover. It can't resonate because of the crud under there. The horn works by that piece and the top piece vibrating. Hope you see what I am trying to say. I thought mine were gone to, but after doing this they worked.

[bikerphil]

There is also a small Phillips adjustment screw with a tiny lock nut on it. Sometimes turning it in or out will fix it.

[JonnyO]

Thanks Cajun and Phil. I'll try it this weekend.

[JonnyO]

Thanks Cajun and Phil. I'll try it this weekend.

And Ranger.I can't say for sure what solved it...oil ( mine are really look like new but perhaps enough dust got in ) or adjusting the little screw BUT it's works now!
I hit it with WD and slid a feeler gauge around it and let it sit. I also messed with the adjustment screw. Still didn't work. Took the other one and adjusted the screw and...uh oh...now nothin'! Twisted in a 1/2 turn and there was the horn again so I did the same to the non-working one and VOILA! MEEP!
Thanks guys! COnsidering they really look like new ( and they built **** to last back then ) I preferred not to have to replace them with some new aftermarket parts.
And Ray, I live in a VERY QUIET AND SAFE, small, unincorporated part of AZ-I honestly just use the horn to beep/wave at people.
But the loud horn replacement is smart for any other need.
THANKS AGAIN!!!

[bikerphil]

I'm glad you got it working, Jonny.

[cajun31]

Good to hear pun intended.

[Ranger_xs1100]

Always glad to help!